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How to Test Well Water: Ensuring Your Water is Safe & Clean

Four generations of experience installing, maintaining and
repairing wells throughout Utah and Wyoming.
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There are several regular priorities to ensure you’re covered when it comes to maintaining any water well on your property, and well water testing is a key example. There are several important facets to understand when it comes to how to test well water, ensuring that you maintain well water safety and efficiency for every use of this water.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to offer a wide range of water well rehabilitation services and professional water well inspections for clients around Utah, and well water testing is a common service we provide. Here are some basics on well water testing and water well test kits, plus a rundown of common contaminants that testing will identify and when it might be time to call in professionals or consider a water well filtration system.

Test Well Water

Why Regular Water Well Testing is Vital

There are several reasons why regular well water testing is vital for the safety and efficiency of your water well. For starters, groundwater can be contaminated with various pollutants and contaminants due to natural processes, such as chemical reactions or erosion, or human activities like agricultural runoff or improper disposal of hazardous waste.

Without proper testing, you may not even realize that your well water has been compromised until it’s too late. Regular testing can also help identify any potential issues with the structure or functionality of your water well, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance before they become major problems.

Kinds of Contaminants to Test For

There are a few key contaminant types that should always be tested for, and that will typically be included in water well test kits. The top examples include:

  • Bacteria: One of the most common contaminants in water, bacteria can come from a variety of sources and is often responsible for causing illnesses like E. coli or salmonella.
  • Nitrates: These can be found in fertilizers and other agricultural products, making them a common contaminant in rural areas with high levels of farming activity.
  • Metals: Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury can leach into groundwater from various sources such as industrial waste or old pipes.
  • Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in agriculture or industry can also contaminate groundwater.
  • Dissolved solids: High levels of dissolved solids can make water taste salty or brackish and may indicate an issue with the mineral content of your well water.

Using Home Water Well Test Kits

There are many cases where you can perform this basic testing on your own using a water well test kit. These kits typically come with detailed instructions and all the necessary materials to collect a sample of your water, run tests for various contaminants, and receive accurate results. While specific directions here will vary somewhat based on the test kit in question, here are the typical steps to follow when using a home water well test kit:

  1. Gather the necessary supplies, including the test kit itself, a clean container for sample collection (such as a sterile plastic bottle), and any other items specified in the instructions.
  2. Disinfect the area around your wellhead and run water from an outdoor spigot for several minutes to flush out stagnant water.
  3. Follow the instructions included with your test kit to collect a water sample directly from your well.
  4. Perform tests or add reagents as directed by your specific kit’s instructions, being sure to observe all safety precautions if handling chemicals.
  5. Compare results against guidelines for safe levels of each contaminant type and seek professional assistance or guidance if necessary.

How Often Should You Test?

Another common question regarding well water testing is how often to do it. The answer will vary depending on factors such as your location, the age and condition of your well, and any potential contamination sources in the area. However, a good rule of thumb is to test at least annually for bacteria and nitrates, and every few years for other contaminants or whenever you notice any changes in taste, smell, or appearance of your water.

When to Call Professionals

While home water well test kits are useful for routine testing and monitoring, there may be some situations where professional assistance is necessary. If you suspect any issues with your well’s structure or function or if you receive concerning results from a home test kit, it’s best to call in professionals for a thorough water well inspection.

Additionally, if you are experiencing persistent water quality issues or have concerns about potential contaminants that may not be tested for with standard home test kits, professionals can provide specialized testing and recommend appropriate treatment options. You may be advised to install a water well filtration system that will help remove specific contaminants and ensure the safety of your water supply.

Regular well water testing is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient water supply on your property. By understanding the potential contaminants that can affect your well water and utilizing home test kits or professional services, you can identify any issues early on and take necessary steps to ensure clean, healthy water for all your needs. Don’t neglect this important aspect of well maintenance – start testing today!

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to help with all your well water testing and related needs around Utah. Contact us for more information on our services or to schedule an inspection or testing appointment!