NGWA members are highly skilled professionals and their businesses are highly regulated. In many states, ground water contractors must meet rigid state licensing or registration requirements, in cluding continuing education. Also, the construction and services contractors provide often must meet strict state construction codes. Regulatory agencies in the state can confirm a contractor's compliance with regulations, as well as local requirements. To help you better understand this issue, NGWA has prepared this background summary of steps you can take to maintain protection around wells.
Bacteria are native in the water environment, as they are in other surfaces, including food.
Some water-borne bacteria are harmless, while others have the potential to transmit disease. Some, over time, can cause water quality to deteriorate or cause damage to the water well system. Therefore, the presence of certain bacteria in a well water sample should be viewed as a need for further action to determine what remedial measures may be necessary. New wells can operate for many years without showing signs of bacterial contamination, but there are no guarantees. An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended.