How often should those who have private wells test their well water?

How often should those who have private wells test their well water?

When to have your well tested At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.

Can you test well water yourself?

Well Water Tests – Test Your Water Yourself In Your Own Home. You don’t need to be a scientist to test your own well water. There are many do-it-yourself water tests that you can use right in your own home.

Are private wells safe?

Many people in the United States receive their water from private ground water wells. EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to privately owned wells. As a result, owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants.

Are private wells regulated?

EPA does not regulate private wells nor does it provide recommended criteria or standards for individual wells. Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water. This website educates well owners on wells, groundwater, and information on protecting their health.

How much does it cost to maintain a private well?

Initialization costs typically are around $5,000 ($15 to $30 per foot of depth), and maintenance typically costs around $300 to $500 annually. And if you buy a property with a previously installed well, you bypass the installation costs.

What do they look for in a well inspection?

Standard water tests will typically check for such things as PH, hardness, alkalinity, and turbidity. Standard mineral testing will often include things like iron, calcium, manganese, copper, fluoride, Chloride and others. Coliform bacteria is also typically checked in most well tests, especially in rural areas.

How water from a private well is typically treated to make it safe for drinking?

The Full Chlorination method kills bacteria that may be present in wells, plumbing systems and in the aquifer surrounding the well. This is the method most commonly used by well drillers for wells with persistent bacterial contamination, or for wells that have been affected by surface or flood waters.

How can you tell if water is drinkable?

Water that’s safe to drink should ideally be clear with no odor or funny taste. If your tap water tastes metallic, smells fishy, or comes out cloudy, it could signal the presence of unsafe contaminants.

Can you drink private well water?

Unlike city water, private wells are not federally regulated. Owners must conduct their own testing to ensure the safety of their water supply. As long as you closely monitor the condition of your water supply and take appropriate measures to ensure its quality, well water can be safe to drink.

How to check your well license in Louisiana?

After you choose a well inspection professional, you can double check to make sure their license is current by calling the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation at (225)342-8244 or by email at [email protected]. Lastly, a listing of LDH certified laboratories are available at http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/490.

Why is it important to test your well after a flood?

This brochure includes information on how to prevent the contamination of your private well, and the importance of getting your well inspected, tested for bacteria or chemicals that can cause disease, and disinfected after major hurricanes and floods. Residents often have questions about how to sample their private well.

How much does it cost to test a well?

They often are familiar with local, certified companies that perform well inspections and maintenance and they can also provide bacteriological testing for a fee. The cost is generally $75 for sample collection and laboratory analysis.

How can I find out if my well water is safe?

Once you have had your well water tested and receive the results, you can visit the Penn State University Well Water Interpretation Tool to understand what your results mean. Residents are also encouraged to call LDH with any additional questions toll free at 1-888-293-7020. Annual well maintenance is essential to keep your water safe.