Keeping Your Ground Water Safe

Step 1: Keep Clean Water Clean

• Slope the ground around the well head so that surface water drains away from the well head.
• Create a grass buffer zone around your well and fence off if needed to avoid animals or vehicles from approaching too close.
• Keep the area around your well free from sources of E.coli bacteria such as animal or kitchen waste, garbage and other decaying organic materials.
• Be extremely diligent in the with the storage of hazardous chemicals on your property – do not store near your well
• Do not park or store vehicles with potential fluid leaks near your well.

Step 2: Test Your Water

• Test your water for bacteria every 6 to 12 months.
• Test your water for mineral/chemical content every 2 to 5 years.
• Store test results in a safe place and monitor for changing conditions over time.

Step 3: Inspect your well seasonally

• •Inspect the well casing and cap for any cracks, damage or corrosion.
• Check for any settling or cracking of the surface seal.
• Make sure vent screens on the well cap are intact and unblocked.
• Make sure surface water is draining away from the well head.
• Make sure the well pump and distribution system including pressure tank and filters are working properly with no leaks.