Tips For Testing The Water In Your Well

Many homes across North America rely on private wells to meet their potable water needs. The quality of the water in a private well isn't regulated by a municipal agency, so the onus is on each homeowner to ensure that his or her water supply remains clean and pure.

If you have recently purchased a home with a private well, here are three tips that you can use to ensure you test the water in your new well properly in order to avoid any serious problems in the future.

1. Make it a priority to conduct a basic test of your well water every spring.

The key to preventing serious contamination problems within your private well is to catch the presence of contaminants quickly and have them eradicated before they can wreak havoc on your water supply.

Making it a priority to conduct a basic test of the quality of your well water every spring will help you identify contaminants that could pose a threat to the health and well being of your family. Be sure to check for coliforms and bacteria, and have the pH level of your well water tested once a year in the spring to keep your private well's water supply fresh and clean.

2. Invest in a mineral analysis.

In addition to performing basic biological testing of your well's water annually, you should also ensure that you are investing in regular mineral analysis testing for your private well.

The frequency with which these tests need to be performed varies based on your geographic location, but with a quick call to your local water district you will be able to determine how often you need a mineral analysis. These types of tests help to identify compounds like nitrates, arsenic, and sulfates that could post a threat to the health of your family.

3. Track the results of your water tests over time.

Once you have received the results of the water tests, you should compile these results into a single document so that you can track changes in your water's quality over time.

Being able to see trends appear will help you identify any results that seem out of the ordinary, and allow you to contact a professional for help in conducting any repairs needed to keep your well's water in good condition.

When you rely on a private well for your home's water needs, it's important to recognize that water testing plays a critical role in maintaining the safety of your water supply. Invest in annual basic tests, mineral analyses as needed, and track the results to ensure your well's water is usable well into the future.


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