How often should private well water be tested?

How often should private well water be tested?

You should have your well tested once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.

Where can I get my well water tested?

Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.

How much does it cost to test water samples?

Basic sampling can cost from $35 to $400. Hiring an outside business to sample your well and interpret the results will likely cost more.

How can I test my well water at home?

Starts here1:35How to Test Your Well Water – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip54 second suggested clipMake sure that you collect the sample from the faucet that you get your drinking water from and beMoreMake sure that you collect the sample from the faucet that you get your drinking water from and be sure to not touch the inside of the bottle or the water that’s going into the bottle.

How do you test bacteria for well water?

Starts here2:46How to Test Well Water for Bacteria – YouTubeYouTube

What should I test with well water?

At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.

How much does it cost to disinfect a well?

To disinfect your well and eliminate the bacteria, you should chlorinate the well. You can hire a company that services wells to do the chlorinating. The cost ranges from $80 – $200.

How do they fix well with coliform bacteria?

A Penn State study found that approximately 15 percent of wells with coliform bacteria could be treated by shock chlorinating the well and installing a sanitary well cap. This was especially true for wells that had small numbers of coliform bacteria (fewer than 10 colonies per 100 mL).

Will shocking a well get rid of coliform?

When done properly, shock chlorination will kill all the bacteria existing in a well. A recent Penn State study of wells contaminated by coliform bacteria found that shock chlorination and installation of a sanitary well cap successfully removed the bacteria for one year in 15 percent of the wells.

How do I know if my well water is contaminated?

Visible Signs to Look Out For

  1. Scale or Scum. Scale buildup or a scummy feeling from water is often associated with calcium or magnesium.
  2. Unclear or Turbid Water.
  3. Green Stains on Sinks or Faucets.
  4. Brown or Red Stains on Sinks, Clothes, or Dishwasher.
  5. Salty Taste.
  6. Soapy Taste.
  7. Chemical Taste.
  8. Metallic Taste.