Drinking Water From

Household Wells

Cover photo courtesy of Charlene E. Shaw, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................. 1

What Is Ground Water and

How Can It Be Polluted? ........................................... 2

Where Do Ground Water

Pollutants Come From? ............................................. 4

What Are Some Naturally

Occurring Sources of Pollution? ............................ 5

What Human Activities Can

Pollute My Ground Water? .................................... 5

Should I Be Concerned? ............................................ 8

How Much Risk Can I Expect? .............................. 8

What Should I Do? .................................................... 8

Six Steps to Well Water Safety .............................. 8

Protecting Your Ground Water Supply .................. 9

Find Out More – Sources of

Information on Well Water ................................. 16

Definitions – Common Terms

About Wells and Ground Water ............................... 18

EPA 816-K-02-003 January 2002
Introduction

If your family gets drinking water from your own

well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What

health risks could you and your family face? Where

can you go for help or advice?

This pamphlet helps answer these questions. It gives

you general information about drinking water from

home wells (also considered private drinking water

sources). It describes types of activities in your area

that can create threats to your water supply. It also

describes problems to look for and offers maintenance

suggestions. Sources for more information and help

are also listed.

All of us need clean water to drink. We can go for

weeks without food, but only days without water.

Contaminated water can be a threat to anyone’s

health, but especially to young children.

About 15 percent of Americans have their own sources

of drinking water, such as wells, cisterns, and springs.

Unlike public drinking water systems serving many

people, they do not have experts regularly checking

the water’s source and its quality before it is sent

through pipes to the community.

To help protect families with their own wells, almost all

states license or register water-well installers. Most also

have construction standards for home wells. In addition,

some city and county health departments have local

rules and permitting. All this helps make sure the well is

built properly. But what about checking to see that it is

working correctly and the water is always healthy to

drink? That is the job of the well owner, and it takes

some work and some knowledge.

1

Drinking Water From Household Wells
Drinking Water From Household Wells

What Is Ground Water And

How Can It Be Polluted?

Ground water is a resource found under

the earth’s surface. Most ground water

comes from rain and melting snow

soaking into the ground. Water fills the

spaces between rocks and soils, making

an “aquifer”. (See Watershed Graphic.)

About half of our nation’s drinking

water comes from ground water. Most is

supplied through public drinking water

systems. But many families rely on

private, household wells and use ground

water as their source of fresh water.

Ground water — its depth from the

surface, quality for drinking water, and

chance of being polluted — varies from

place to place. Generally, the deeper

the well, the better the ground water.

The amount of new water flowing into

the area also affects ground water

quality.

Ground water may contain some

natural impurities or contaminants,

even with no human activity or pollution. Natural contaminants can come

from many conditions in the watershed

or in the ground. Water moving

through underground rocks and soils

may pick up magnesium, calcium and

chlorides. Some ground water naturally

contains dissolved elements such as

arsenic, boron, selenium, or radon, a

gas formed by the natural breakdown

of radioactive uranium in soil. Whether

these natural contaminants are health

problems depends on the amount of

the substance present.

In addition to natural contaminants,

ground water is often polluted by

human activities such as

• Improper use of fertilizers, animal

manures, herbicides, insecticides,

and pesticides

2

A “watershed” is the land

area where water soaks

through the earth filling

an underground water

supply or aquifer. It is

also called a recharge

area. The “water table” is

the line below which the

ground is saturated or

filled with water and

available for pumping.

The water table will fall

during dry seasons. A

well can pump water

from either the saturated

zone or an aquifer. Wells

must be deep enough to

remain in the saturated

zone.

Impermeable Rock

Aquifer

Ocean

Precipitation

Recharge Area

Water

Table
Drinking Water From Household Wells

• Improperly built or poorly located

and/or maintained septic systems

for household wastewater

• Leaking or abandoned underground

storage tanks and piping

• Storm-water drains that discharge

chemicals to ground water

• Improper disposal or storage of

wastes

• Chemical spills at local industrial

sites

These problems are discussed in

greater detail later in this brochure.

Suburban growth is bringing businesses, factories and industry (and

potential sources of pollution) into

once rural areas where families often

rely on household wells. Growth is also

pushing new home developments onto

the edge of rural and agricultural

areas. Often municipal water and

sewer lines do not extend to these

areas. Many new houses rely on wells

and septic tanks. But the people buying

them may not have any experience

using these systems.

Most U.S. ground water is safe for

human use. However, ground water

contamination has been found in all 50

states, so well owners have reason to

be vigilant in protecting their water

supplies. Well owners need to be aware

of potential health problems. They

need to test their water regularly and

maintain their wells to safeguard their

families’ drinking water.

3

The hydrologic cycle is

the natural process of

rain and snow falling to

earth and evaporating

back to form clouds and

fall again. The water

falling to earth flows into

streams, rivers, lakes and

into the soil collecting to

form groundwater.

Groundwater Flow

Evaporation

Sleet, Snow, or Rain
Drinking Water From Household Wells

Quick Reference List of Noticeable Problems

Visible

• Scale or scum from calcium or magnesium salts in water

• Unclear/turbid water from dirt, clay salts, silt or rust in water

• Green stains on sinks or faucets caused by high acidity

• Brown-red stains on sinks, dishwasher, or clothes in wash points to

dissolved iron in water

• Cloudy water that clears upon standing may have air bubbles from poorly

working pump or problem with filters.

Tastes

• Salty or brackish taste from high sodium content in water

• Alkali/soapy taste from dissolved alkaline minerals in water

• Metallic taste from acidity or high iron content in water

• Chemical taste from industrial chemicals or pesticides

Smell

• A rotten egg odor can be from dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas or certain

bacteria in your water. If the smell only comes with hot water it is likely

from a part in your hot water heater.

• A detergent odor and water that foams when drawn could be seepage

from septic tanks into your ground water well.

• A gasoline or oil smell indicates fuel oil or gasoline likely seeping from a

tank into the water supply

• Methane gas or musty/earthy smell from decaying organic matter in water

• Chlorine smell from excessive chlorination.

Note: Many serious problems (bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, radon, and

many chemicals) can only be found by laboratory testing of water.

Where Do Ground Water

Pollutants Come From?

Understanding and spotting possible

pollution sources is important. It’s the

first step to safeguard drinking water

for you and your family. Some threats

come from nature. Naturally occurring

contaminants such as minerals can

present a health risk. Other potential

sources come from past or present

human activity — things that we do,

4

make, and use — such as mining,

farming and using chemicals. Some of

these activities may result in the

pollution of the water we drink.

Several sources of pollution are easy to

spot by sight, taste, or smell. (See “Quick

Reference List.), however many serious

problems can only be found by testing

your water. Knowing the possible threats

in your area will help you decide on the

kind of tests you need.
Drinking Water From Household Wells

What are Some Naturally

Occurring Sources of Pollution?

Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses,

parasites and other microorganisms

are sometimes found in water. Shallow

wells — those with water close to

ground level — are at most risk.

Runoff, or water flowing over the land

surface, may pick up these pollutants

from wildlife and soils. This is often

the case after flooding. Some of these

organisms can cause a variety of

illnesses. Symptoms include nausea

and diarrhea. These can occur shortly

after drinking contaminated water. The

effects could be short-term yet severe

(similar to food poisoning) or might

recur frequently or develop slowly over

a long time.

Radionuclides: Radionuclides are

radioactive elements such as uranium

and radium. They may be present in

underlying rock and ground water.

Radon — a gas that is a natural

product of the breakdown of uranium

in the soil — can also pose a threat.

Radon is most dangerous when inhaled and contributes to lung cancer.

Although soil is the primary source,

using household water containing

Radon contributes to elevated indoor

Radon levels. Radon is less dangerous

when consumed in water, but remains

a risk to health.

Nitrates and Nitrites: Although

high nitrate levels are usually due to

human activities (see below), they may

be found naturally in ground water.

They come from the breakdown of

nitrogen compounds in the soil.

Flowing ground water picks them up

from the soil. Drinking large amounts

of nitrates and nitrites is particularly

threatening to infants (for example,

when mixed in formula).

Heavy Metals: Underground rocks

and soils may contain arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium.

However, these contaminants are not

often found in household wells at

dangerous levels from natural sources.

Fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in dental

health, so many water systems add

small amounts to drinking water.

However, excessive consumption of

naturally occurring fluoride can

damage bone tissue. High levels of

fluoride occur naturally in some areas.

It may discolor teeth, but this is not a

health risk.

What Human Activities Can

Pollute Ground water?

Bacteria and Nitrates: These

pollutants are found in human and

animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause

bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can

large numbers of farm animals. Both

septic systems and animal manures

must be carefully managed to prevent

pollution. Sanitary landfills and

garbage dumps are also sources.

Children and some adults are at extra

risk when exposed to water-born

bacteria. These include the elderly and

people whose immune systems are

weak due to AIDS or treatments for

cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate

problems. Nitrates cause a health

threat in very young infants called

“blue baby” syndrome. This condition

disrupts oxygen flow in the blood.

5
Drinking Water From Household Wells

Concentrated Animal Feeding

Operations (CAFOs): The number

of CAFOs, often called “factory farms,”

is growing. On these farms thousands

of animals are raised in a small space.

The large amounts of animal wastes/

manures from these farms can threaten

water supplies. Strict and careful

manure management is needed to

prevent pathogen and nutrient problems. Salts from high levels of manures

can also pollute groundwater.

Heavy Metals: Activities such as

mining and construction can release

large amounts of heavy metals into

nearby ground water sources. Some

older fruit orchards may contain high

levels of arsenic, once used as a

pesticide. At high levels, these metals

pose a health risk.

Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers

use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage. These products are also used on

golf courses and suburban lawns and

gardens. The chemicals in these

products may end up in ground water.

Such pollution depends on the types

and amounts of chemicals used and

how they are applied. Local environmental conditions (soil types, seasonal

snow and rainfall) also affect this

pollution. Many fertilizers contain

forms of nitrogen that can break down

into harmful nitrates. This could add to

other sources of nitrates mentioned

above. Some underground agricultural

drainage systems collect fertilizers and

pesticides. This polluted water can

pose problems to ground water and

local streams and rivers. In addition,

chemicals used to treat buildings and

homes for termites or other pests may

also pose a threat. Again, the possibility

of problems depends on the amount

and kind of chemicals. The types of soil

and the amount of water moving

through the soil also play a role.

Industrial Products and Wastes:

Many harmful chemicals are used

widely in local business and industry.

These can become drinking water

pollutants if not well managed. The

most common sources of such problems are:

• Local Businesses: These include

nearby factories, industrial plants,

and even small businesses such as

gas stations and dry cleaners. All

handle a variety of hazardous

chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal

of these chemicals or of industrial

wastes can threaten ground water

supplies.

• Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping:

Petroleum products, chemicals, and

wastes stored in underground

storage tanks and pipes may end up

in the ground water. Tanks and

piping leak if they are constructed or

installed improperly. Steel tanks and

piping corrode with age. Tanks are

often found on farms. The possibility

of leaking tanks is great on old,

abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks

are exempt from the EPA rules for

petroleum and chemical tanks.

• Landfills and Waste Dumps: Modern

landfills are designed to contain any

leaking liquids. But floods can carry

them over the barriers. Older

dumpsites may have a wide variety

6
Drinking Water From Household Wells

of pollutants that can seep into

ground water.

Household Wastes: Improper

disposal of many common products can

pollute ground water. These include

cleaning solvents, used motor oil,

paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps

and detergents can harm drinking

water. These are often a problem from

faulty septic tanks and septic leaching

fields.

Lead & Copper: Household plumbing materials are the most common

source of lead and copper in home

drinking water. Corrosive water may

cause metals in pipes or soldered joints

to leach into your tap water. Your

water’s acidity or alkalinity (often

measured as pH) greatly affects

corrosion. Temperature and mineral

content also affect how corrosive it is.

They are often used in pipes, solder, or

plumbing fixtures. Lead can cause

serious damage to the brain, kidneys,

nervous system, and red blood cells.

The age of plumbing materials — in

particular, copper pipes soldered with

lead — is also important. Even in

relatively low amounts these metals

can be harmful. EPA rules under the

Safe Drinking Water Act limit lead in

drinking water to 15 parts per billion.

Since 1988 the Act only allows “lead

free” pipe, solder, and flux in drinking

water systems. The law covers both

new installations and repairs of

plumbing. For more information on

avoiding lead in drinking water, visit

the EPA Website at www.epa.gov/

safewater/Pubs/lead1.html

Water Treatment Chemicals:

Improper handling or storage of waterwell treatment chemicals (disinfectants, corrosion inhibitors, etc.) close

to your well can cause problems.

7

Local

Industry

Household

Wastes

Landfills

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Livestock

Wastes

Septic

Tank

Underground

Storage Tanks

Septic tanks are deigned

to have a “leach field”

around them — an area

where wastewater flows

out of the tank. This

wastewater can also

move into the ground

water
Drinking Water From Household Wells

Should I Be Concerned?

You should be aware because the Safe

Drinking Water Act does not protect

private wells. EPA’s rules only apply to

“public drinking water systems” —

government or privately run companies

supplying water to 25 people or 15

service connections. While most states

regulate private household wells, most

have limited rules. Individual well

owners have primary responsibility for

the safety of the water drawn from

their wells. They do not benefit from

the government’s health protections for

water systems serving many families.

These must comply with federal and

state regulations for frequent analysis,

testing, and reporting of results.

Instead, household well owners should

rely on help from local health departments. They may help you with yearly

testing for bacteria and nitrates. They

may also oversee the placement and

construction of new wells to meet state

and local regulations. Most have rules

about locating drinking water wells

near septic tanks, drain fields, and

livestock. But remember, the final

responsibility for constructing your

well correctly, protecting it from

pollution, and maintaining it falls on

you, the well owner.

How Much Risk Can I Expect?

The risk of having problems depends

on how good your well is — how well

it was built and located, and how well

you maintain it. It also depends on

your local environment. That includes

the quality of the aquifer from which

you draw your water and the human

activities going on in your area that can

affect your well water.

Some questions to consider in protecting your drinking water and maintaining your well are:

• What distance should my well be

from sources of human wastes such

as septic systems?

• How far should it be from animal

feedlots or manure spreading?

• What are the types of soil and

underlying rocks? Does water flow

easily or collect on the surface?

• How deep must a well be dug to

avoid seasonal changes in ground

water supply?

• What activities in my area (farming,

mining, industry) might affect my

well?

• What is the age of my well, its

pump, and other parts?

• Is my water distribution system

protected from cross connections

and backflow problems?

What Should I Do?

Listed below are the six basic steps you

should take to maintain the safety of

your drinking water. After the list you’ll

find “how to” suggestions for each

point to help you protect your well and

your drinking water.

1. Identify potential problem sources

2. Talk with ”local experts”

3. Have your water tested periodically.

4. Have the test results interpreted and

explained clearly.

5. Set a regular maintenance schedule

for your well, do the scheduled

maintenance and keep accurate,

up-to-date records.

6. Remedy any problems.

8
Drinking Water From Household Wells

9

Protecting Your Ground Water Supply

When Building, Modifying Or Closing A Well

• Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction or modification

• Slope well area so surface runoff drains away

• When closing a well:

– Do not cut off the well casing below the land surface

– Hire a certified well contractor to fill or seal the well

Preventing Problems

• Install a locking well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized use of,

or entry into, the well

• Do not mix or use pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and

other pollutants near the well

• Never dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells

• Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local

health department

• Never dispose of hazardous materials in a septic system

• Take care in working or mowing around your well

Maintaining Your Well

• 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

After A Flood — Concerns And Advisories

• Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock

• Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick

• Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the

pump

• After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear

to rid the well of flood water

• If the water does not run clear, get advice from the county or state health

department or extension service

• For additional information go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/

whatdo.htm
Drinking Water From Household Wells

1. How Can I Spot Potential

Problems?

The potential for pollution entering

your well is affected by its placement

and construction — how close is your

well to potential sources of pollution?

Local agricultural and industrial

activities, your area’s geology and

climate also matter. This document

includes a checklist to help you find

potential problems with your well.

Take time to review it in the box

labeled “Protecting Your Ground water

Supply.” Because ground water contamination is usually localized, the best

way to identify potential contaminants

is to consult a local expert. For example, talk with a geologist at a local

college or someone from a nearby

public water system. They’ll know

about conditions in your area. (See

item # 5)

2. Have Your Well Water Tested

Test your water every year for total

coliform bacteria, nitrates, total

dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you

suspect other contaminants, test for

these also. Chemical tests can be

expensive. Limit them to possible

problems specific to your situation.

Again, local experts can tell you about

possible impurities in your area.

Often county health departments do

tests for bacteria and nitrates. For other

substances, health departments,

environmental offices, or county

governments should have a list of state

certified laboratories. Your State

Laboratory Certification Officer can

also provide one. Call EPA’s Safe

Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-

4791, for the name and phone number

of your state’s certification officer.

Before taking a sample, contact the lab

that will perform your tests. Ask for

instructions and sampling bottles.

Follow the instructions carefully so you

will get correct results. The first step is

getting a good water sample. It is also

important to follow advice about

storing the samples. Ask how soon they

must be taken to the lab for testing.

These instructions can be very different

for each substance being tested.

Remember to test your water after

replacing or repairing any part of the

well system (piping, pump, or the well

itself.) Also test if you notice a change

in your water’s look, taste, or smell.

The chart below (“Reasons to Test Your

Water”) will help you spot problems.

The last five problems listed are not an

immediate health concern, but they

can make your water taste bad, may

indicate problems, and could affect

your system long term.

10
Drinking Water From Household Wells

Reasons to Test Your Water

Conditions or Nearby Activities: Test for:

Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria

Household plumbing contains lead pH, lead, copper

Radon in indoor air or region Radon

is radon rich

Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead

Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria

Coal or other mining Metals, pH, corrosion

operations nearby

Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium

Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, Volatile organic compounds, total

gas station, or dry- cleaning dissolved solids, pH, sulfate,

operation nearby chloride, metals

Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and Volatile organic compounds

near gas staion or buried fuel tanks

Objectionable taste or smell Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals

Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese

Salty taste and seawater, or a Chloride, total dissolved solids,

heavily salted roadway nearby sodium

Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather Hardness

Rapid wear of water pH, corrosion

treatment equipment

Water softener needed to Manganese, iron

treat hardness

Water appears cloudy, frothy, Color, detergents

or colored

11
Drinking Water From Household Wells

3. Understanding Your Test

Results

Have your well water tested for any

possible contaminants in your area.

Use a state-approved testing lab. (See

below for sources of approved laboratories.) Do not be surprised if a lot of

substances are found and reported to

you.

The amount of risk from a drinking

water contaminant depends on the

specific substance and the amount in

the water. The health of the person also

matters. Some contaminant cause

immediate and severe effects. It may

take only one bacterium or virus to

make a weak person sick. Another

person may not be affected. For very

young children, taking in high levels of

nitrate over a relatively short period of

time can be very dangerous. Many

other contaminants pose a long-term or

chronic threat to your health — a little

bit consumed regularly over a long

time could cause health problems such

as trouble having children and other

effects.

EPA drinking water rules for public

water systems aim to protect people

from both short and long term health

hazards. The amounts of contaminants

allowed are based on protecting people

over a lifetime of drinking water. Public

water systems are required to test their

water regularly before delivery. They

also treat it so that it meets drinking

water standards, notify customers if

water does not meet standards and

provide annual water quality reports.

Compare your well’s test results to

federal and state drinking water

standards. (You can find these standards at www.epa.gov/safewater/

mcl.html or call the Safe Drinking

Water Hotline 800-426-4791.) In some

cases, the laboratory will give a very

helpful explanation. But you may have

to rely on other experts to aid you in

understanding the results.

The following organizations may be

able to help:

• The state agency that licenses waterwell contractors can help you

understand your test results. It will

also provide information on well

construction and protection of your

water supply. The agency is usually

located in the state capital or other

major city. It is often part of the

department of health or environmental protection. Check the blue

“government pages” of your local

phone book or call the American

Ground Water Trust at (614) 761-

2215 or the EPA Hotline at (800)

426-4791 for your licensing agency’s

phone number.

• The local health department and

agricultural agents can help you

understand the test results. They

will have information on any known

threats to drinking water in your

area. They can also give you suggestions about how to protect your well

water.

• The state drinking water program

can also help. You can compare your

well’s water to the state’s standards

for public water systems. State

programs are usually located in the

state capital or another major city.

They are often part of the department of health or environmental

12
Drinking Water From Household Wells

regulation. Again, consult the blue

“government pages” in your local

phone book for the address and

phone number or call or the EPA

Hotline — (800) 426-4791.

• The Safe Drinking Water Hotline at

(800) 426-4791, mentioned above

— can help in many ways. The

Hotline can provide a listing of

contaminants public water systems

must test for. EPA also has copies of

health advisories prepared for

specific drinking water contaminants. The EPA Hotline staff can

explain the federal regulations that

apply to public water systems. They

compare your lab results to the

federal standards. In addition, they

can give you the phone number and

address of your state drinking water

program, and of your state laboratory certification officer. That officer

can send you a list of approved labs

in your area.

4. Well Construction and

Maintenance

Proper well construction and continued

maintenance are keys to the safety of

your water supply. Your state waterwell contractor licensing agency, local

health department, or local water

system professional can provide

information on well construction. (See

the two graphics below. One shows

three types of well locations and how

surface water drains. The other lists the

distances from the well to guard

against possible sources of pollution.)

Water-well drillers and pump-well

installers are listed in your local

phone directory. The contractor

should be bonded and insured. Make

certain your ground water contractor

is registered or licensed in your state,

if required. If your state does not

have a licensing/registration program

contact the National Ground Water

Association. They have a voluntary

13

GOOD FAIR POOR The well should be

located so rainwater

flows away from it.

Rainwater can pick up

harmful bacteria and

chemicals on the land’s

surface. If this water

pools near your well, it

can seep into it, potentially causing health

problems.
Drinking Water From Household Wells

14

certification program for contractors.

(In fact, some states use the

Association’s exams as their test for

licensing.) For a list of certified contractors in your state contact the

Association at (614) 898-7791 or (800)

551-7379. There is no cost for mailing

or faxing the list to you.

Many homeowners tend to forget the

value of good maintenance until

problems reach crisis levels. That can

be expensive. It’s better to maintain

your well, find problems early, and

correct them to protect your well’s

performance. Keep up-to-date records

of well installation and repairs plus

pumping and water tests. Such records

can help spot changes and possible

problems with your water system. If

you have problems, ask a local expert

to check your well construction and

maintenance records. He or she can see

if your system is okay or needs work.

The graphic on the next page shows a

good example of an animal-proof cap

or seal and the casing of a well.

Protect your own well area. Be careful

about storage and disposal of household and lawn care chemicals and

wastes. Good farmers and gardeners

minimize the use of fertilizers and

pesticides. Take steps to reduce erosion

and prevent surface water runoff.

Regularly check underground storage

tanks that hold home heating oil,

diesel, or gasoline. Make sure your well

is protected from the wastes of livestock, pets, and wildlife.

 5. Talk With Local Experts

Good sources of information and

advice can be found close to home. The

list below tells about some “local

experts”:

• The local health department’s

registered “sanitarian” is a health

specialist. He or she likely knows the

most about any problems with

private wells.

50 ft.

Septic Tanks

50 ft.

Livestock Yards

Silos Septic 

Leach Fields

100 ft.

Petroleum Tanks

Liquid-Tight

 Manure Storage

Pesticide and Fertilizer

 Storage and Handling

250 ft.

Manure Stacks

To keep your well safe,

you must be sure

possible sources of

contamination are not

close by. Experts suggest

these separation

distances as a minimum

for protection — farther is

better.
Drinking Water From Household Wells

15

• Local water-well contractors can tell

you about well drilling and construction. They are also familiar with

local geology and water conditions.

Look in the yellow pages of your

phone book or contact the agency in

your state that licenses water well

contractors. Call the National

Ground Water Association (NGWA)

at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 551-

7379 to find NGWA-certified waterwell contractors in your area.

• Officials at the nearest public water

system may explain any threats to

local drinking water and may be

developing plans to address potential threats. They may advise you on

taking samples and understanding

tests done on your water. Ask the

local health department or look in

your phone book for the name and

address of the closest system.

• Local county extension agents will

know about local farming and

forestry activities that can affect

your water. They may also have

information about water testing.

• The Natural Resources Conservation

Service (NRCS) replaced the old

U.S. Soil Conservation Service. It is

part of the U.S. Department of

Agriculture. The NRCS and the U.S.

Geological Survey have information

about local soils and ground water.

They can tell you where a local

water supply is located and how it is

recharged or replenished. They

would know of any pollution threats

and if radon is a problem in the

area. Look for both in the blue pages

of your local phone book.

• Local or county planning commissions can be good sources. They

know about past and present land

uses in your area that affect water.

• Your public library may also have

records and maps that can provide

useful information. Nearby colleges

and universities have research arms

that can provide facts and expertise.

They may also have a testing lab.

Screened

Vent

Vermin-Proof

Cap or Seal

18-inches

An animal or vermin

proof cap prevents

rodents from entering

your well, being trapped

and dying. Paving around

your well will prevent

polluted runoff from

seeping into your water

supply.
Drinking Water From Household Wells

16

6. Fix Problems Immediately

If you find that your well water is

polluted, fix the problem as soon as

possible. You may need to disinfect

your water, have a new well drilled,

replumb or repair your system. Consider hooking into a nearby community

water system (if one is available). If

you have a new well drilled or connect

to a community water system, the old

well must be closed properly. Consult

“local experts” for help. You might

consider installing a water treatment

device to remove impurities. Information about treatment devices can be

obtained from the following sources:

Water Quality Association

P.O. Box 606

4151 Naperville Road

Lisle, IL 60532

www.wqa.org

National Sanitation Foundation

P.O. Box 130140

789 N Dixboro Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140

(734) 769-8010, (800) NSF-MARK

www.nsf.org

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(to visit in person)

Office of Water Resource Center

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Ariel Rios Building

Washington, DC 20460

Phone: (202) 260-7786

Monday through Friday,

except federal holidays,

8:30AM – 4:30PM ET

E-mail address:

center.water-resource@epa.gov

There are many home water treatment

devices. Different types remove different

pollutants or impurities. No one

device does it all. Also, you must

carefully maintain your home treatment

device so your water stays safe. For more

information, get a copy of EPA’s pamphlet, “Home Water Treatment Units”

from the U.S. EPA Resource Center or

call the Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Find Out More

To find out more about your watershed

and its ground water visit “Surf Your

Watershed” at www.epa.gov/surf. Also

look at the “Index of Watershed

Indicators” at www.epa.gov/iwi. These

websites can also tell you possible

sources of problems. Companies with

permits to release their wastewaters in

your area are listed. You can see if they

meet pollution control laws. You can

also learn how your watershed compares to others in the country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture

and EPA support a program to help

farmers, ranchers and rural

homeowners. Called Farm*A*Syst or

Home*A*Syst, it helps identify and

solve environmental problems, including protecting drinking water. Obtain a

copy of the Home*A*Syst questionnaire/checklist that can help you find

possible threats to your water supply

from:

National Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst

Program

303 Hiram Smith Hall

1545 Observatory Drive

Madison, WI 53706
Drinking Water From Household Wells

17

Ph: 608.262.0024, Fax: 608.265.2775

homeasys@uwex.edu

For more information on current and

future federal drinking water standards

and for general information on drinking

water topics and issues, contact the EP A

at www.epa.gov/safewater or at:

U .S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Ground Water and

Drinking Water

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

Or call:

The Safe Drinking Water Hotline

(800) 426-4791

The hotline operates from 9:00 AM to

5:30 PM (EST)

The hotline can be accessed

on the Internet at

www.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html

You can get a list of Federal drinking

water standards from the EPA website.

In addition, the EPA Office of Ground

Water and Drinking Water gives

chemical and health risk information

for a number of drinking water problems through its Safe Drinking Water

Hotline (800) 426-4791. This information is also on the internet at

www.epa.gov/safewater. If you do not

have a computer, most public libraries

offer internet access. Even though

federal standards do not apply to

household wells, you can use them as a

guide to potential problems in your

water. Be aware that many states have

their own drinking water standards.

Some are stricter than the federal

rules. To get your state standards,

contact your state drinking water

program or local health department.

Other sources of information include:

Ground Water Protection Council

http://gwpc.site.net

American Water Works

Association

www.awwa.org

National Rural Water

Association

www.nrwa.org

National Drinking Water

Clearinghouse

www.estd. wvu.edu/ndwc

Rural Community

Assistance Program

www.rcap.org

U.S. Geological Survey

water.usgs.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources

Conservation Service

www.nrcs.usda.gov

Water Systems Council

www.watersystemscouncil.org
Drinking Water From Household Wells

18

Definitions

Aquifer – An underground formation

or group of formations in rocks and

soils containing enough ground

water to supply wells and springs.

Backflow – A reverse flow in water

pipes. A difference in water pressures pulls water from sources other

than the well into a home’s water

system, for example waste water or

flood water. Also called back

siphonage.

Bacteria – Microscopic living

organisms; some are helpful and

some are harmful. “Good” bacteria

aid in pollution control by consuming and breaking down organic

matter and other pollutants in septic

systems, sewage, oil spills, and soils.

However, “bad” bacteria in soil,

water, or air can cause human,

animal, and plant health problems.

Confining layer – Layer of rock that

keeps the ground water in the

aquifer below it under pressure.

This pressure creates springs and

helps supply water to wells.

Contaminant – Anything found in

water (including microorganisms,

minerals, chemicals, radionuclides,

etc.) which may be harmful to

human health.

Cross-connection – Any actual or

potential connection between a

drinking (potable) water supply and

a source of contamination.

Heavy metals – Metallic elements

with high atomic weights, such as,

mercury chromium cadmium,

arsenic, and lead. Even at low levels

these metals can damage living

things. They do not break down or

decompose and tend to build up in

plants, animals, and people causing

health concerns.

Leaching field – The entire area

where many materials (including

contaminants) dissolve in rain,

snowmelt, or irrigation water and

are filtered through the soil.

Microorganisms – Also called

microbes. Very tiny life forms such

as bacteria, algae, diatoms, parasites, plankton, and fungi. Some can

cause disease.

Nitrates – Plant nutrient and

fertilizer that enters water supply

sources from fertilizers, animal feed

lots, manures, sewage, septic

systems, industrial wastewaters,

sanitary landfills, and garbage

dumps.

Protozoa – One-celled animals,

usually microscopic, that are larger

and more complex than bacteria.

May cause disease.
Drinking Water From Household Wells

19

Radon – A colorless, odorless

naturally occurring radioactive gas

formed by the breakdown or decay

of radium or uranium in soil or

rocks like granite. Radon is fairly

soluble in water, so well water may

contain radon.

Radionuclides – Distinct radioactive

particles coming from both natural

sources and human activities. Can

be very long lasting as soil or water

pollutants.

Recharge area – The land area

through or over which rainwater

and other surface water soaks

through the earth to replenish an

aquifer, lake, stream, river, or marsh.

Also called a watershed.

Saturated zone – The underground

area below the water table where all

open spaces are filled with water. A

well placed in this zone will be able

to pump ground water.

Unsaturated zone – The area above

the ground water level or water

table where soil pores are not fully

saturated, although some water may

be present.

Viruses – Submicroscopic diseasecausing organisms that grow only

inside living cells.

Watershed – The land area that

catches rain or snow and drains it

into a local water body (such as a

river, stream, lake, marsh, or

aquifer) and affects its flow, and the

local water level. Also called a

recharge area.

Water table – The upper level of the

saturated zone. This level varies

greatly in different parts of the

country and also varies seasonally

depending on the amount of rain

and snowmelt.

Well cap – A tight-fitting, verminproof seal designed to prevent

contaminants from flowing down

inside of the well casing.

Well casing – The tubular lining of a

well. Also a steel or plastic pipe

installed during construction to

prevent collapse of the well hole.

Wellhead – The top-of a structure

built over a well. Term also used for

the source of a well or stream.