Drinking Water From Household Wells

Should I Be Concerned?

You should be aware because the Safe Drinking Water Act does not protect private wells. EPA's rules only apply to "public drinking water systems" - government or privately run companies supplying water to 25 people or 15 service connections. While most states regulate private household wells, most have limited rules. Individual well owners have primary responsibility for the safety of the water drawn from their wells. They do not benefit from the government's health protections for water systems serving many families. These must comply with federal and state regulations for frequent analysis, testing, and reporting of results.

Instead, household well owners should rely on help from local health departments. They may help you with yearly testing for bacteria and nitrates. They may also oversee the placement and construction of new wells to meet state and local regulations. Most have rules about locating drinking water wells near septic tanks, drain fields, and livestock. But remember, the final responsibility for constructing your well correctly, protecting it from pollution, and maintaining it falls on you, the well owner.

How Much Risk Can l Expect?

The risk of having problems depends on how good your well is - how well it was built and located, and how well you maintain it. It also depends on your local environment. That includes the quality of the aquifer from which you draw your water and the human activities going on in your area that can affect your well water.

Some questions to consider in protecting your drinking water and maintaining your well are:

• What distance should my well be from sources of human wastes such as septic systems?
• How far should it be from animal feedlots or manure spreading?
• What are the types of soil and underlying rocks? Does water flow easily or collect on the surface?
• How deep must a well be dug to avoid seasonal changes in ground water supply?
• What activities in my area (farming, mining, industry) might affect my well?
• What is the age of my well, its pump, and other parts? Is my water distribution system protected from cross connections and backflow problems?

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