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Is it safe to drink well water

Is it safe to drink well water?

Published 31 May - Admin - well drilling kit

Are you planning to build a private well with an emergency water well kit in your home?

It’s a great idea as you will get fresh water without relying on the public line. You thus end up with reduced water bills and can avoid service interruptions.

However, you may wonder if it’s safe to drink water from a private well or if it’s only suitable for irrigation and cleaning? That’s crucial to understand as you don’t want your family to get sick after consuming the water. 

However, the answer depends on the specific spot where you build your private well. Read on for a guide on building a well with safe drinkable water.

Building Private Water Well with Safe Drinkable Water

Various factors could contaminate the groundwater in your private well and make it unsafe for human consumption. However, keeping these points in mind when building and maintaining a private well helps you secure a safe drinkable water supply:

Location

It’s vital to keep a private well away from contaminant sources to keep the water clean. You should thus select the correct location for your well and make sure it is at least:

  • 50ft away from septic tanks and livestock yards
  • 100ft away from liquid-tight manure storage, petroleum tanks, and fertilizer storage
  • 250ft away from manure stacks

You may check your county health department records to locate septic systems near your place. You can also get a property survey map from your municipal or county office.

However, it’s better to consult with a professional private well contractor to determine the best location for your project.

Depth

The well’s depth is another essential consideration to keep its water free from contamination. Shallow wells quickly get contaminated with different pollutants from the surface, like:

  • Garbage
  • Animal waste substance
  • Road salts
  • Hazardous chemicals like pesticides

These substances may seep into the ground and reach your water source, or rainwater could carry contaminants beneath the surface. Thus, it’s better to keep your well at least 30ft deep or more.

Well Testing

Be sure you have your well tested for contaminants even if you build it in the ideal location. Always remember that your water may appear clean but could contain harmful particles. 

For example, you may have built your private well away from septic systems, but the geographic area has natural contaminants underground. Typical examples of these natural substances include radon, arsenic, and nitrogen, which can trigger ailments if consumed in large amounts.

So, consult your local health department for local laboratories that test healthy water. It’s also better to have your private well tested at least once a year to ensure safety.

Water Treatment

Suppose the water testing shows unfavorable results for your private well. The best solution is to apply proper treatment to make the water safe for drinking.

Here are some of the most common water treatment options:

  • Filtration Systems — Filters out contaminants using physical barriers, chemical solutions, or biological processes.
  • Water Softener involves using a device that alters the chemical composition of minerals in the water. It makes the water safer to drink and helps avoid mineral build-up in the pipes.
  • Disinfection — This method refers to killing harmful microorganisms with particular processes like heat or chemical application.

Now, you need to select the correct treatment for your well.

For example, disinfection is the best treatment if there are high amounts of microbes in the water. However, you may also combine disinfection with filtration and water softening systems.

Proper Private Well Maintenance

You should also maintain your private well properly to ensure a steady supply of safe drinkable water in your household.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Conduct water testing at least once a year
  • Inspect the cleanliness and overall condition of your private well annually
  • Regularly check the water well cap and ensure it’s always intact
  • Keep contaminants away, like paints, pesticides, and fertilizers
  • Retire your private well after 20 years or more and build a new one

Use Emergency Water Well Kit for Building a Safe Drinkable Water Source

Ensuring the safety of your private well water for consumption is crucial for the well-being of your family.

You should thus remember the points above when building, treating, and maintaining a private well for your household use. However, if you are still unsure about the water quality in your private well, avoid drinking it until you receive favorable test results.

And use the emergency water well kit if you are still planning to build a private well on your property.