Typical water well systems require very little care and maintenance, however there are a few things you can do to protect your well from premature failure. Remember this…If you get your water from a well or other private supply, you are the president of your own water utility and You are ultimately responsible for the quality and quantity of your drinking water. Here are a few tips that will help you preserve and protect the quality of your water well system.

• Keep good records of your water system . Any service, maintenance , water testing or repairs should be recorded. Should a problem arise with your system, good records will assist a qualified and certified professional in the quick identification of the problem and the correct course of action for repairs and/or future maintenance.

• Test your water quality annually for bacteria and SPC plate count at a State Certified Lab. This test usually cost less then $30 and can provide a wealth of information about your water well. Testing frequency should be increased if you notice any change in water quality (taste or odor) or have had repair work done on well.

• Inspect your well casing and the integrity of your well cap annually. The number one cause of well contamination is usually the easiest to avoid. Most waterborne bacteria problems arise from contamination of insects or rodents getting into the well through a well cap. Consider replacing your well cap with a new style cap designed to protect against bugs, rodents and surface water intrusion.

• Make sure that your well casing protrudes above grade no less then 18 inches. Keep weeds and brush down around well case to minimize insects and be sure no surface water puddles near or around your well. Provide proper drainage away from the well to protect against surface water contamination.

• Take good care of your onsite septic system and ask your nieghbor to take care of his or hers. Periodic pumping and inspection of your tank prevents solids from plugging the leach field and overflowing concentrated untreated waste into the ground.

• Keep all hazardous chemicals away from your well and septic. Avoid backflow into your well by keeping hoses out of mixing buckets, pools…etc.

• Keep pets away from your well. Pet and animal waste can find it’s way down the edge of your well casing and into your water.

• Don’t overpump your well beyond it’s safe yield. Every time your drilled well runs out of water, you risk damage to the well and pump system. Shut off garden hoses when not in use and repair leaky toilets, faucets and fixtures.

• Test and inflate your pressure tank annually or as needed. The proper air pressure in this tank protects the pump system from premature failure. This will also provide more consistent water pressure and save energy. If your water pressure fluctuates rapidly, there is something wrong and often a simple repair can save you time, aggravation and money down the road.

• Shock chlorinate your water well every couple of years, more frequently if you have an iron or sulfate bacteria problem. Chlorinate your well after any service has been done to your well, pump or water lines.

• Always use a Certified and NYS D.E.C. Registered Water Well and/or Pump contractor. There are two good reasons for this. First, it’s the law. Second, a Certified Contractor is fully experienced with all phases of private water systems and can provide expert advise and service to maintain your system correctly.