What if your doctor never did an examination or test until you became critically ill?
That may sound crazy but in much the same way, many water well owners rarely, if ever, have their wells checked until something goes wrong-even though occasional maintenance might prevent problems.
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends that well owners get an annual maintenance checkup and water test. By checking your well system and water quality each year, you can often detect and fix small problems before they become big ones.
If you haven't gotten a well maintenance checkup and water test in the past 12 months, now would be a good time to do so.
A well checkup should include:
• A flow test to determine well output.
• A water-level check before and during pumping, if possible.
• A pump motor performance check including amp load, grounding and voltage.
• A pressure tank and pressure switch contact check.
• A well equipment inspection to ensure it is sanitary and meets local codes.
• A water test for coliform bacteria, nitrates and anything else of local concern.
• A clearly written report that explains results and recommendations, and includes all laboratory and other test results.
Your water should be tested any time there is a sudden change in its appearance, taste or odor.
To further protect your water supply, keep hazardous substances properly stored and away from the well. To learn more about this, check with your local health or environmental health department.
"We take care of the things we value. When you stop to think how important good drinking water is to our well-being, it makes sense to check your well system and water quality each year," said Kevin McCray, National Ground Water Association executive director.
You can arrange a checkup by contacting a water well contractor who performs the type of maintenance recommended by NGWA.
Visit www.wellowner.org and look at the "Contractor Lookup" feature. Operated by NGWA, Wellowner.org is an easy-to-understand, consumer-friendly Web site. Private well owners can find simple, practical advice on water well basics, planning for a well, well construction, well materials, guidelines for written contracts, restoring flow, water pressure, unused wells, geothermal heating and cooling and more. |
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