It is vital that private wells be analyzed, and certified that the wells are mechanically and biologically safe on a regular yearly basis. The test should also assure the absence of metals and nitrates. This will also assure that the well is clean It should also include a check for the presence of certain contaminants, such as:
Well maintenance is vital for your health and well-being. A contaminated well can contribute to many health issues. Well contamination can come from heavy rain, snow, and flooding. Underground contaminants that come from septic leaching fields, and various underground tanks can contribute to contaminated well water that can drastically reduce your immune system and sometimes make you sick enough to require hospitalization. Often gastrointestinal illness and other health risks associated with contaminants in private well water can occur, therefore being diligent about well maintenance is important. Call Red Dirt Septic if you’re having a problem with your septic tank. It is also crucial to regularly do a septic tank pumping and drain cleaning maintenance. Let your local septic system maintenance and septic services help you on this matter.
Although there is a Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, well water isn’t regulated by state or federal law but is the responsibility of the individual homeowner. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), More than 43 million people rely on private wells as their source of drinking water. The quality and safety of water from domestic wells can be easily compromised without regular well maintenance and monitoring.
In 2009 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) did testing, and the discovery was that one in eight of the 2,000 private wells studied had at least one contaminant at a level of potential health concern. Since then, the problems have increased. In the 2021 study of domestic wells 2,100 domestic wells had water pumped and tested. It was discovered that one in five wells contained one or more contaminants at a concentration greater than the benchmark for drinking water for human health. This is alarming since basic well maintenance could prevent this health hazard.
Without proper well maintenance, you could also become stranded without water. This is in comparison to the small cost of an annual service call. The resulting repair cost could be much higher.
An annual water well checkup should include:
Additionally, a written report should be delivered to you upon completion.
At a minimum, wells should be evaluated annually by a licensed or certified water well systems professional to maintain your health.