The National Ground Water Association says household well owners should test their water at least once a year for bacteria, nitrate and other pollutants, and more frequently if there is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water; if the well has a history of bacterial contamination; if a local septic system has recently malfunctioned; if family members or house guests have recurrent gastrointestinal illness; if an infant is living in the home; if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap, inundation by floodwaters, or a new source of pollution; or if they simply want "to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment."
The NGWA offers a brochure with tips on testing wells in oil- and gas-drilling areas, especially those with hydraulic fracturing. It says well owners should check with their local health department or environmental officer for recommendations on the type and frequency of testing in their area. "For help in interpreting water test results, and what might be a health risk or an aesthetic issue, the lab that conducted the test or the county health department should be contacted," the group says in a news release.
Bacterial contamination is usually indicated by coliform bacteria. That is a broad category, most of which pose no threat to humans, and not all come from fecal matter; others naturally occur in soils, vegetation, insects, and so forth. The presence of coliforms "can be a harbinger of worsening water quality," NGWA says. "In some cases, more specific tests for fecal contamination, such as E. coli, may be used.
Nitrate can come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal manure and leaking sewers. Nitrates also occur naturally from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in soil and rock. High nitrate levels "present a health concern and can also indicate the presence of other contaminants, such as bacteria and pesticides," NGWA says. "Drinking large amounts of water with nitrates is particularly threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula).
NGWA has state-by-state information on testing of private water wells at http://www.ngwa.org/Media-Center/press/2013/Pages/2013-11-27-test-water.aspx. That is part of the group's WellOwner.org site. It also has a hotline at 855-420-9355 (H2O-WELL).
Bacterial contamination is usually indicated by coliform bacteria. That is a broad category, most of which pose no threat to humans, and not all come from fecal matter; others naturally occur in soils, vegetation, insects, and so forth. The presence of coliforms "can be a harbinger of worsening water quality," NGWA says. "In some cases, more specific tests for fecal contamination, such as E. coli, may be used.
Nitrate can come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal manure and leaking sewers. Nitrates also occur naturally from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in soil and rock. High nitrate levels "present a health concern and can also indicate the presence of other contaminants, such as bacteria and pesticides," NGWA says. "Drinking large amounts of water with nitrates is particularly threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula).
NGWA has state-by-state information on testing of private water wells at http://www.ngwa.org/Media-Center/press/2013/Pages/2013-11-27-test-water.aspx. That is part of the group's WellOwner.org site. It also has a hotline at 855-420-9355 (H2O-WELL).
At least once a year is right but I'd highly recommend quarterly depending on the location. Like everything, it's better to be safe than sorry.
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