Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates,
If you cannot use bottled water or another safe source of water while you are having your well water treated, boil your well water before drinking it. Boiling water kills germs in water. Follow boil water advisory guidelines to reduce your chance of getting sick from germs in the water.
Bacteria & other microorganisms in well water
To check for microorganisms, test your water for "total coliform bacteria." Most coliform bacteria don't cause disease. But if they're in your well water, this means that your water might be contaminated with microorganisms.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes. Infants, children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick or die from disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water.
Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.
We recommend using a UV light filter to make well water safe to drink. This type of filter is safe, economical, and easy to maintain. With a UV sterilizer, you can remove 99.99% of the bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in your well water. This system will work 24/7 for consistently clean and safe drinking water.
There are many different companies that offer to test well water for free. Most of these companies require you to take a sample of your water and send it to them through the mail. You then wait, sometimes endlessly, for the company to test your water and send you the results.
High in nutrients and minerals: Well water typically contains minerals and nutrients without the chemicals and other contaminants that can be found in city water. An underground aquifer typically offers cleaner water compared to runoff or surface water, high in healthy nutrients and minerals that benefit the body.
Pump the water until it runs clear to get rid of any groundwater in the well. Use a hose connected to an outside faucet so the flushed water flows to a nearby drainageway rather than into your septic system or public sewer.
Muddy or Gritty Water
If the water from the tap starts to run muddy or there seems to be more sediment than usual, your water well may be getting low. Mud and sand are at the bottom of every well.
Typical tests range from $25-$400. Q. What is causing my water sample to come back as 'unsafe'? There is a wide variety of reasons that could cause water contamination.
The best way to tell if there is bacteria in your water is always to have it tested, although there are signs to recognize if you suspect you might have a problem with your water: Water begins leaving unusual or heavy staining around fixtures and drains, may be rust colored.
Some contaminants in well water, like bacteria and nitrates, can cause short-term illnesses (such as stomach problems, diarrhea, nausea). This may be especially dangerous for certain high-risk populations such as small children, pregnant women, elderly, or people with a compromised immune system.
To test the purity of water at home, buy a home testing kit and dip each testing strip into a glass of tap water. Use the chart that came with the kit to determine your water quality. If you don't have a kit, smell, taste, and inspect the water.
The Best Water Filters
We found the iSpring RCC7 is the best under-sink option for most people. It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. Our favorite pitcher is the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher. It scored well for both taste and contaminant removal.
Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Contact your health department to find out what other germs or chemicals to test for based on where you live. Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water.
The vast majority of Home Depot stores actually offer free testing kits. Be sure to inquire with your local store to learn more. Sterile Sample Bottles. If your kit doesn't provide them, make sure to get bottles that are meant for water sampling to prevent contamination.
When you have your own private well you can skip paying a monthly water bill to the local utility. And if you have your own septic system, you won't have to pay for sewage as well. Of course, when you have your own well, it's your responsibility to pay for your pump and other infrastructure as necessary.
Is Brita good for well water? The Brita pitcher is not an ideal solution for well water. While it can remove some well water contaminants, such as VOCs, herbicides, and pesticides thanks to its included activated carbon, but it is not effective against microbial contamination.
It is generally recommended to flush your well at least once a year.
Is Well Water Safe to Drink if you Boil it? Yes, boiling is the surest way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the well water. To boil the water so it will be safe, heat it to a full swirling boil. Keep the swirling boil going for at least one minute before you use the water.