Amid the rise of emerging contaminants in well water, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has released recommendations for private water well owners.

Recognizing that heavy snow and flooding can potentially lead to contamination of water wells, NGWA provides recommendations as part of its suggested annual water well inspection checklist:

• a flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping, pump motor performance, and pressure tank and pressure switch contact;
• an inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements;
• a test of water for coliform bacteria, nitrates, PFAS/PFOA, and anything else of local concern; other typical additional tests are those for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor; and
• a concise, clear, written report, which should be delivered following the checkup that explains results and recommendations and includes all laboratory and other test results.

Access more information in NGWA’s recent news release.