Wells tapping ground water resources can provide drinking water of the highest quality. Owning a private household-supply water well allows homeowners to control their own water supply. Ownership also comes with the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order.If your family gets drinking water from a private well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice?

Typically, well water is required to be evaluated for microbiological contamination only at the time the well is installed. Some health departments have begun requiring microbiological testing when the property changes ownership as well. During routine operation, however, it is up to the well owner to monitor and ensure the quality of their well water supply.

Proper well construction and continued maintenance are keys to the safety of your water supply. Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, local health department, or local water system professional can provide information on well construction.

Protect your own well area. Be careful about storage and disposal of household and lawn care chemicals and wastes. Good farmers and gardeners minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Take steps to reduce erosion and prevent surface water runoff. Regularly check underground storage tanks that hold home heating oil, diesel, or gasoline. Make sure your well is protected from the wastes of livestock, pets, and wildlife.

There are several basic tests that private well owners may wish to consider having performed on their well water supplies to determine its quality. Many county health departments offer water testing, or you may want to consider using an accredited private testing laboratory.

• Microbiological testing for total coliform should be performed annually to determine if any bacteria are present in the water supply.
• To determine impact of nearby agricultural operations or on-site septic system, private well users should have their water analyzed each year for nitrates/nitrites.

You should continue to monitor the quality of your well water at least annually. This continuing analysis will help you to determine if the quality of your well water has changed during the previous year.   If you have questions or concerns, you should contact your local health department, or government agency.