Private drinking water sources are not covered by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which focuses on public water systems.
- Private (or household) wells,
- Springs,
- Cisterns,
- Water storage tanks, and
- Trucked water.
What are the acceptable sources of potable water?
Water SourcesSurface water (for example, a lake, river, or reservoir)Ground water (for example, an aquifer)Recycled water (also called reused water)
Is water from a well potable?
Yes, as a private well owner, you are responsible for testing your well to ensure the water is safe to drink. EPA is responsible for making sure that the public water supply within the United States is safe. However, EPA does not monitor or treat private well drinking water.
Is well water considered clean water?
While groundwater found in private wells is less susceptible to pollution than surface water, it is certainly possible for wells to become contaminated. Naturally occurring contaminants include elements such as uranium, radon, and arsenic, which are dissolved in groundwater as it moves through soil and rock.
What does private well water mean?
Well water is a private water source taken directly from the earth. To create a private well, a hole is drilled into the ground down to the aquifer—a permeable layer of rock that contains water. A pump system is then used to carry that water up and into your home.
Why can't you drink well water?
Heavy metals can contaminate private wells through groundwater movement and surface water seepage and run-off. People that consume high levels of heavy metals risk acute and chronic toxicity, liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer.
Is well water cleaner than city water?
Well Water Quality — Because well water is coming from the aquifer underground, instead of run- off or surface water, it tends to be cleaner and fresher. Groundwater is also high in healthy nutrients and minerals that are good for the body, including children. Also, well water high in minerals often tastes better.
How do you purify well water for drinking?
Yes, boiling is the surest way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the well water. To boil the water so it will be safe, heat it to a full swirling boil. Keep the swirling boil going for at least one minute before you use the water. Store the boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.
Is well water better for you than tap water?
Public water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and other harsh and dangerous chemicals. Well water travels straight up from the ground; you get all the health benefits of clean water with none of the harsh chemical additives. Just make sure to check the area around your well and, again, test it annually.
Is well water OK to bathe in?
Bathing is not a problem using well water. Water from a private well should be tested at least once each year. The water should be used only if the test shows that it is free from coliform organisms.
How do you maintain a private well?
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides and motor oil away from your well. Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair. Always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage facilities.
How is private well water treated?
There are many different well water treatment options, such as disinfection, distillation, and filtration. If you have high bacteria concentrations, a disinfectant such as chlorine, ultraviolet light, or electronic radiation can act as a disinfectant.
What are the 3 types of wells?
Types of Wells According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three basic types of private drinking wells dug, drilled, and driven .
Is well water safer than tap water?
Public water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and other harsh and dangerous chemicals. Well water travels straight up from the ground; you get all the health benefits of clean water with none of the harsh chemical additives. Just make sure to check the area around your well and, again, test it annually.
Is well water safe to shower in?
Bathing is not a problem using well water. Water from a private well should be tested at least once each year. The water should be used only if the test shows that it is free from coliform organisms.
Is well water better than bottled water?
People who drink well water report that it has better flavor. While pure water doesn't have a flavor, well water may contain trace minerals that are important for your body and for flavor. If you use a well, you should have a drinking water quality testing lab check it to make sure that it isn't contaminated.
How can I test my well water for drinking?
Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
How many types of private wells are there?
There are three types of private drinking water wells.
Why are driven wells contaminated?
Though driven wells are cased, they can be contaminated easily because they draw water from aquifers near the surface. These wells draw water from aquifers near the surface. Drilled wells are constructed by percussion or rotary-drilling machines. Drilled wells can be thousands of feet deep and require the installation of casing.
What are the different types of wells?
Types of wells 1 1 Dug/Bored wells are holes in the ground dug by shovel or backhoe. They are lined (cased) with stones, brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse. Dug wells have a large diameter, are shallow (approximately 10 to 30 feet deep) and are not cased continuously. 2 Driven wells are constructed by driving pipe into the ground. Driven wells are cased continuously and shallow (approximately 30 to 50 feet deep). Though driven wells are cased, they can be contaminated easily because they draw water from aquifers near the surface. These wells draw water from aquifers near the surface. 3 Drilled wells are constructed by percussion or rotary-drilling machines. Drilled wells can be thousands of feet deep and require the installation of casing. Drilled wells have a lower risk of contamination due to their depth and use of continuous casing.
What is the best pump for a deep well?
Jet Pumps are the most commonly used pumps for shallow wells (depth of 25 feet or less). Jet pumps are mounted above ground and use suction to draw water from the well. Submersible Pumps are the most commonly used pumps for deep private wells. The pumping unit is placed inside the well casing and connected to a power source on the surface.
How deep are wells?
Dug wells have a large diameter, are shallow (approximately 10 to 30 feet deep) and are not cased continuously. Driven wells are constructed by driving pipe into the ground. Driven wells are cased continuously and shallow (approximately 30 to 50 feet deep). Though driven wells are cased, they can be contaminated easily because they draw water ...
What is the best material for a well casing?
The most common materials for well casing are carbon steel, plastic, and stainless steel.
What is the purpose of a well casing?
Well Casing is the tube-shaped structure placed in the well to maintain the well opening from the target ground water to the surface. Along with grout, the casing keeps dirt and excess water out of the well. This helps prevent contaminants from less desirable groundwater ...
How many people can use a private water system?
Typically, private water systems that serve no more than 25 people at least 60 days of the year and have no more than 15 service connections are not regulated by the EPA.
Who is responsible for ensuring that water is safe from contaminants?
As a result, owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants. Here you may find information on the basics of wells, proper methods of siting and location for wells, all about testing and how often to test a well, proper treatment of wells and maintenance of wells , information on well retirement, ...
Why is it important to check ground water wells?
It is important that private ground water wells are checked regularly to ensure that the water is safe for drinking. Typically, private water systems that serve no more ...
What is the water that is trapped below the ground called?
The water trapped below the ground in the pores and spaces above the dense rock barrier is called ground water, and this is the water we get when we drill wells. Another common term for ground water is “aquifer” or “ground water aquifer.”.
Do private wells have EPA regulations?
Many people in the United States receive their water from private ground water wells. EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to privately owned wells. As a result, owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants.
Private drinking water sources may not be tested regularly
Private drinking water is not always treated to remove contaminants. In addition, because private drinking water systems are not covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act, external icon they may not be tested regularly for contaminants.
Private drinking water can become contaminated in a variety of ways
Some regions are prone to high levels of certain contaminants in rock or soil that dissolve into water sources. For example, the northeastern part of the United States has high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in rock formations that can leach into the water during the process of drilling and constructing the well.
How much water should a well have?
Wells constructed as a source of water for a residence should have a stabilized yield of at least 5 gpm. If a well's stabilized yield is less than required, the driller should inform the owner so he or she can provide additional storage and the proper kind of pumping equipment to satisfy the anticipated peak demand for water.
Where should a well be located?
A well should be located so the centerline of its casing extends at least 5 feet clear of any projection from the building. A well should be reasonably accessible for servicing and maintenance utilizing equipment for cleaning, treatment, repair, testing, or inspection. Except for well houses specifically constructed for the purpose, it is totally unacceptable to locate a well in a building or in the basement of a building.
What is a vertical turbine well pump?
A vertical turbine well pump should be mounted on the well casing, a pump foundation, or a pump stand, to provide an effective well seal at the top of the well . Further, the pump should be mounted on a base plate or foundation in a manner that will prevent dust and insects from entering the well. 4.5 Submersible Pumps.
Why should a well be sealed?
If a well is to be abandoned, it must be properly sealed to restore, as far as possible, the hydrologic conditions that existed before the well was drilled. An improperly abandoned well is an uncontrolled invasion point for contaminated water. Unsealed wells are a hazard to public health, safety, welfare, and to the preservation of our groundwater resource. Sealing of wells presents a number of problems, dependent on construction of the well, the geological formations it penetrates, and hydrologic conditions. A properly sealed water well will: (1) eliminate the physical hazard; (2) prevent groundwater contamination; 3) conserve the aquifer's yield; 4) maintain the aquifer's hydrostatic head; and (5) prevent intermingling of waters when more than one aquifer is involved. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources addresses proper well abandonment in its Rule 312 IAC 13-10.
What is the purpose of a well sealed?
A properly sealed water well will: (1) eliminate the physical hazard; (2) prevent groundwater contamination; 3) conserve the aquifer's yield; 4) maintain the aquifer's hydrostatic head; and (5) prevent intermingling of waters when more than one aquifer is involved.
How to test a well for yield?
Ideally, a well should be tested for stabilized yield and drawdown by pumping initially at 150% of the design pumping rate, and backing off until a stabilized yield is achieved. The test pump should be operated continuously for a minimum of one hour, continuing until the pumping water level stabilizes. A that point, the well yield and drawdown should be recorded. Bailing may be used to give a rough estimate of the yield of the well, but it is practical only for testing very weak wells. Bailing is not a reliable substitute for a pumping test when the anticipated or desired yield is more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Air lift pumping is not an acceptable method for determining yield.
Why do you put a cap on a well?
A temporary cap should be placed on a well until pumping equipment can be installed, to prevent insects, rodents and other contaminants from entering the casing.
What is portable water?
portable water can be regarded as the package drinkable and treated water for human consumption.
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