With pollution on the rise and consumer demands unending, getting clean water has become akin to gold. Therefore, if you have a well, you have a responsibility to ensure that the water is pure so that your family and your community’s families remain safe.
Unlike the Environmental Protection Agency, which knows how to test well waters, with private wells, the onus of testing that well’s water is up to you.
It doesn’t matter who you are; getting the well properly tested is crucial. And even if the water looks clean, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. From contaminants coming from natural geological processes to agricultural runoffs, there are more than a few things that can easily spoil a well. Therefore, in this complete guide, we will provide you with information about how to get well water tested and more.
Understanding Well Water Testing
Let us first move through the obvious and discuss why it is crucial to test a water well.
Water quality changes often. If nearby land-use changes, environmental changes, or degradation in the water system occur, some contaminants can seep inside the well and contaminate the water.
It is crucial to detect problems early, which regular testing can do. This can help you potentially save money on costly treatments for diseases that may subsequently come from that well.
Compliance with the legal requirements of your region is especially crucial in most areas. A surprise inspection by the authorities is no joke. They might as well close your well and slap you with fines if they see the well’s water is ‘unwell’.
What to Look for While Testing a Well
When testing a well, it becomes important to know what to look for.
- Microorganisms: Are there any microorganisms in the well? Test for Coliform bacteria, E. Coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
- Inorganic chemicals: Test the water for chemicals like arsenic, copper, lead, nitrite, or nitrate. All of them can damage the body.
- Organic chemicals: In agricultural zones, test the well for herbicides, pesticides, and fuel components.
- Radiological elements: In rare cases, radioactive materials like uranium or radon can enter the wells.
- Physical characteristics: Check for pH levels, as well as total dissolved solids and hardness of the water.
How often should the well be tested?
Testing frequencies vary for different types of things. If you are testing for bacteria and physical characteristics, an annual test is enough. However, for inorganic chemicals, you need to test every 3 to 5 years.
In certain conditions like pregnancy in the house or past issues with the well, more frequent testing is recommended.
How to Get Well Water Tested?
There are four crucial elements to embrace when getting your water well tested.
Locating Certified Laboratories
First, you must look for laboratories that you know are certified. You can check in with your state’s public health or environmental department. Reaching out to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other local departments is a good idea.
Collecting Water Samples
These departments or professionals who do the collection will come to the property to collect samples in their sterile containers. If multiple tests are needed for different types of materials, multiple containers of well water will be taken. The sample will then be refrigerated.
Testing and Interpretation
Tests happen afterward, and then the results are interpreted. The goal is to ensure that the well water meets the EPA standards. If not, that’s reported. Actual testing and interpretation is a crucial step. Therefore, you must only consult with experts who have done this before.
Following Up
If contaminants are above the EPA limit, tests must be done again after creating a proper water treatment plan. You should also establish a regular testing schedule until the measurements reach the EPA limits.
How to Test a Well Water Pump?
Here is a small guide highlighting how to test water well pump:
Visual Inspection
Check for leaks in the water pump and assess the wiring. It also won’t be a bad idea to check the pressure gauge to see if there are any clogs.
Check the Tank Pressure
Make sure that the air pressure is below 2 PSI and the cut-in and cut-out pressure is around 30 to 50 PSI.
Flow Rate Test
Get a large container and turn on the water pump. Check the flow and how long it takes to fill it.
Check for Electricity
Get a licensed electrician to check the voltage the pump is receiving and compare the pump’s current draw to its specifications.
Additionally, there are efficiency tests and tests for water quality.
Conclusion
This guide has taught you how to get well water tested and how to analyze the water pump.
However, make sure that only professionals do it for you. They will give you the correct measurements and inform you if any changes need to be made.