Well Inspections & Water Testing

Owning a private well has numerous advantages, such as having access to mineral-rich water with fewer chemicals, better taste, and lower utility bills. However, maintaining and testing a well requires more effort compared to municipal water. But, there’s no need to worry! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of inspecting your well, its appearance, and the information you’ll gather from an inspection. With this knowledge, you can confidently enjoy your refreshing well water.

Do you need a well-water inspection?
It’s crucial to test your well water annually as per EPA guidelines because there may be unnoticed environmental changes surrounding your well that could affect the quality and safety of your water. Depending on the homeowner’s specific requirements and concerns, various aspects of a well water inspection can be carried out.

Some common elements of a well water inspection may include:
During a well inspection, several areas are typically evaluated to ensure that the well and its components are functioning properly and that the water is safe to use. These areas include:

• Testing the water for bacteria and other contaminants: This involves collecting a water sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The test results will indicate if the water contains any harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, or chemical pollutants.
• Checking the well casing and seals: The well casing is the pipe that encloses the well and keeps the water from contaminating the surrounding soil. The seals around the well casing help to prevent contaminants from entering the well. A well inspection will include a check of the well casing and seals to ensure that they are in good condition and not leaking.
• Evaluating the pump and other mechanical components: The pump is responsible for moving the water from the well to the house. A well inspection will include a check of the pump and other mechanical components, such as the pressure tank, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
• Examining the wellhead and surrounding area: The wellhead is the structure that sits above the well and contains the valve and other components that control the flow of water. A well inspection will include a check of the wellhead and the surrounding area to ensure that there are no potential sources of contamination, such as leaking septic systems or hazardous chemicals.
• Assessing the overall condition and operation of the well system: A well inspection will include an evaluation of the overall condition and operation of the well system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no issues that need to be addressed. This may include a check of the plumbing and water treatment equipment, as well as an assessment of the well’s water flow rate and pressure.

What is included in a well inspection?

During a well inspection, the primary objective is to assess the functionality of the well and its components while ensuring that the water it produces is safe for human consumption and other uses. The inspectors focus on two major areas, water quality and flow rate, and conduct thorough assessments of specific factors that can impact them.

One crucial factor that inspectors check for is coliform bacteria, which is a broad category of bacteria typically found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. While most coliform bacteria types are not harmful, some like E.coli can cause serious illnesses, making it essential to evaluate their presence.

Another crucial factor that inspectors assess during well inspections is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Unlike coliform bacteria, VOCs are harmful and should not be present in the water supply. These compounds come from industrial and petrochemical products that can contaminate water sources for miles, with their presence varying depending on the closest industries. Therefore, regular testing for VOCs is crucial to ensure safe water consumption.

A well inspection may involve an assessment of several elements, including:

• Conducting water tests to check for bacteria and other harmful contaminants that may be present in the water. Water samples are usually sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Examining the well casing and seals to ensure that they are in good condition and not leaking. This helps to prevent contaminants from entering the well and surrounding soil.
• Checking the pump and other mechanical components, such as the pressure tank, to ensure they are working correctly and efficiently.
• Inspecting the wellhead and the surrounding area for potential sources of contamination, such as leaking septic systems or hazardous chemicals.
  Assessing the overall condition and operation of the well system, including the plumbing and water treatment equipment. This may also involve evaluating the well’s water flow rate and pressure to ensure optimal performance.

Overall, a comprehensive well inspection aims to ensure that the water supply is safe, reliable, and meets regulatory standards for quality and safety.