Why is it important to get your well tested?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that private well owners test their well water annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. This is because well water can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that can pose a risk to your health. If you drink contaminated water, you can get sick with diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other health problems.
Some of the common sources of contamination for well water include animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Even if your water looks clear and tastes fine, it could still be contaminated with harmful substances that you can't see, taste, or smell. That's why it's important to get your well tested regularly.
How often should you get your well tested?
The frequency of well testing depends on several factors, including the age of your well, the type of well you have, the geology of the area, and any changes in land use near your well. In general, it's recommended to test your well at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates.
If you have an older well or if there have been changes in the land use around your well, you may need to test your well more frequently. For example, if there has been a lot of construction or development in your area, it's a good idea to get your well tested more often.
It's also a good idea to test your well if you notice any changes in the taste, color, or odor of your water. If you have a new well, it's recommended to test your water more frequently in the first year to establish a baseline for future testing.
What tests should you do?
When you get your well tested, there are several tests that should be performed to ensure your water is safe to drink. The most important tests are for bacteria and nitrates, as these can pose an immediate risk to your health.
Bacteria test: A bacteria test checks for the presence of coliform bacteria, which are common in the environment and can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria. If coliform bacteria are found in your well water, it may be contaminated with other harmful bacteria like E. coli.
Nitrates test: Nitrates are a common contaminant in agricultural areas and can come from fertilizers and animal waste. High levels of nitrates in drinking water can cause health problems, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Other tests: Depending on your location and the potential sources of contamination, you may also need to test for other contaminants like lead, arsenic, radon, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How to get your well tested?
To get your well tested, you can contact a certified laboratory or a state-certified testing service. Some states offer free or low-cost testing services for private well owners. You can contact your local health department or environmental agency to find out if there are any testing programs available in your area.
When you contact a testing service, they will provide you with a testing kit and instructions on how to collect a water sample from your well. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Once you've collected the sample, you can send it back to the testing service for analysis.