Private wells, the yearly test and the upkeep around them

Test a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. If you suspect anything else is getting into the water, test for that too. Your local health department can tell you what's common in the groundwater where you live.

When to test more often

Test more often if small children or older adults live in the house, or if someone is pregnant or nursing. They're more easily harmed by contaminants. Test right away if:

• There are known problems with the groundwater or drinking water in your area.
• Something changes near the well, such as flooding, digging, or new construction or industry.
• You replace or repair any part of the well system.
• The water's smell, color or taste changes.

What to test for

Some conditions point to particular contaminants. Not all of them are health risks. Some only affect how the water looks, tastes or smells.

Getting it tested

Use a lab certified for drinking water testing in your state. Some local health departments test private wells for free. The results show how much of each substance is in the water, and may show whether it's above the national drinking water standard.

If something comes back above a health standard, call your public health department for what to do next, and have the well retested to confirm the result.

Looking after the well

• Slope the ground so rainwater runs away from the well.
• Keep a sealed cap on it.
• Don't mix or use pesticides, fertilizer, weed killer, degreasers or fuel near it.
• Keep harsh chemicals out of the septic system too.
• Keep a record of any maintenance, such as disinfecting the well.

Every so often, look at the parts of the well you can see. Check the casing for cracks, rust or damage, and make sure the cap is in place and unbroken. Look for settling or cracks in the seal where the casing meets the ground. A new well, a change to a well, or closing an old one is a job for a certified well driller. Septic systems, pumping and what never goes down the drain covers the other system on a lot with its own well.

After a flood

Floodwater can carry contaminants into a well. Stay away from the well pump while it's flooded, since it can give you an electric shock. Don't drink or wash with the water. Have a well or pump contractor clean and disinfect the well before you turn the pump back on, and ask your local or state health department about testing it.

An annotated example

What to do next

Find the date and results of your last well test. If it's been more than a year, call your local health department or a certified lab and book one.