THE SKILLINGS BLOG

Annual Testing of Your Well Water will Inform You of Contaminants

Clean drinking water is something most people take for granted in New England. The region has some of the cleanest sources of water in the world, but contaminants, both naturally occurring and man-made, can find their way into water supplies.

If your home’s drinking water comes from a public water system, state and federal law requires it be heavily regulated and frequently tested. One of those regulations requires testing for total coliform,a type of bacteria.

If you own a home with a private well, it is your responsibility to ensure the water used for drinking, cooking and bathing is safe for consumption. In the United States, more than 15 million households get their water from a well. New England is lucky in that it has an ample supply of clean water, but that doesn’t mean homeowners shouldn’t regularly check for possible contaminants.

As the owner of a private water well, you are responsible for the quality and yield of your water supply. An annual well inspection and water testing are a necessary practice that can help you to identify potential issues before they become critical. It may be inconvenient to have a well tank or pump fail, but more importantly, the safety of your family depends on what is found in your drinking water. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA), as well as the EPA, recommends annual water testing for bacteria, nitrates and any contaminants that may be found in local water supplies. While annual water testing is necessary, there may be signs that indicate more frequently testing is required.