During National Drinking Water Week, EPA reminds private well owners that having safe drinking water means having regular water checkups. If you depend on a well for your water supply, consider having it tested as part of spring cleaning this year.
Since drinking water obtained from private wells is not regulated under federal law, private wells are often not regularly sampled for contaminants, unless individual well owners choose to do so. Even testing conducted during the sale of a home may not include all contaminants of concern for private wells.
Private wells may contain bacteria, nitrates, radon, arsenic or other pollutants. Long-term exposure to high levels of contaminants, like arsenic and radon, may increase cancer and other health risks. High nitrate levels can have serious health impacts on young infants. If tests show that levels of these contaminants exceed guidelines, homeowners should consider treating their well water.
While testing is critical to check for contamination, homeowners, businesses and local governments can prevent well water from becoming contaminated in the first place. Businesses and homeowners should take extra care when they dispose of pesticides, cleaning fluids, fertilizers, paints, motor oils and gasoline. Homeowners using septic systems should also avoid dumping chemicals into toilets or down the drain, and pump out their systems on a regular basis to keep them running properly.