How Often Should I Test My Well Water?
Water is one of those things that we oftentimes take for granted. We open the spout, it pours out, we close it up, and that's that. That is, until you notice that it's a little discolored, or, even worse, that there's sediment floating around inside your cup.
How Often Should I Perform Well Water Testing?
At a minimum, you should perform a well water test once every year. The CDC recommends doing so in the spring. However, if you believe that your water is contaminated, or if there are known contaminants in the area, you should get it checked more often, preferably by a water well testing company. If they find that your well is not up to code, they may opt to repair or replace part of your system, such as the water tanks, and then retest to make sure that your water stays as pure as possible. Another possible sign that you need to get it tested? If the water quality seems off, such as a weird taste, or its putting off a weird smell.
Why Should I Get My Water Tanks Tested?
In many cases, your water may be contaminated and you not even know it. Viruses, bacteria, and even cysts (protein sacs that come from bacteria) can get inside your well, and eventually, into your drinking water. In addition, certain chemicals from nearby businesses or pesticides can seep through the ground and into your water supply. Some companies, like Bruce MacKay Pump & Well Drilling Service Inc, know that these are nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye. However, a water well testing company has several tools at their disposal to detect contaminants. If your family is suffering from lingering illnesses, such as nausea, fever, or gastrointestinal disorders, it may be as a result of your drinking water. Over time, different minerals can build up in your pipes and damage your home's plumbing system.
Can I Do My Own Water Well Testing?
Of course. Several at-home kits exist that you can order online and perform up to eight times to test for different contaminants, such as chemicals and bacteria. Once you've finished the test, you can check it against the federal requirements for water quality, and, if necessary, contact a water well testing company to perform a more thorough investigation. If they confirm your findings, they'll also be in a position to fix the situation as well.
Getting your water wells tested is not hard, and it should be part of your regular testing for your home. Clean water equals a healthy family, so get your well checked often.
