Many homes across the country rely on private wells as their water source for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Most home owners who have wells never think to routinely check their system or water quality until a problem arises. Contamination of the water, frequently from bacteria, is common but preventable.

Pictured are some possible sources for bacterial contamination. The first is a well cap that has been deliberately hidden by shrubs. Homeowners find many clever ways to hide the "ugly" well pipe in their yard not realizing they could be causing harm to their well water.

The shrub has grown around and under the cap forcing it up. This has loosened the cap from the protective seal. Also note (pink arrow) the gap where the electrical conduit has separated from the cap. This is a direct path into the well for any little creature that might want to explore this opening. Mice will crawl into gaps like this, fall down the well, drown and decompose. Mean while the family is drinking the mousey water!

The second picture clearly shows the conduit separation which is found very frequently on well caps. The opening is more than large enough to fit in a finger or a small rodent.

The cap on any well should be completely sealed. No cracks in the cap or the pipe should be present. It should not move when gently tugged on with your hand. The wiring conduit must be up inside the cap. If the well head is at or below ground level an extension should be installed to bring the well head ideally at least a foot above grade.

Well owners should also regularly check their water quality.

The EPA recommends these tips for well maintenance:

Each month check visible parts of your system for problems such as:

• Cracking or corrosion,
• Broken or missing well cap,
• Settling and cracking of surface seals

Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants

Keep accurate records in a safe place, including:

• Construction contract or report
• Maintenance records, such as disinfection or sediment removal
• Any use of chemicals in the well
• Water testing results

Maintaining a private drinking well requires the owner to be diligent to possible sources of contamination. Many times during the home inspection process neglected well components are discovered. In addition when water quality samples are taken contamination is discovered. Almost never is a water quality record available from the current owner. The reason being they haven't been checking their water through the years.

If you own a well practice good regular maintenance to keep your valuable water supply safe and healthy for you and your family. If you are purchasing a home with a private well be absolutely certain to have the system and water quality thoroughly and completely evaluated.

James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC