Testing, Maintenance and Choosing the Right Solution

Private well owners are responsible for the quality and reliability of their own water supply, but many homeowners receive very little guidance about how their well works, what their water should be tested for, or how to determine whether treatment is needed.

I recently joined Wes Bleed on the Water Quality Association Podcast to discuss private well systems, water testing, treatment equipment and ongoing maintenance.

Private Well Water Can Change

Unlike water supplied by a municipality, private well water is not treated or continuously monitored before it enters your home. Its quality depends on the local geology, surrounding land use, the condition of the well and other environmental factors.

A well is also not a fixed water source. Over time:

• The water quality can change.
• The well’s flow rate can change.
• Contaminant levels can increase or decrease.
• Existing treatment equipment may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Installing treatment equipment does not necessarily mean your water is taken care of for the next 20 years. Periodic testing and maintenance remain important.

What Should Well Water Be Tested For?

Having your water “tested” can mean many different things. A basic test may only check a few parameters, while a more extensive laboratory analysis may look for bacteria, nitrate, minerals, metals, volatile organic compounds, radionuclides or other contaminants.

The appropriate tests depend on factors including:

• Where the property is located
• Local environmental and geological conditions
• Changes in taste, odor, color or staining
• The age and condition of the well
• Nearby agricultural, industrial or commercial activity
• The health concerns of people living in the home

The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing private well water annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrate, along with any additional contaminants that may be a concern in your area.

Treatment Should Begin With The Complete Water Picture

Water treatment equipment should not be selected based on one isolated test result or a quick in-home demonstration.

Before recommending treatment, it is necessary to consider:

1. What is present in the water?
2. At what concentration?
3. Are any contaminants health-related?
4. What flow rate and water pressure are available?
5. What does the homeowner want the treatment to achieve?
6. How will one treatment process affect another?

There can be trade-offs between different treatment methods. Looking at the complete water analysis helps avoid purchasing equipment that does not address the underlying problem—or that creates another issue elsewhere in the system.

Maintenance Matters

Water treatment systems require ongoing attention. Depending on the equipment installed, maintenance may include:

1. Replacing reverse osmosis filters
2. Replenishing water-softener salt
3. Checking equipment settings
4. Retesting hardness, iron or pH
5. Inspecting the pressure tank
6. Checking the well pump
7. Confirming that the well’s flow rate remains adequate

Annual service is particularly useful for homeowners who are unsure how to inspect or maintain their equipment themselves.

Get Independent Advice About Your Well Water

Get Water Answers provides independent water-quality consulting for homeowners who need help understanding laboratory results, evaluating treatment recommendations or deciding what questions to ask a water treatment company.

Because I do not sell or install treatment equipment, my recommendations are based on your water test results, your property and what you want to accomplish — not on selling a particular system.

If you have questions about your private well or an existing water treatment proposal, schedule a consultation with Get Water Answers.