Homeowner’s often don’t think about water well maintenance until something goes wrong. But don’t wait until you have a problem; conduct regular maintenance to keep your water source safe and the well operational. Follow these tips for best results.

Do:

Protect the well.

Your well should be at least 50 feet from the septic tank or fuel oil tank, and the cap should be a minimum of 8 inches from the ground. The cap should be tight and have a screen to prevent contamination of the well from animals, insects, and surface water that may contain pesticides or other contaminants. Inspect the cap frequently to make sure it is fully operational and not damaged, and that there is no insect infestation around the cap.

Test water annually.

An essential part of water well maintenance is testing the water yearly. Test for coliform bacteria and nitrates, as well as any harmful substances, such as arsenic. If you are pregnant, have small children, or are planning a pregnancy, test the water more often. If you have recurrent gastrointestinal problems, test the water. It’s also a good idea to test after flooding, maintenance, or any type of service such as chlorination.

Seal unused wells.

If there is an older unused well on your property, have a professional seal it as it may collect contaminated groundwater that can leach into your existing well. An unsealed well is a safety hazard for children and pets.

Don’t:

Drive over the well.

Use the same precautions as for the septic drain field. Don’t drive or park heavy equipment or vehicles over the well area. This can damage pipes or the cistern and cause leaks and contamination.

Drink questionable water.

If your water contains particles, has a strange odor or smell, or is cloudy, don’t drink it. Get safe drinking water in containers and immediately have the water tested. Consider having a water well maintenance expert inspect the entire system to look for cracks, leaks, or other damage.

Use chemicals near the well.

Don’t dump hazardous chemicals or any kind of contaminants into the ground anywhere near the well. While this isn’t a good practice generally, substances put into the ground close to the well may get into the water. Find ways to safely dispose of hazardous waste. Don’t store chemicals, such as pesticides, near the well in case of accidental spills.

Take time to do proper water well maintenance to keep water safe. John D Hughes Wells and Pumps, in Enterprise, AL, are experts in water well repair, maintenance, and installation. They have over 60 years experience drilling and maintaining well systems. Shop their showroom for pumps, softeners, and water treatment products. Call (334) 347-9757 for an estimate or information.