A Homeowner's Checklist for Protecting Your
Water Supply Well
A properly constructed private water supply system requires little routine maintenance. These simple steps will help protect your system and investment:
2. Inspect the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair. Use a watertight well cap.
3. Keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage of surface water.
3. Any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced, the well should be inspected and tested. If the well tests positive for bacteria, chlorinate the well. Remove the cap and inspect for entry of dirt, insects, debris, or surface water into the casing.
4. Store hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides and motor oil seventy-five feet or as far away from your well and your neighbor’s well as possible. Any of these unwanted products should be properly disposed.
5. Maintain proper separation between your well and drains, (twenty five feet).
6. Protect you water lines, don't allow cross-connection or back-siphonage. No water pipe should be directly connected to a drain. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals, don't put the hose inside the tank or container.
8. Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don't pile snow, leaves or other materials around your well.
9. Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, maintenance records, and water testing results.
10. Always use licensed well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed, or the system is serviced.
11. Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well, or the water it provides.
12. Make plans to bring your well construction up to current health code standards.
*Adopted from National Ground Water Association, www.ngwa.org
2/28/05
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