#  Public Health Significance of Unregulated and Untested Private Potable Wells 

# 2007 - 2008 

# Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute Fellow: 

# 

# Albert C. Gray, MPH

*Environmental Manager;* Hernando County Health Department

*300 South Main Street*

*Brooksville, FL 34601*

*(352) 540-6840*

*Fax (352) 754-4486*

*Albert_Gray@doh.state.fl.us*

# Mentor:

### CAPT Steve Inserra, REHS, MPH

*Environmental Epidemiologist;* Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry

Department of Homeland Security

Health Investigations Branch

# Acknowledgements:

# Lillian E. Greco

*Administrative Assistant I,* Hernando County Health Department

# Rose M. Marcone

*Senior Clerk,* Hernando County Health Department

# Jay Fazakerley,

*Senior Clerk,* Hernando County Health Department

# Elizabeth A. Callaghan, MS, LD

*Administrator and CEO,* Hernando County Health Department/Nature Coast
Community Health Center

# Ann-Gayl Ellis, MPH

*Health Education Program Manager,* Hernando County Health Department

# Becky Martin

*Administrative Assistant II,* Hernando County Health Department

# 

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.3958333333333333in"
height="0.6458333333333334in"}

# EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Private potable wells in Florida are generally unregulated and untested.
This project attempted to examine the public health significance of the
lack of regulation and testing of these wells and the level of concern
by private well owners.

Thirty private potable wells in Hernando County, Florida were sampled
for nitrate and fecal coliform bacteria. Global Positioning Satellite
(GPS) coordinates were determined for each well. Florida Unique
Identification (FLUID) tags were affixed to each well, and sanitary
surveys were conducted. The public health significance of any problems
revealed by the sanitary surveys was discussed with the well
owner/resident. Educational materials specifically designed for private
well owners were distributed.

Two of the 30 wells were positive for fecal coliform bacteria. These
wells were not remediated. Three of the 30 wells initially sampled for
nitrate were above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Per the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protocol, additional wells
were sampled within a quarter mile radius of the chemically contaminated
wells. Three of the 15 additional wells sampled were also above the MCL
for nitrate. All six of the nitrate contaminated wells have been
remediated by the installation of under-the-sink reverse osmosis
filters.

The findings of this project suggest the need for additional and ongoing
educational efforts directed at private well owners. The existence of
both chemical and bacteriological contamination of the private wells
sampled indicates a need for monitoring of private wells for
contaminants. Together, these activities will reduce potential risk for
water-borne illness for people served by these suspect private wells.

# INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

####### ***Problem Statement: There is a risk of water-borne illness from drinking potentially contaminated water from private potable wells. The well owners and public health officials may be unaware of this risk.*** 

####### ***Behavior Over Time Graph:***

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| *   |        |      |      |      |      |      | *    |      |
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|     |        |      |      | me** |      |      |      |      |
+-----+--------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
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|     |        |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-----+--------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

**Shifting the Burden Causal Loop Diagram**

**Problem Statement: What is the public health significance of
unregulated**

**and untested private potable wells, and why is concern by well owners
limited?**

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**Private Well and Storage Tank in Hernando County, Florida**

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="7.5in" height="5.000694444444444in"}

####### 

####### 

####### 

####### 

####### 

####### 

####### ***10 Essential Environmental Health Services:***

![](media/image3.png){width="3.75in" height="3.8125in"}

Figure 1: This picture is reprinted from CDC's "National Strategy to
Revitalize Environmental Public Health Services"¹

**Essential Environmental Health Services Addressed:**

1.  **Monitor** environmental and health status to identify community
    environmental health problems by:

> **Sampling of private potable wells for nitrate and fecal coliform
> bacteria**.

2.  **Diagnose and investigate** environmental health problems and
    health hazards in the community by:

> **Performing sanitary surveys of private potable wells.**

3.  **Inform, educate, and empower** people about environmental health
    issues by:

> **Explaining the results and public health significance of monitoring
> for nitrate and fecal coliform bacteria and any hazards discovered
> during the sanitary surveys.**

4.  **Mobilize** community partnerships to identify and solve
    environmental health problems by:

> **Assisting well owners in the remediation of contaminated private
> wells.**

5.  **Develop** policies and plans that support individual and community
    environmental health efforts by:

> **Developing local policies regarding assisting private well owners in
> determining the cause of well contamination and facilitating
> remediation of these wells.**

6.  **Enforce** environmental health laws and regulations by:

> **Ensuring that statutory and rule setbacks for private wells are
> enforced for septic tank systems and other sanitary hazards.**

7.  **Link** people to needed environmental health services and assure
    the provision of environmental health services when otherwise
    unavailable by:

> **Providing the public utilizing private potable wells with
> information concerning the quality of their drinking water supply, and
> how to properly test and/or remediate their well.**

8.  **Assure** a competent environmental health workforce by:

> **Properly training environmental health staff to instruct private
> well owners regarding testing, disinfecting and remediating their
> wells.**

#######  ***Project Logic Model:***

  ---------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
  **Resources/Inputs**   **Activities**     **Outputs**       **Short & Long
                                                              Term Outcomes and
                                                              Impacts**

  ---------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------

# PROJECT OBJECTIVES/DESCRIPTION/DELIVERABLES:

####### ***Program Goal***

Increase public knowledge and concern about private potable wells.

####### ***Health Problem***

There is a risk of water-borne illness from drinking potentially
contaminated water from private potable wells. The well owners/users and
public health officials may be unaware of this risk.

####### ***Outcome Objective***

By October 1, 2007, at least 30 private potable well owners in Hernando
County will have their wells sampled and tested at least three times for
nitrate and fecal coliform bacteria.

####### ***Determinant***

Private wells in disrepair or improperly constructed. Failed septic tank
drainfields, commercial or residential fertilizer contamination
(self-applied or from nearby commercial nurseries), septage and sludge
land spreading sites.

####### ***Impact Objective***

By September 1, 2007, conduct sanitary surveys on at least 30 private
potable wells in Hernando County to determine the existence of sources
of contamination or maintenance/operational problems with the well.

####### ***Contributing Factors***

1.  Lack of knowledge and concern about private potable wells.

2.  Failure to maintain private potable wells.

3.  Failure to repair or maintain septic tank systems.

4.  Misuse/overuse of fertilizers by homeowners.

####### ***Process Objectives***

1.  By September 1, 2007, discuss results of initial bacteriological and
    nitrate testing with 30 private well owners in Hernando County

2.  By September 1, 2007, discuss results of sanitary surveys with 30
    private well owners in Hernando County.

3.  By July 1, 2008, assure that any failed septic tank drainfields
    discovered during the sanitary surveys have been repaired.

4.  By September 1, 2007, instruct homeowners how to properly apply
    fertilizers if applicable.

# METHODOLOGY:

Thirty private potable wells in two areas of Hernando County, Florida
were sampled three times each for nitrate (EPA Method 353.2) and fecal
coliform bacteria (Standard Method 9223B)². Sampling was performed by
Florida Department of Health personnel over a 90 day period in the
summer of 2007 at no cost to the well owner. Global positioning
Satellite (GPS) coordinates were determined and Florida Unique
Identification (FLUID) tags were affixed to each well. Sanitary surveys
were conducted for each well to assess well construction and maintenance
integrity. The public health significance of any problems revealed by
the sanitary surveys was discussed with the well owner/resident.
Educational materials specifically designed for private well owners were
distributed. (Appendix 1)

# RESULTS:

Thirty private wells in Hernando County were identified for voluntary
participation. Two of the 30 wells were positive for the health risk
indicator, fecal coliform bacteria. These wells were not remediated due
to lack of interest or feasibility by the household. Three of the 30
wells initially sampled for nitrate were slightly to moderately above
the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10.0 parts per million (ppm).
Wells contaminated with nitrate above 10.0 ppm pose a health risk to
infants due to induction of methemoglobinemia. The range of results was
0.02 to 15.00 ppm. Fifteen additional wells were sampled within a
quarter mile radius of these nitrate contaminated wells. Three of these
15 additional wells were also above the MCL for nitrate. All six of the
nitrate contaminated wells have been remediated by the installation of
under the sink reverse osmosis filters at no cost to the homeowner. Well
owners tended to display false assumptions concerning the safety of
their drinking water.

####### ***Short Term Outcomes***

-   Educate homeowners concerning sampling and disinfection of their
    wells.

-   Educate homeowners of possible sanitary hazards to their wells and
    how to remediate these hazards.

-   Identify sources of contamination of private wells.

-   Asses level of interest or concern of users of unregulated private
    wells.

####### ***Long Term Outcomes***

-   Decrease bacterial and chemical contamination of private drinking
    water wells in Hernando County

####### ***Impacts***

-   Increase awareness of sources of well contamination by private well
    owners.

-   Knowledge of prevention/remediation strategies by private well
    owners.

# CONCLUSIONS:

The findings and implications of this project suggest the need for
additional and ongoing educational efforts directed at private well
owners in Hernando County and statewide. Since well owners tended to
display false assumptions concerning the safety of their drinking water,
more education by environmental public health workers is required for
this group. The existence of both chemical and bacteriological
contamination in private wells sampled indicates a need for monitoring
of private wells for contaminants, and long-term remediation of those
wells found to be contaminated. Health risks should be communicated for
groups or individuals at risk.

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**[Are You "Well" Aware]{.underline}?** Appendix 1

**[What Every Well Owner Should Know]{.underline}**

Because we live in Florida, we are lucky to have a plentiful source of
ground water. Ground water fills the cracks and pores in sand, soil, and
rocks that lie beneath the surface of the earth, much like water
saturates a sponge. These saturated layers of earth are called aquifers,
and they are the primary source of drinking water in Florida. Due to its
protected location underground, most ground water is naturally clean and
free of contaminants. Unfortunately, Florida's aquifers can also be
vulnerable to contamination by chemicals and bacteria that can cause
illness and disease. Bacteria and nitrate can reach the ground water
through poorly maintained septic systems, livestock and agricultural
areas, or as a result of poorly constructed wells. Chemicals can enter
into the ground water from leaking gasoline storage tanks, pesticides,
landfills, and improper disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes. In fact,
there are over 31,000 areas of known groundwater contamination in
Florida. As a private well owner, you should be aware of these potential
risks to your household water supply.

Do you know what's in the water that comes from your household well? If
you don't, there is one sure way to find out. **Have your well water
tested once a year.** And don't let myths stand in your way of getting
the information you need to keep your water "well" and your family
healthy.

**Here are some myths we've busted to urge you to make that call to your
local water testing laboratory or your local county health department to
have your well water tested and to find out for sure that your drinking
water is safe.**

**1.**

**MYTH:** I haven't seen, smelled, or tasted anything bad in my well
water, so it must be safe to drink.

**FACT:** You can't tell from appearance, smell and taste alone. Harmful
contaminants like bacteria and nitrate can be invisible. Bacteria and
nitrate can get into the groundwater and eventually into your well water
from septic systems and runoff from yards and farms. Bacteria and other
germs can cause illnesses with symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and
vomiting. Nitrate can be especially harmful to fetuses and babies one
year old and younger.

**2.**

**MYTH:** Nobody\'s gotten sick from my well water, so it must be safe
to drink.

**FACT:** Just because nobody's gotten sick, doesn't mean your well
water is contaminant free or that someone won't get sick in the future.
Some contaminants can take many years to make you sick. It's important
to test your water now before it becomes a bigger problem, especially
when you and your family's health is at risk.

**3.**

**MYTH:** My well was inspected and it passed a water test when it was
first constructed, so it is safe to drink.

**FACT:** Well water quality can change over time, so it's smart to test
the water on a regular basis, or whenever you notice a change in the
water.

**4.**

**MYTH:** Private well water is safer than public water since it comes
from a natural source.

**FACT:** Public water (city, county, or municipal) is routinely
monitored and tested by state officials and utility personnel. If a
problem is discovered by a public water system, they take action to fix
the problem. However, **testing of YOUR private household well is YOUR
responsibility**. This means unchecked private wells can carry harmful
germs and nitrate that can make you and your family sick.

**5.**

**MYTH:** Testing my private well water is too expensive to have done.
Everyone knows hiring any private company can be costly.

**FACT:** Actually, bacteria and nitrate testing can be as affordable as
\$10.00 to \$20.00 per test. Annual testing is the best way to ensure
that your well water remains safe for drinking and to help prevent
larger and more expensive problems in the future. **Contact your county
health department for information on recommended tests, sampling
instructions and prices.** If problems with your well water are found,
your county health department will help you find quick and affordable
solutions.

**[Well Owner Checklist]{.underline}:**

**DO:**

-   **[Have your well water tested once a year for bacteria and
    nitrate]{.underline}.**

-   **[Ask your county health department if they recommend testing for
    other contaminants]{.underline}.**

-   Use a state certified laboratory to ensure that your test results
    are valid.

-   Make sure your well's sanitary seal is intact and water-tight.

-   Check your well head and aboveground pipes each year for cracks,
    leaks and corrosion.

-   If your well head is underground, mark the location with a permanent
    stake or above-ground marker.

-   Keep the area surrounding your well clean, clear and
    well-maintained.

-   Keep trash and contaminants like chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers
    and fuels away from your well.

-   Securely cap unused or abandoned wells until properly plugged by a
    licensed well contractor.

-   Maintain equipment such as water softeners and iron filters per the
    manufacturer's instructions.

-   Pump your septic tank and inspect it as often as the health
    department recommends.

-   Keep a maintenance log of all inspections and tests on your well and
    septic system.

**DON'T:**

-   Dispose of wastes in dry or abandoned wells.

-   Pour toxic chemicals down household drains.

-   Mix or store pesticides, fertilizers, fuels or other chemicals near
    your well.

-   Dispose of water softener or washing machine discharge near your
    well.

-   Let rainfall puddle or settle around your well.

-   Dig near your underground water lines.

-   Buy treatment equipment unless your test results are found to be
    unsatisfactory by a certified laboratory.

-   Forget to have your well water tested every year!!!

> For more information about private wells and water testing, visit the
> Department of Health's private well owner information website at
> [www.myfloridaeh.com/water](http://www.myfloridaeh.com/water)[/privatewells.htm]{.underline}
> or call your local county health department.

# LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

####### ***Albert C. Gray, M.P.H.***

*Being a member of the Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute
has provided me with a wealth of leadership tools. The systems thinking
and other problem-solving strategies learned during the course of this
fellowship are applicable to my job responsibilities and I have been
able to incorporate them into work on various projects. Networking with
the other fellows has taught me that even though we come from many
different areas of the country and work for diverse institutions, we all
face the same types of problems.*

# ABOUT THE EPHLI FELLOW

Albert C. Gray has been employed by the Florida Department of Health or
it's predecessors since 1982. He is currently the Environmental Manager
for the Hernando County Health Department and has been the Director of
Environmental Health since 1994. His duties include supervising programs
in onsite wastewater disposal, food hygiene, coastal beach monitoring,
body art, group care facilities, mobile home and recreational vehicle
parks, public water systems, public swimming pools, freshwater swimming
areas, biomedical waste disposal, sanitary nuisance investigations,
rabies surveillance, and tanning facilities.

He holds State of Florida Professional Certifications in Onsite Sewage
Disposal and Food Hygiene and is a National Swimming Pool Foundation
Certified Pool Operator. He was awarded the Florida Environmental Health
Association's Golden Pen Award for 2001.

Mr. Gray holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry from
Florida State University and a Master of Public Health in Environmental
Health from the University of South Florida.

**REFERENCES**

1.  Centers for Disease Control. A National Strategy to Revitalize
    Environmental Public Health Services. Atlanta, GA: Department of
    Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control; September
    2003.

2.  Eaton, Andrew D. (Editor), Clesceri, Lenore S. (Editor), Greenburg,
    Arnold E. (Editor), Franson, Mary Ann H. (Editor) Standard *Methods
    for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 21^st^ Edition.*
    American Public health Association (APHA), American Water Works
    Association (AWWA), & Water Environmental Federation (WEF); 2005.