Regular Water Testing Important For Household Water Well Owners

Started by the National Ground Water Association, the 16th annual National Groundwater Awareness Week takes place March 9-15, 2014. According to NGWA, this is a good time for owners of household water wells, as managers of their own personal drinking water system, to test the water.  

At a minimum, private well owners should test their water annually for bacteria, nitrate, and anything of local concern, said Cliff Treyens, NGWA public awareness director. "We encourage private well owners to check with an appropriate state agency or local health department about any area-specific water testing recommendations."

Contaminants of local concern can be naturally occurring in the environment (such as arsenic and radon) or from manmade sources such as industrial sites, landfills, and improper disposal of hazardous household wastes.

In addition, well owners should check their water more often if:

• There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the water
• A problem occurs such as a broken well cap or a new contamination source
• Family members or houseguests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness
• An infant is living in the home
• There is a need to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.

To find a certified drinking water testing laboratory, contact your state drinking water testing lab certification officer. You can also check with your local health department or visit the Water Testing page on www.WellOwner.org.

Should any contaminants above levels of health concern remain after proper cleaning and disinfection of the water well system, a qualified water well system professional can advise you on how to pursue treatment options. It is important to compare your drinking water lab test results to the treatment capabilities of any recommended treatment system.

For more information, visit www.WellOwner.org.

About NGWA
NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals -- contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers -- is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA's vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.