Providing your own water supply through a well offers many advantages, such as giving you complete control over the quality of your water. However, it’s also your responsibility to make sure your water stays clean. You should test your water well routinely for common contaminants so you know what’s in the water you drink and use in your home. The following guide will tell you more about how to test your well’s water safety.

Testing for Quality in Water Wells

Common Contaminants

There are many contaminants that can threaten your water supply, but it’s effective to focus on the most common ones first.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that seeps in from nearby rocks or soil. It dissolves into the groundwater and releases back into your home when you run a faucet, and the presence of it in your air has been linked to diseases such as lung cancer. Nitrate comes from septic or sewer systems and agricultural runoff, and it can make people sick when ingested in high amounts. Coliform bacteria include germs such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Recommended Testing Frequency

Have your well’s water safety tested by a professional once a year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, pH level, and any other contaminants common to your local area. You should also keep all records related to your water well on hand in case you need to provide additional information during testing. Such documentation includes the well’s completion report or log, past quality test and inspection reports, and invoices for work previously done on your well

You should schedule a test right away if your neighbors have complained of water quality issues, if you have well repair done, or if flooding occurs in your area. You should also stop using your water well and have it tested right away if you notice an obvious change in your water, such as appearance or smell.

Working with a well service will keep your well’s equipment running smoothly and your water quality pristine. Reliable Pump & Well Services, LLC is the go-to service for water wells in Montgomery, NY, and the Hudson Valley area. They are licensed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and use only field-tested materials to ensure the best result for established and new wells alike. Contact them online or at (845) 629-8301 to request a free quote. If you require financing, you can also apply directly through their site.