If you use a private well for your household water supply, you are one of over 15 million Americans that do so. Make certain the water coming out of your faucets remains bacteria- and chemical-free with routine water well maintenance.

The combination of professional and personal servicing is the key to healthy, drinkable water:

Ensure the Surrounding Soil Slopes Downward

Keep the soil surrounding your water well sloping downward to avoid contamination from rainwater. Not only can rainwater infiltrate and pollute your well by itself; it can also carry any nearby contaminants into the water source, such as pesticides and insecticides.

Inspect the Casing

Inspect your well’s casing about once a year to prevent contamination. Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the casing in addition to looking for any exterior cracks and holes. Even the smallest casing crack has the power to contaminate your well with chemicals and bacteria. If the casing moves easily when you push on it, get it replaced.

Use Check Valves

Install check valves on all of your faucets featuring hose connections to prevent an issue known as backflow—the term describing polluted water flowing from your household plumbing system into the well. Check valves help keep the water in your sinks, tubs, washing machine, and pool clean.

Keep Potential Contaminants as Far Away as Possible

Move any potential contaminants away from the well. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) recommends keeping septic tanks, septic leach fields, silos, and livestock yards a minimum of 50 feet away. The CDC also recommends placing petroleum tanks, fertilizer stores, and liquid-tight manure storage at least 100 feet away, with manure stacks at least 250 feet away.

Schedule Annual Well Inspections & Tests

Schedule annual well inspections and tests for the well’s protection and your health. Water well maintenance professionals have the equipment and knowledge to check your water without harming the system, and they can test for bacteria, nitrates, and other pollution. In addition to routine annual tests, you should get your water checked whenever it develops a foul taste or odor. Testing is also strongly recommended if your water looks different, you notice the well cap has broken, or if anyone in your household suddenly develops a gastrointestinal illness.

Rely on the experienced, friendly team at Marshall Eye Jr Water Welling Drilling & Repair Service for all of your water well maintenance needs. The premier fourth-generation business proudly serves Potosi, MO, and the surrounding areas, and provides a wide range of water well maintenance services that include well installations, inspections, and repairs. Call (314) 541-6239 to schedule your next inspection or visit the website for more information.