If you own a private well, it’s essential to have your well water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Since no outside entities are examining your water quality, it’s up to you to make sure that your home’s well water is safe for your family to drink.
One of the best times to schedule well water testing is spring, since seasonal shifts can cause new problems or reveal existing issues. Let’s dive into a few more reasons why you should consider testing your well water this spring.
Wet Seasons Carry Greatest Contamination Risk
As the ground thaws and rainfall increases, the soil becomes softer, and bacteria and contaminants can spread faster as they percolate in the soil. If there are any small leaks or cracks in your well, those contaminants can leach into your home’s well water supply.
If your well is going to experience contamination, it’s most likely to occur during the wet spring season. If you wait to test until the soil is hard, such as during summer or winter, you may not get an accurate picture of what kinds of contaminants may leak into your private well during the next wet season. Make the most of your money and get your well tested when it has the highest possibility of contamination.
Increased Agricultural Runoff
Spring is when farmers begin applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to their crops. These chemicals can make their way into groundwater systems. Even if you don’t live right next to a farm, these chemicals can still make their way to your groundwater during the rainy season, when flooding may occur, and the soil is especially porous.
Increasing Temperatures Allow For Bacterial Growth
Private wells need to be tested for total coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E.coli). These bacteria are present in sewage and can enter groundwater supplies through flooding, nearby septic system leaks, or agricultural runoff from nearby livestock facilities. While these bacteria can lie dormant during the colder months, warmer springtime temperatures will enable them to grow and multiply. Getting your well tested in the spring will help you identify any potential contamination before it develops into a serious health concern for your family.
Catching Problems Early Can Save Time, Money, and Headaches
Don’t wait until you have undrinkable water to address a problem with your well. Getting your well water tested early in the spring can help you get out ahead of any potential issues before they develop into more serious problems. Keep your family healthy and keep costs down with early testing!
Establish a Record of Clean Health
Even if you feel confident that your water is clean, repeated annual testing at the same time each year will help you establish a record of clean well water. This can come in handy if your groundwater becomes contaminated by someone else’s pollution, such as a runoff from a nearby manufacturing plant.
Gain Peace of Mind with a Whole Home Water Purification System
If you would like to feel confident every time you turn on a tap in your home, consider installing a whole-home water purification and softening system. We have a wide range of products specifically designed to address the unique contaminants facing private wells.
To learn more, give us a call at (800) 589-8507 or send us a message. Our team would love to help you!
