Did you know that many water well problems are avoidable?
By carefully managing your system and the surrounding property, you can protect your water supply from possible sources of contamination. Preventing pollution isn’t difficult, as long as you know how.
No. 1: Slope the Land Around the Water Well
To stop surface water from seeping into your well, contour the terrain around the area. Sloping the ground surface away from the casing in all directions helps excess water to flow away, preventing it from polluting the system.
No. 2: Install a Sanitary Water Well Cap
Standard well caps sit loosely on top of the casing, leaving a small airspace. This gap can allow insects and other contaminants to enter the system. Installing a sanitary cap with an airtight rubber gasket seal and an air exchange screen vent can prevent this potential contamination.
No. 3: Conduct Regular Visual Checks for Water Well Problems
Periodically, take a walk out to your well and do a quick visual inspection. Check for a missing well cap (it happens!), cracks, damage or corrosion in the casing. Any of these problems can easily allow pollutants to enter your system.
No. 4: Avoid Using Contaminants Near the Well Area
It may sound like common sense, but keep all known contaminants far away from your well area. Pesticides, fertilizers, fuels, degreasers and other potential pollutants have no business anywhere near your water system. To prevent pollution, provide as much separation as possible between your well and the property areas where you use these products.
No. 5: Keep Livestock Away from the Water Well Area
Similarly, don’t keep your farm animals or locate any farm buildings or storage near the system. Silos, livestock yards, manure piles and grazing areas should be placed at least 100 feet away from the system to avoid polluting the groundwater.
No. 6: Have Your Well Water Tested for Contaminants
To ensure your water is safe for your family, have your system tested for coliform bacteria, nitrates, arsenic and other known local pollutants periodically. The EPA recommends testing your well every year. Well testing may also be necessary if you have work done on the system or if the system is flooded.
No. 7: Hire a Certified Contractor for Water Well Repair and Maintenance
When it comes time for testing, repair or maintenance, hire a certified well contractor to handle the work. Certification ensures quality workmanship and holds the contractor to the highest standards. The right company for the job will be a bonded and insured professional contractor with a local license and certification by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).
Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC meets these qualifications. Our professional team has been solving water well problems for customers throughout Utah and Wyoming for over 30 years. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
