When water flows from your tap, it’s easy to assume that it’s safe as long as it has no unusual taste or odor. But the truth is that any private well anywhere can harbor harmful bacteria. These microorganisms are invisible and seldom give water a different smell or taste. That’s why private water wells must be inspected and disinfected on a regular schedule to keep them healthy and safe. Understanding how bacteria get into your well and taking effective steps to keep your water healthy are essential for protecting your family’s health.
The Purity of Your Well Water Is Your Responsibility Alone
Your private well carries underground water to your home but there is no municipal utility responsible for monitoring, testing or disinfecting that water supply. The complete responsibility for your water quality is up to you.
Your water comes from far underground, and typically, this water is naturally filtered through layers of soil and rock. This filtering process purifies your water before it gets to your well. Once the water collects in your well, however, there are several ways that bacteria can infiltrate it. Because it’s not completely possible to keep out all sources of bacteria, you’ll have to inspect and disinfect your well on a regular schedule.
The Primary Ways Bacteria Enter Your Well
When we do well inspections or water tests, here are some of the most common ways we’ve found that bacteria made their way into wells:
- Surface runoff: During heavy rains or flooding, surface water contaminated with animal waste, fertilizers or decaying matter can seep into your well through gaps in the well casing. Your well casing is supposed to go deep enough that the filtering effect of soil, gravel and rock will keep out bacteria. But if the casing is damaged, surface runoff may be able to seep into your well through cracks or breaks.
- Poorly sealed or damaged caps: A loose or cracked well cap can allow spiders or insects like bees or wasps to get inside. During our inspections, we have found spider nests and bee hives inside wells. Once they gain access, they bring bacteria with them. Once bacteria are in the well, it can thrive in the moist, damp environment. Additionally, damaged well caps can allow contaminated surface water into the well.
- Small animal intrusions: Well inspections have revealed small animal intrusions, such as mouse nests inside wells. In one well, we even found a dead mouse floating in the water. The presence of these animals obviously fouls the water while also introducing large quantities of bacteria into your drinking water. Even a tiny opening in the electrical connection or well cap can permit animal intrusion.
- Well Repairs or New Installations: Whenever work is done on your well, bacteria can easily be introduced. Disinfection should always follow this kind of work.
Why You Want to Prevent the Formation of Biofilms in Your Well
Once bacteria get inside, they tend to form slimy coatings and masses called biofilms. These films cling to well casings, pipes, and pumps, sheltering bacteria and allowing them to multiply. Their slippery quality makes it difficult to clean them out. Biofilms can clog filtration systems and make disinfection less effective if it is not done properly. For this reason, it’s necessary to use a highly effective disinfectant and follow directions exactly.
Your First Line of Defense: A Tight-Fitting Well Cap
A properly fitted well cap seals the opening tightly while still allowing necessary ventilation. If your cap is loose, cracked, or missing, bacteria and pests have easy access. At least twice a year, you should make a close inspection of your well cap to ensure it fits tightly. Check it again after severe weather or flooding. Replacing an old or damaged cap is a simple step that can prevent serious problems.
Why Routine Well Disinfection Is Essential
Even with the best protective measures, bacteria can make their way into your well. For this reason, regular disinfection is an essential part of keeping your drinking water safe. Experts recommend disinfecting your well at least every six months. If there is any flooding or repairs to your well, or if someone in your home has an unexplained illness, more frequent disinfection is vital. Think of disinfection as ongoing maintenance, much like keeping your roof or vehicle in good repair.
Accurate Water Testing Is an Essential Part of Maintenance
Because bacteria are typically undetectable, the only way to know if your well water is truly safe is through professional water testing. At ETR Laboratories, we specialize in detecting harmful microorganisms and other contaminants that can compromise your health. Our lab testing is far more precise and accurate than any home test kit.
With a detailed water quality report, you’ll know whether bacteria are a problem in your well. You can also find out what type they are. Choose the right water test now to give you and your family peace of mind and healthy, clean drinking water.
