Water Wells

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Private Water Wells

If your family gets drinking water from a private well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could
you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice? EPA regulates public water systems; it does not have
the authority to regulate private drinking water wells. Approximately 15 percent of Americans rely on their own private
drinking water supplies, and these supplies are not subject to EPA standards, although some state and local
governments do set rules to protect users of these wells. Unlike public drinking water systems serving many people,
they do not have experts regularly checking the waters source and its quality before it is sent to the tap. These
households must take special precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their drinking water supplies.

Basic Information
There are three types of private drinking water wells: dug, driven, and drilled. Proper well construction and continued
maintenance are keys to the safety of your water supply. Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, local
health department, or local water system professional can provide information on well construction. The well should be
located so rainwater flows away from it. Rainwater can pick up harmful bacteria and chemicals on the lands surface. If
this water pools near your well, it can seep into it, potentially causing health problems. Water-well drillers and pump-
well installers are listed in your local phone directory. The contractor should be bonded and insured. Make certain your
ground water contractor is registered or licensed in your state, if required. If your state does not have a
licensing/registration program contact the National Ground Water Association. They have a voluntary certification
program for contractors. (In fact, some states use the Associations exams as their test for licensing.) For a list of
certified contractors in your state contact the Association at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 551-7379. There is no cost for
mailing or faxing the list to you.
To keep your well safe, you must be sure possible sources of contamination are not close by. Experts suggest the
following distances as a minimum for protection farther is better:
• Septic Tanks, 50 feet
• Livestock yards, Silos, Septic Leach Fields, 50 feet
• Petroleum Tanks, Liquid-Tight Manure Storage and Fertilizer Storage and Handling, 100 feet
• Manure Stacks, 250 feet
Many homeowners tend to forget the value of good maintenance until problems reach crisis levels. That can be
expensive. Its better to maintain your well, find problems early, and correct them to protect your wells performance.
Keep up-to-date records of well installation and repairs plus pumping and water tests. Such records can help spot
changes and possible problems with your water system. If you have problems, ask a local expert to check your well
construction and maintenance records. He or she can see if your system is okay or needs work.
Protect your own well area. Be careful about storage and disposal of household and lawn care chemicals and wastes.
Good farmers and gardeners minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Take steps to reduce erosion and prevent
surface water runoff. Regularly check underground storage tanks that hold home heating oil, diesel, or gasoline. Make
sure your well is protected from the wastes of livestock, pets, and wildlife.

Dug Wells
Dug wells are holes in the ground dug by shovel or backhoe. Historically, a dug well was excavated below the
groundwater table until incoming water exceeded the diggers bailing rate. The well was then lined (cased) with stones,
brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse. It was covered with a cap of wood, stone, or concrete. Since it is so
difficult to dig beneath the ground water table, dug wells are not very deep. Typically, they are only 10 to 30 feet deep.
Being so shallow, dug wells have the highest risk of becoming contaminated.To minimize the likelihood of
contamination, your dug well should have certain features. These features help to prevent contaminants from traveling
along the outside of the casing or through the casing and into the well.
Dug Well Construction Features
• The well should be cased with a watertight material (for example, tongue-and-groove precast concrete) and a cement
grout or bentoniteclay sealant poured along the outside of the casing to the top of the well.
• The well should be covered by a concrete curband cap that stands about a foot above the ground.
• The land surface around the well should be mounded so that surface water runs away from the well and is not
allowed to pond around the outside of the wellhead.
• Ideally, the pump for your well should be inside your home or in a separate pump house, rather than in a pit next to
the well.
Land activities around a dug well can also contaminate it. While dug wells have been used as a household water
supply source for many years, most are relics of older homes, dug before drilling equipment was readily available or
when drilling was considered too expensive. If you have a dug well on your property and are using it for drinking water,
check to make sure it is properly covered and sealed. Another problem relating to the shallowness of a dug well is that
it may go dry during a drought when the ground water table drops.

Driven Wells
Like dug wells, driven wells pull water from the water-saturated zone above the bedrock. Driven wells can be deeper
than dug wells. They are typically 30 to 50 feet deep and are usually located in areas with thick sand and gravel
deposits where the ground water table is within 15 feet of the grounds surface. In the proper geologic setting, driven
wells can be easy and relatively inexpensive to install. Although deeper than dug wells, driven wells are still relatively
shallow and have a moderate-to-high risk of contamination from nearby land activities.
Driven Well Construction Features
• Assembled lengths of two inches to three inches diameter metal pipes are driven into the ground. Ascreened well
point located at the end of the pipe helps drive the pipe through the sand and gravel. The screen allows water to enter
the well and filters out sediment.
• The pump for the well is in one of two places: on top ofthe well or in the house. An access pit is usually dug around
the well down to the frost line and a water dis-charge pipe to the house is joined to the well pipe with a fitting.
• The well and pit are capped with the same kind of large-diameter concrete tile used for a dug well. The access pit
may be cased with pre-cast concrete.
To minimize this risk, the well cover should be a tight-fitting concrete curb and cap with no cracks and should sit about
a foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from the well so that surface water will not pond around the well. If
theres a pit above the well, either to hold the pump or to access the fitting, you may also be able to pour a grout
sealant along the outside of the well pipe. Protecting the water quality requires that you maintain proper well
construction and monitor your activities around the well. It is also important to follow the same land use precautions
around the driven well as described under dug wells.

Drilled Wells
Drilled wells penetrate about 100-400 feet into the bedrock. Where you find bedrock at the surface, it is commonly
called ledge. To serve as a water supply, a drilled well must intersect bedrock fractures containing ground water.
Drilled Well Construction Features
• The casing is usually metal or plastic pipe, six inches in diameter that extends into the bedrock to prevent shallow
ground water from entering the well. By law, the casing has to extend at least 18 feet into the ground, with at least five
feet extending into the bedrock. The casing should also extend a foot or two above the grounds surface. A sealant,
such as cement grout or bentonite clay, should be poured along the outside of the casing to the top of the well. The
well is capped to prevent surface water from entering the well.
• Submersible pumps, located near the bottom of the well, are most commonly used in drilled wells. Wells with a shallow
water table may feature a jet pump located inside the home. Pumps require special wiring and electrical service. Well
pumps should be installed and serviced by a qualified professional registered with your state.
• Most modern drilled wells incorporate a pitless adapter designed to provide a sanitary seal at the point where the
discharge water line leaves the well to enter your home. The device attaches directly to the casing below the frost line
and provides a watertight subsurface connection, protecting the well from frost and contamination.
• Older drilled wells may lack some of these sanitary features. The well pipe used was oftene ight-, 10- or 12- inches in
diameter, and covered with a concrete well cap either at or below the grounds surface. This outmoded type of
construction does not provide the same degree of protection from surface contamination. Also, older wells may not
have a pitless adapter to provide a seal at the point of discharge from the well.

Hydrofracting A Drilled Well
Hydrofracting is a process that applies water or air under pressure into your well to open up existing fractures near
your well and can even create new ones. Often this can increase the yield of your well. This process can be applied to
new wells with insufficient yield and to improve the quantity of older wells.

How can I test the quality of my private drinking water supply?
Consider testing your well for pesticides, organic chemicals, and heavy metals before you use it for the first time. Test
private water supplies annually for nitrate and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Test them
more frequently if you suspect a problem. Be aware of activities in your watershed that may affect the water quality of
your well, especially if you live in an unsewered area.

Human Health
The first step to protect your health and the health of your family is learning about what may pollute your source of
drinking water. Potential contamination may occur naturally, or as a result of human activity.
What are Some Naturally Occurring Sources of Pollution?
• Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microorganisms are sometimes found in water. Shallow wells
those with water close to ground level are at most risk. Runoff, or water flowing over the land surface, may pick up
these pollutants from wildlife and soils. This is often the case after flooding. Some of these organisms can cause a
variety of illnesses. Symptoms include nausea and diarrhea. These can occur shortly after drinking contaminated
water. The effects could be short-term yet severe (similar to food poisoning) or might recur frequently or develop
slowly over a long time.
• Radionuclides: Radionuclides are radioactive elements such as uranium and radium. They may be present in
underlying rock and ground water
• Radon: Radon is a gas that is a natural product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil can also pose a threat.
Radon is most dangerous when inhaled and contributes to lung cancer. Although soil is the primary source, using
household water containing Radon contributes to elevated indoor Radon levels. Radon is less dangerous when
consumed in water, but remains a risk to health.
• Nitrates and Nitrites: Although high nitrate levels are usually due to human activities (see below), they may be found
naturally in ground water. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil. Flowing ground water
picks them up from the soil. Drinking large amounts of nitrates and nitrites is particularly threatening to infants (for
example, when mixed in formula).
• Heavy Metals: Underground rocks and soils may contain arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium. However,
these contaminants are not often found in household wells at dangerous levels from natural sources.
• Fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in dental health, so many water systems add small amounts to drinking water. However,
excessive consumption of naturally occurring fluoride can damage bone tissue. High levels of fluoride occur naturally in
some areas. It may discolor teeth, but this is not a health risk.

What Human Activities Can Pollute Ground Water?
Septic tanks are designed to have a leach field around them an area where wastewater flows out of the tank. This
wastewater can also move into the ground water.

Bacteria and Nitrates:
These pollutants are found in human and animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can
large numbers of farm animals. Both septic systems and animal manures must be carefully managed to prevent
pollution. Sanitary landfills and garbage dumps are also sources. Children and some adults are at extra risk when
exposed to water-born bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are weak due to AIDS or
treatments for cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate problems. Nitrates cause a health threat in very young infants
called blue baby syndrome. This condition disrupts oxygen flow in the blood.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs):
The number of CAFOs, often called factory farms, is growing. On these farms thousands of animals are raised in a
small space. The large amounts of animal wastes/manures from these farms can threaten water supplies. Strict and
careful manure management is needed to prevent pathogen and nutrient problems. Salts from high levels of manures
can also pollute ground water.

Heavy Metals:
Activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby ground water
sources. Some older fruit orchards may contain high levels of arsenic, once used as a pesticide. At high levels, these
metals pose a health risk.

Fertilizers and Pesticides:
Farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage. These products are also used on
golf courses and suburban lawns and gardens. The chemicals in these products may end up in ground water. Such
pollution depends on the types and amounts of chemicals used and how they are applied. Local environmental
conditions (soil types, seasonal snow and rainfall) also affect this pollution. Many fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen
that can break down into harmful nitrates. This could add to other sources of nitrates mentioned above. Some
underground agricultural drainage systems collect fertilizers and pesticides. This polluted water can pose problems to
ground water and local streams and rivers. In addition, chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or
other pests may also pose a threat. Again, the possibility of problems depends on the amount and kind of chemicals.
The types of soil and the amount of water moving through the soil also play a role.

Industrial Products and Wastes:
Many harmful chemicals are used widely in local business and industry. These can become drinking water pollutants if
not well managed. The most common sources of such problems are:

• Local Businesses
These include nearby factories, industrial plants, and even small businesses such as gas stations and dry cleaners. All
handle a variety of hazardous chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal of these
chemicals or of industrial wastes can threaten ground water supplies.

• Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping
Petroleum products, chemicals, and wastes stored in underground storage tanks and pipes may end up in the ground
water. Tanks and piping leak if they are constructed or installed improperly. Steel tanks and piping corrode with age.
Tanks are often found on farms. The possibility of leaking tanks is great on old, abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks are
exempt from the EPA rules for petroleum and chemical tanks.

• Landfills and Waste Dumps
Modern landfills are designed to contain any leaking liquids. But floods can carry them over the barriers. Older
dumpsites may have a wide variety of pollutants that can seep into ground water.

• Household Wastes
Improper disposal of many common products can pollute ground water. These include cleaning solvents, used motor
oil, paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps and detergents can harm drinking water. These are often a problem from
faulty septic tanks and septic leaching fields.

• Lead & Copper
Household plumbing materials are the most common source of lead and copper in home drinking water. Corrosive
water may cause metals in pipes or soldered joints to leach into your tap water. Your waters acidity or alkalinity (often
measured as pH) greatly affects corrosion. Temperature and mineral content also affect how corrosive it is. They are
often used in pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures. Lead can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous
system, and red blood cells. The age of plumbing materials in particular, copper pipes soldered with lead is also
important. Even in relatively low amounts these metals can be harmful. EPA rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act
limit lead in drinking water to 15 parts per billion. Since 1988 the Act only allows lead free pipe, solder, and flux in
drinking water systems. The law covers both new installations and repairs of plumbing.

What You Can Do...
Private, individual wells are the responsibility of the homeowner. To help protect your well, here are some steps you
can take:
Have your water tested periodically. It is recommended that water be tested every year for total coliform bacteria,
nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, test for those. Always use a state
certified laboratory that conducts drinking water tests. Since these can be expensive, spend some time identifying
potential problems.
Testing more than once a year may be warranted in special situations:
• someone in your household is pregnant or nursing
• there are unexplained illnesses in the family
• your neighbors find a dangerous contaminant in their water
• you note a change in water taste, odor, color or clarity
• there is a spill of chemicals or fuels into or near your well
• when you replace or repair any part of your well system

Identify potential problems as the first step to safeguarding your drinking water. The best way to start is to consult a
local expert, someone that knows your area, such as the local health department, agricultural extension agent, a
nearby public water system, or a geologist at a local university.
Be aware of your surroundings. As you drive around your community, take note of new construction. Check the local
newspaper for articles about new construction in your area.
Check the paper or call your local planning or zoning commission for announcements about hearings or zoning
appeals on development or industrial projects that could possibly affect your water.
Attend these hearings, ask questions about how your water source is being protected, and don't be satisfied with
general answers. Make statements like "If you build this landfill, (just an example) what will you do to ensure that my
water will be protected." See how quickly they answer and provide specifics about what plans have been made to
specifically address that issue.

Identify Potential Problem Sources
To start your search for potential problems, begin close to home. Do a survey around your well:
• is there livestock nearby?
• are pesticides being used on nearby agricultural crops or nurseries?
• do you use lawn fertilizers near the well?
• is your well "downstream" from your own or a neighbor's septic system?
• is your well located near a road that is frequently salted or sprayed with de-icers during winter months?
• do you or your neighbors dispose of household wastes or used motor oil in the backyard, even in small amounts?
If any of these items apply, it may be best to have your water tested and talk to your local public health department or
agricultural extension agent to find way to change some of the practices which can affect your private well.

In addition to the immediate area around your well, you should be aware of other possible sources of contamination
that may already be part of your community or may be moving into your area. Attend any local planning or appeal
hearings to find out more about the construction of facilities that may pollute your drinking water. Ask to see the
environmental impact statement on the project. See if underground drinking water sources has been addressed. If not,
ask why.

Common Sources of Potiental Ground Water Contamination
Agricultural
•        Animal burial areas
•        Drainage fields/wells
•        Animal feedlots
•        Irrigation sites
•        Fertilizer storage/use
•        Manure spreading areas/pits, lagoons
•        Pesticide storage/use
Commercial
•        Airports
•        Jewelry/metal plating
•        Auto repair shops
•        Laundromats
•        Boatyards
•        Medical institutions
•        Car washes
•        Paint shops
•        Construction areas
•        Photography establishments
•        Cemeteries Process waste water drainage
•        Dry cleaners fields/wells
•        Gas stations
•        Railroad tracks and yards
•        Gulf courses
•        Research laboratories
•        Scrap and junkyards
•        Storage tanks
Industrial
•        Asphalt plants
•        Petroleum production/storage
•        Chemical manufacture/storage
•        Pipelines
•        Electronic manufacture
•        Process waste water drainage
•        Electroplaters fields/wells
•        Foundries/metal fabricators
•        Septage lagoons and sludge
•        Machine/metalworking shops
•        Storage tanks
•        Mining and mine drainage
•        Toxic and hazardous spills
•        Wood preserving facilities
Residential
•        Fuel Oil
•        Septic systems, cesspools
•        Furniture stripping/refinishing
•        Sewer lines
•        Household hazardous products
•        Swimming pools (chemicals)
•        Household lawns
Other
•        Hazardous waste landfills
•        Recycling/reduction facilities
•        Municipal incinerators
•        Road deicing operations
•        Municipal landfills
•        Road maintenance depots
•        Municipal sewer lines
•        Storm water drains/basins/wells
•        Open burning sites
•        Transfer stations