THE SKILLINGS BLOG

The knowledge center for well drilling, water treatment & testing, FAQs, tips and know-how.

One very effective method used to eliminate contaminants and purify your family’s drinking water is a system known as reverse osmosis (RO). The technology behind reverse osmosis consists of a semipermeable membrane that removes larger particulates from drinking water. The membrane is designed to allow only certain molecules to pass through depending upon the molecule size, chemistry or solubility. Some membranes only allow molecules to pass through if they are bonded to another molecule. Testing your water is the first step in knowing what type of treatment you need for water contamination problems.

The recent news about the lead disaster in Flint Michigan and its aftermath has returned water quality to the minds of Americans. Poisoning caused by lead in water is not limited to negligence by municipal authorities. Homeowners who rely on a private well for their water supply can also be at risk. The EPA suggests well owners test their water annually for contaminants including lead. This is especially important if your home is 30 years or older.

If you receive your water from a private well, you’re responsible for the quality and safety of your home’s water supply. The EPA recommends annual testing to ensure the health of your well. One important well water test to include annually is a lead test. This is necessary for every occupant in the home, but if you have infants or small children, testing should be a priority.

If you own a home that has a private well for drinking water, it is to your benefit to learn how a well water system works. While most water well systems will last for many years, knowing what the components do can help you troubleshoot if a problem does arise.

One of the most common questions people ask the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is how much water in a well is adequate for the average home. It is an important factor when considering building or purchasing a home and, as the NHDES says, the amount of water available in a well can be as important as the quality of the water. It is also important to consider flow rate when buying or building a new home. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires 3 to 5 gallons per minute for older wells and a rate of 5 gallons per minute for new wells to pass inspection.