Keeping Your Ground Water Safe

A Brief Guide

How To Do It

General Rules for Wells

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.

Reference: Island Farm & Garden – Summer 2013

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