OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Did You Know?23% of Oregonians rely on domestic wells or private wells for their primary source of potable water.
Why should you test your well?Water that has an undesirable taste or smell, cloudy or colored, or leaves a residue or stains plumbing fixtures or laundry is a sign that your well water needs to be tested. Common contaminants are arsenic, nitrates and coliform bacteria. To learn more about these common well water contaminants, click on the icons below. When should you test your well?Have your well tested if there are known well problems in your area, if you have experienced problems near your well, if you have replaced or repaired any part of your well, or if you noticed a change in the water quality. Check your well every spring for mechanical problems and total coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels.
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Source: Private Drinking Water Wells (Environmental Protection Agency) http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/index.cfm
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Where can I get testing done?Check out this list of Labs for water testing
How do I measure my well water level?Learn how to measure well water levels including static water level: Water level booklet
If my drinking water is infected how do I temporarily treat it?The EPA has a brochure on Emergency disinfection of drinking water |
What are twelve simple things I can do to protect my well?
1) Locate your well
2) Locate your septic tank
3) Locate your drain field
4) Have your water tested
5) Have your septic tank pumped
6) Use less water
7) Remove any chemicals stored in your well house
8) Ensure that a sanitary seal caps your well
9) Install backflow protectors on all outdoor faucets
10) Limit your use of lawn and garden chemicals
11) Protect the soil from contamination by oil, gasoline, and household
chemicals
12) Shield animal waste from the rain
More information at (OSU- twelve simple things you can do to protect your well water)
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