CARING FOR YOUR PRIVATE WELL
How Often To Test?
- Dug Wells - at least four (4) times per year
- Drilled Wells - at least one (1) time per year
- Water Quality - may fluctuate due to changes in the water table or a change in water usage. If there is a noticeable change in your water quality, a chemical test, as well as a bacteria test, is recommended.
Your well can be contaminated by:
- Openings in the well seal
- Improperly installed well casing
- Well casing not deep enough
- Well casing not sealed
- A remote source of contamination not related to well construction
Make sure that:
- Sanitary seal or well cap is securely in place and water-tight
- Cap is at least 12 inches above the ground
- Joints, cracks and connections in the well casing are sealed
- Surface water does not pond near the well
- Well pump and distribution systems are checked regularly
- Changes in the quantity and quality of water are investigated immediately
Your well casing/cap should look like pictures shown below: