THE SKILLINGS BLOG

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.

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.