Looking for that peace of mind of knowing that your drinking water is safe for your family?

If your household water comes from a private well there are a few simple things to think about to protect your water supply. This includes keeping contaminants away from the well and sinkholes and it is also important to keep hazardous chemicals out of your septic system. Learn how to keep your well water clean with these safety tips:

• Inspect and pump your septic system as recommended by your local health district.
• Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper - chemicals, solvents, petroleums, or pesticides in your septic system can ultimately end up in your drinking water.
• Ensure that the area around the wellhead is sloped in a manner that will keep surface runoff away from the well. The wellhead should be at least 12 inches above the ground surface.
• Install a sanitary well cap to prevent insects, small mammals, or surface water from entering the well.
• Periodically do a visual inspection of the wellhead. Make note of any significant changes and ensure that the well cap is secure. Look for any cracks, holes, or corrosion.
• Keep accurate records of well maintenance, such as treatment or sediment removal, that may require the use of chemicals in the well.
• Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction, modification, or abandonment and closure.
• Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides near the well. Anything that you apply to the ground around your wellhead can potentially reach the groundwater, which is the source of your drinking water.
• Do not dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells.
• Underground storage tanks that hold home heating oil, diesel, or gasoline on your properly should be checked regularly for leakage.
• Keep up-to-date with activities and industry on or near your property to ensure that they are a safe distance from your well.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at RC Worst & Company if you have any questions about these well water safety tips.