Drinking Water from Household Wells - United States ... Water From Household Wells What Is Ground...

Drinking Water FromHousehold Wells

Cover photo courtesy of Charlene E. Shaw, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................. 1

What Is Ground Water andHow Can It Be Polluted? ........................................... 2

Where Do Ground WaterPollutants Come From? ............................................. 4

What Are Some NaturallyOccurring Sources of Pollution? ............................ 5

What Human Activities CanPollute My Ground Water? .................................... 5

Should I Be Concerned? ............................................ 8

How Much Risk Can I Expect? .............................. 8

What Should I Do? .................................................... 8

Six Steps to Well Water Safety .............................. 8

Protecting Your Ground Water Supply .................. 9

Find Out More – Sources ofInformation on Well Water ................................. 16

Definitions – Common TermsAbout Wells and Ground Water ............................... 18

EPA 816-K-02-003 January 2002

Introduction

If your family gets drinking water from your ownwell, do you know if your water is safe to drink? Whathealth risks could you and your family face? Wherecan you go for help or advice?

This pamphlet helps answer these questions. It givesyou general information about drinking water fromhome wells (also considered private drinking watersources). It describes types of activities in your areathat can create threats to your water supply. It alsodescribes problems to look for and offers maintenancesuggestions. Sources for more information and helpare also listed.

All of us need clean water to drink. We can go forweeks without food, but only days without water.Contaminated water can be a threat to anyone’shealth, but especially to young children.

About 15 percent of Americans have their own sourcesof drinking water, such as wells, cisterns, and springs.Unlike public drinking water systems serving manypeople, they do not have experts regularly checkingthe water’s source and its quality before it is sentthrough pipes to the community.

To help protect families with their own wells, almost allstates license or register water-well installers. Most alsohave construction standards for home wells. In addition,some city and county health departments have localrules and permitting. All this helps make sure the well isbuilt properly. But what about checking to see that it isworking correctly and the water is always healthy todrink? That is the job of the well owner, and it takessome work and some knowledge.

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Drinking Water From Household Wells


What Is Ground Water AndHow Can It Be Polluted?

Ground water is a resource found underthe earth’s surface. Most ground watercomes from rain and melting snowsoaking into the ground. Water fills thespaces between rocks and soils, makingan “aquifer”. (See Watershed Graphic.)About half of our nation’s drinkingwater comes from ground water. Most issupplied through public drinking watersystems. But many families rely onprivate, household wells and use groundwater as their source of fresh water.

Ground water — its depth from thesurface, quality for drinking water, andchance of being polluted — varies fromplace to place. Generally, the deeperthe well, the better the ground water.The amount of new water flowing intothe area also affects ground waterquality.

Ground water may contain somenatural impurities or contaminants,even with no human activity or pollu-tion. Natural contaminants can comefrom many conditions in the watershedor in the ground. Water movingthrough underground rocks and soilsmay pick up magnesium, calcium andchlorides. Some ground water naturallycontains dissolved elements such asarsenic, boron, selenium, or radon, agas formed by the natural breakdownof radioactive uranium in soil. Whetherthese natural contaminants are healthproblems depends on the amount ofthe substance present.

In addition to natural contaminants,ground water is often polluted byhuman activities such as

• Improper use of fertilizers, animalmanures, herbicides, insecticides,and pesticides

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A “watershed” is the landarea where water soaksthrough the earth fillingan underground watersupply or aquifer. It isalso called a rechargearea. The “water table” isthe line below which theground is saturated orfilled with water andavailable for pumping.The water table will fallduring dry seasons. Awell can pump waterfrom either the saturatedzone or an aquifer. Wellsmust be deep enough toremain in the saturatedzone.

Impermeable Rock

Aquifer

Ocean

Precipitation

Recharge AreaWaterTable


• Improperly built or poorly locatedand/or maintained septic systemsfor household wastewater

• Leaking or abandoned undergroundstorage tanks and piping

• Storm-water drains that dischargechemicals to ground water

• Improper disposal or storage ofwastes

• Chemical spills at local industrialsites

These problems are discussed ingreater detail later in this brochure.

Suburban growth is bringing busi-nesses, factories and industry (andpotential sources of pollution) intoonce rural areas where families oftenrely on household wells. Growth is alsopushing new home developments ontothe edge of rural and agriculturalareas. Often municipal water and

sewer lines do not extend to theseareas. Many new houses rely on wellsand septic tanks. But the people buyingthem may not have any experienceusing these systems.

Most U.S. ground water is safe forhuman use. However, ground watercontamination has been found in all 50states, so well owners have reason tobe vigilant in protecting their watersupplies. Well owners need to be awareof potential health problems. Theyneed to test their water regularly andmaintain their wells to safeguard theirfamilies’ drinking water.

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The hydrologic cycle isthe natural process ofrain and snow falling toearth and evaporatingback to form clouds andfall again. The waterfalling to earth flows intostreams, rivers, lakes andinto the soil collecting toform groundwater.

Groundwater Flow

Evaporation

Sleet, Snow, or Rain


Quick Reference List of Noticeable Problems

Visible• Scale or scum from calcium or magnesium salts in water• Unclear/turbid water from dirt, clay salts, silt or rust in water• Green stains on sinks or faucets caused by high acidity• Brown-red stains on sinks, dishwasher, or clothes in wash points to

dissolved iron in water• Cloudy water that clears upon standing may have air bubbles from poorly

working pump or problem with filters.

Tastes• Salty or brackish taste from high sodium content in water• Alkali/soapy taste from dissolved alkaline minerals in water• Metallic taste from acidity or high iron content in water• Chemical taste from industrial chemicals or pesticides

Smell• A rotten egg odor can be from dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas or certain

bacteria in your water. If the smell only comes with hot water it is likelyfrom a part in your hot water heater.

• A detergent odor and water that foams when drawn could be seepagefrom septic tanks into your ground water well.

• A gasoline or oil smell indicates fuel oil or gasoline likely seeping from atank into the water supply

• Methane gas or musty/earthy smell from decaying organic matter in water• Chlorine smell from excessive chlorination.

Note: Many serious problems (bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, radon, andmany chemicals) can only be found by laboratory testing of water.

Where Do Ground WaterPollutants Come From?

Understanding and spotting possiblepollution sources is important. It’s thefirst step to safeguard drinking waterfor you and your family. Some threatscome from nature. Naturally occurringcontaminants such as minerals canpresent a health risk. Other potentialsources come from past or presenthuman activity — things that we do,

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make, and use — such as mining,farming and using chemicals. Some ofthese activities may result in thepollution of the water we drink.

Several sources of pollution are easy tospot by sight, taste, or smell. (See “QuickReference List.), however many seriousproblems can only be found by testingyour water. Knowing the possible threatsin your area will help you decide on thekind of tests you need.


What are Some NaturallyOccurring Sources of Pollution?

Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses,parasites and other microorganismsare sometimes found in water. Shallowwells — those with water close toground level — are at most risk.Runoff, or water flowing over the landsurface, may pick up these pollutantsfrom wildlife and soils. This is oftenthe case after flooding. Some of theseorganisms can cause a variety ofillnesses. Symptoms include nauseaand diarrhea. These can occur shortlyafter drinking contaminated water. Theeffects could be short-term yet severe(similar to food poisoning) or mightrecur frequently or develop slowly overa long time.

Radionuclides: Radionuclides areradioactive elements such as uraniumand radium. They may be present inunderlying rock and ground water.Radon — a gas that is a naturalproduct of the breakdown of uraniumin the soil — can also pose a threat.Radon is most dangerous when in-haled and contributes to lung cancer.Although soil is the primary source,using household water containingRadon contributes to elevated indoorRadon levels. Radon is less dangerouswhen consumed in water, but remainsa risk to health.

Nitrates and Nitrites: Althoughhigh nitrate levels are usually due tohuman activities (see below), they maybe found naturally in ground water.They come from the breakdown ofnitrogen compounds in the soil.Flowing ground water picks them upfrom the soil. Drinking large amounts

of nitrates and nitrites is particularlythreatening to infants (for example,when mixed in formula).

Heavy Metals: Underground rocksand soils may contain arsenic, cad-mium, chromium, lead, and selenium.However, these contaminants are notoften found in household wells atdangerous levels from natural sources.

Fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in dentalhealth, so many water systems addsmall amounts to drinking water.However, excessive consumption ofnaturally occurring fluoride candamage bone tissue. High levels offluoride occur naturally in some areas.It may discolor teeth, but this is not ahealth risk.

What Human Activities CanPollute Ground water?

Bacteria and Nitrates: Thesepollutants are found in human andanimal wastes. Septic tanks can causebacterial and nitrate pollution. So canlarge numbers of farm animals. Bothseptic systems and animal manuresmust be carefully managed to preventpollution. Sanitary landfills andgarbage dumps are also sources.Children and some adults are at extrarisk when exposed to water-bornbacteria. These include the elderly andpeople whose immune systems areweak due to AIDS or treatments forcancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrateproblems. Nitrates cause a healththreat in very young infants called“blue baby” syndrome. This conditiondisrupts oxygen flow in the blood.

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Concentrated Animal FeedingOperations (CAFOs): The numberof CAFOs, often called “factory farms,”is growing. On these farms thousandsof animals are raised in a small space.The large amounts of animal wastes/manures from these farms can threatenwater supplies. Strict and carefulmanure management is needed toprevent pathogen and nutrient prob-lems. Salts from high levels of manurescan also pollute groundwater.

Heavy Metals: Activities such asmining and construction can releaselarge amounts of heavy metals intonearby ground water sources. Someolder fruit orchards may contain highlevels of arsenic, once used as apesticide. At high levels, these metalspose a health risk.

Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmersuse fertilizers and pesticides to pro-mote growth and reduce insect dam-age. These products are also used ongolf courses and suburban lawns andgardens. The chemicals in theseproducts may end up in ground water.Such pollution depends on the typesand amounts of chemicals used andhow they are applied. Local environ-mental conditions (soil types, seasonalsnow and rainfall) also affect thispollution. Many fertilizers containforms of nitrogen that can break downinto harmful nitrates. This could add toother sources of nitrates mentionedabove. Some underground agriculturaldrainage systems collect fertilizers andpesticides. This polluted water canpose problems to ground water andlocal streams and rivers. In addition,chemicals used to treat buildings andhomes for termites or other pests mayalso pose a threat. Again, the possibility

of problems depends on the amountand kind of chemicals. The types of soiland the amount of water movingthrough the soil also play a role.

Industrial Products and Wastes:Many harmful chemicals are usedwidely in local business and industry.These can become drinking waterpollutants if not well managed. Themost common sources of such prob-lems are:

• Local Businesses: These includenearby factories, industrial plants,and even small businesses such asgas stations and dry cleaners. Allhandle a variety of hazardouschemicals that need careful manage-ment. Spills and improper disposalof these chemicals or of industrialwastes can threaten ground watersupplies.

• Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping:Petroleum products, chemicals, andwastes stored in undergroundstorage tanks and pipes may end upin the ground water. Tanks andpiping leak if they are constructed orinstalled improperly. Steel tanks andpiping corrode with age. Tanks areoften found on farms. The possibilityof leaking tanks is great on old,abandoned farm sites. Farm tanksare exempt from the EPA rules forpetroleum and chemical tanks.

• Landfills and Waste Dumps: Modernlandfills are designed to contain anyleaking liquids. But floods can carrythem over the barriers. Olderdumpsites may have a wide variety

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of pollutants that can seep intoground water.

Household Wastes: Improperdisposal of many common products canpollute ground water. These includecleaning solvents, used motor oil,paints, and paint thinners. Even soapsand detergents can harm drinkingwater. These are often a problem fromfaulty septic tanks and septic leachingfields.

Lead & Copper: Household plumb-ing materials are the most commonsource of lead and copper in homedrinking water. Corrosive water maycause metals in pipes or soldered jointsto leach into your tap water. Yourwater’s acidity or alkalinity (oftenmeasured as pH) greatly affectscorrosion. Temperature and mineralcontent also affect how corrosive it is.

They are often used in pipes, solder, orplumbing fixtures. Lead can causeserious damage to the brain, kidneys,nervous system, and red blood cells.The age of plumbing materials — inparticular, copper pipes soldered withlead — is also important. Even inrelatively low amounts these metalscan be harmful. EPA rules under theSafe Drinking Water Act limit lead indrinking water to 15 parts per billion.Since 1988 the Act only allows “leadfree” pipe, solder, and flux in drinkingwater systems. The law covers bothnew installations and repairs ofplumbing. For more information onavoiding lead in drinking water, visitthe EPA Website at www.epa.gov/safewater/Pubs/lead1.html

Water Treatment Chemicals:Improper handling or storage of water-well treatment chemicals (disinfec-tants, corrosion inhibitors, etc.) closeto your well can cause problems.

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LocalIndustry

HouseholdWastes

Landfills

Pesticides and Fertilizers

LivestockWastes

SepticTank

UndergroundStorage Tanks

Septic tanks are deignedto have a “leach field”around them — an areawhere wastewater flowsout of the tank. Thiswastewater can alsomove into the groundwater


Should I Be Concerned?

You should be aware because the SafeDrinking Water Act does not protectprivate wells. EPA’s rules only apply to“public drinking water systems” —government or privately run companiessupplying water to 25 people or 15service connections. While most statesregulate private household wells, mosthave limited rules. Individual wellowners have primary responsibility forthe safety of the water drawn fromtheir wells. They do not benefit fromthe government’s health protections forwater systems serving many families.These must comply with federal andstate regulations for frequent analysis,testing, and reporting of results.

Instead, household well owners shouldrely on help from local health depart-ments. They may help you with yearlytesting for bacteria and nitrates. Theymay also oversee the placement andconstruction of new wells to meet stateand local regulations. Most have rulesabout locating drinking water wellsnear septic tanks, drain fields, andlivestock. But remember, the finalresponsibility for constructing yourwell correctly, protecting it frompollution, and maintaining it falls onyou, the well owner.

How Much Risk Can I Expect?

The risk of having problems dependson how good your well is — how wellit was built and located, and how wellyou maintain it. It also depends onyour local environment. That includesthe quality of the aquifer from whichyou draw your water and the humanactivities going on in your area that canaffect your well water.

Some questions to consider in protect-ing your drinking water and maintain-ing your well are:

• What distance should my well befrom sources of human wastes suchas septic systems?

• How far should it be from animalfeedlots or manure spreading?

• What are the types of soil andunderlying rocks? Does water floweasily or collect on the surface?

• How deep must a well be dug toavoid seasonal changes in groundwater supply?

• What activities in my area (farming,mining, industry) might affect mywell?

• What is the age of my well, itspump, and other parts?

• Is my water distribution systemprotected from cross connectionsand backflow problems?

What Should I Do?

Listed below are the six basic steps youshould take to maintain the safety ofyour drinking water. After the list you’llfind “how to” suggestions for eachpoint to help you protect your well andyour drinking water.

1. Identify potential problem sources2. Talk with ”local experts”3. Have your water tested periodically.4. Have the test results interpreted and

explained clearly.5. Set a regular maintenance schedule

for your well, do the scheduledmaintenance and keep accurate,up-to-date records.

6. Remedy any problems.

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Protecting Your Ground Water Supply

When Building, Modifying Or Closing A Well• Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction or modification• Slope well area so surface runoff drains away• When closing a well:

– Do not cut off the well casing below the land surface– Hire a certified well contractor to fill or seal the well

Preventing Problems• Install a locking well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized use of,

or entry into, the well• Do not mix or use pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and

other pollutants near the well• Never dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells• Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local

health department• Never dispose of hazardous materials in a septic system• Take care in working or mowing around your well

Maintaining Your Well• Each month check visible parts of your system for problems such as:

– Cracking or corrosion,– Broken or missing well cap,– Settling and cracking of surface seals

• Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and othercontaminants

• Keep accurate records in a safe place, including:– Construction contract or report– Maintenance records, such as disinfection or sediment removal– Any use of chemicals in the well– Water testing results

After A Flood — Concerns And Advisories• Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock• Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick• Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the

pump• After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear

to rid the well of flood water• If the water does not run clear, get advice from the county or state health

department or extension service• For additional information go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/

whatdo.htm


1. How Can I Spot PotentialProblems?

The potential for pollution enteringyour well is affected by its placementand construction — how close is yourwell to potential sources of pollution?Local agricultural and industrialactivities, your area’s geology andclimate also matter. This documentincludes a checklist to help you findpotential problems with your well.Take time to review it in the boxlabeled “Protecting Your Ground waterSupply.” Because ground water con-tamination is usually localized, the bestway to identify potential contaminantsis to consult a local expert. For ex-ample, talk with a geologist at a localcollege or someone from a nearbypublic water system. They’ll knowabout conditions in your area. (Seeitem # 5)

2. Have Your Well Water Tested

Test your water every year for totalcoliform bacteria, nitrates, totaldissolved solids, and pH levels. If yoususpect other contaminants, test forthese also. Chemical tests can beexpensive. Limit them to possibleproblems specific to your situation.Again, local experts can tell you aboutpossible impurities in your area.

Often county health departments dotests for bacteria and nitrates. For othersubstances, health departments,environmental offices, or countygovernments should have a list of statecertified laboratories. Your StateLaboratory Certification Officer canalso provide one. Call EPA’s SafeDrinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791, for the name and phone numberof your state’s certification officer.

Before taking a sample, contact the labthat will perform your tests. Ask forinstructions and sampling bottles.Follow the instructions carefully so youwill get correct results. The first step isgetting a good water sample. It is alsoimportant to follow advice aboutstoring the samples. Ask how soon theymust be taken to the lab for testing.These instructions can be very differentfor each substance being tested.

Remember to test your water afterreplacing or repairing any part of thewell system (piping, pump, or the wellitself.) Also test if you notice a changein your water’s look, taste, or smell.The chart below (“Reasons to Test YourWater”) will help you spot problems.The last five problems listed are not animmediate health concern, but theycan make your water taste bad, mayindicate problems, and could affectyour system long term.

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Reasons to Test Your Water

Conditions or Nearby Activities: Test for:

Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria

Household plumbing contains lead pH, lead, copper

Radon in indoor air or region Radonis radon rich

Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead

Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria

Coal or other mining Metals, pH, corrosionoperations nearby

Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium

Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, Volatile organic compounds, totalgas station, or dry- cleaning dissolved solids, pH, sulfate,operation nearby chloride, metals

Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and Volatile organic compoundsnear gas staion or buried fuel tanks

Objectionable taste or smell Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals

Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese

Salty taste and seawater, or a Chloride, total dissolved solids,heavily salted roadway nearby sodium

Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather Hardness

Rapid wear of water pH, corrosiontreatment equipment

Water softener needed to Manganese, irontreat hardness

Water appears cloudy, frothy, Color, detergentsor colored

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3. Understanding Your TestResults

Have your well water tested for anypossible contaminants in your area.Use a state-approved testing lab. (Seebelow for sources of approved labora-tories.) Do not be surprised if a lot ofsubstances are found and reported toyou.

The amount of risk from a drinkingwater contaminant depends on thespecific substance and the amount inthe water. The health of the person alsomatters. Some contaminant causeimmediate and severe effects. It maytake only one bacterium or virus tomake a weak person sick. Anotherperson may not be affected. For veryyoung children, taking in high levels ofnitrate over a relatively short period oftime can be very dangerous. Manyother contaminants pose a long-term orchronic threat to your health — a littlebit consumed regularly over a longtime could cause health problems suchas trouble having children and othereffects.

EPA drinking water rules for publicwater systems aim to protect peoplefrom both short and long term healthhazards. The amounts of contaminantsallowed are based on protecting peopleover a lifetime of drinking water. Publicwater systems are required to test theirwater regularly before delivery. Theyalso treat it so that it meets drinkingwater standards, notify customers ifwater does not meet standards andprovide annual water quality reports.

Compare your well’s test results tofederal and state drinking waterstandards. (You can find these stan-dards at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html or call the Safe DrinkingWater Hotline 800-426-4791.) In somecases, the laboratory will give a veryhelpful explanation. But you may haveto rely on other experts to aid you inunderstanding the results.

The following organizations may beable to help:

• The state agency that licenses water-well contractors can help youunderstand your test results. It willalso provide information on wellconstruction and protection of yourwater supply. The agency is usuallylocated in the state capital or othermajor city. It is often part of thedepartment of health or environ-mental protection. Check the blue“government pages” of your localphone book or call the AmericanGround Water Trust at (614) 761-2215 or the EPA Hotline at (800)426-4791 for your licensing agency’sphone number.

• The local health department andagricultural agents can help youunderstand the test results. Theywill have information on any knownthreats to drinking water in yourarea. They can also give you sugges-tions about how to protect your wellwater.

• The state drinking water programcan also help. You can compare yourwell’s water to the state’s standardsfor public water systems. Stateprograms are usually located in thestate capital or another major city.They are often part of the depart-ment of health or environmental

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regulation. Again, consult the blue“government pages” in your localphone book for the address andphone number or call or the EPAHotline — (800) 426-4791.

• The Safe Drinking Water Hotline at(800) 426-4791, mentioned above— can help in many ways. TheHotline can provide a listing ofcontaminants public water systemsmust test for. EPA also has copies ofhealth advisories prepared forspecific drinking water contami-nants. The EPA Hotline staff canexplain the federal regulations thatapply to public water systems. Theycompare your lab results to thefederal standards. In addition, theycan give you the phone number andaddress of your state drinking waterprogram, and of your state labora-tory certification officer. That officercan send you a list of approved labsin your area.

4. Well Construction andMaintenance

Proper well construction and continuedmaintenance are keys to the safety ofyour water supply. Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, localhealth department, or local watersystem professional can provideinformation on well construction. (Seethe two graphics below. One showsthree types of well locations and howsurface water drains. The other lists thedistances from the well to guardagainst possible sources of pollution.)

Water-well drillers and pump-wellinstallers are listed in your localphone directory. The contractorshould be bonded and insured. Makecertain your ground water contractoris registered or licensed in your state,if required. If your state does nothave a licensing/registration programcontact the National Ground WaterAssociation. They have a voluntary

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GOOD FAIR POOR The well should belocated so rainwaterflows away from it.Rainwater can pick upharmful bacteria andchemicals on the land’ssurface. If this waterpools near your well, itcan seep into it, poten-tially causing healthproblems.


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certification program for contractors.(In fact, some states use theAssociation’s exams as their test forlicensing.) For a list of certified con-tractors in your state contact theAssociation at (614) 898-7791 or (800)551-7379. There is no cost for mailingor faxing the list to you.

Many homeowners tend to forget thevalue of good maintenance untilproblems reach crisis levels. That canbe expensive. It’s better to maintainyour well, find problems early, andcorrect them to protect your well’sperformance. Keep up-to-date recordsof well installation and repairs pluspumping and water tests. Such recordscan help spot changes and possibleproblems with your water system. Ifyou have problems, ask a local expertto check your well construction andmaintenance records. He or she can seeif your system is okay or needs work.

The graphic on the next page shows agood example of an animal-proof capor seal and the casing of a well.

Protect your own well area. Be carefulabout storage and disposal of house-hold and lawn care chemicals andwastes. Good farmers and gardenersminimize the use of fertilizers andpesticides. Take steps to reduce erosionand prevent surface water runoff.Regularly check underground storagetanks that hold home heating oil,diesel, or gasoline. Make sure your wellis protected from the wastes of live-stock, pets, and wildlife.

5. Talk With Local Experts

Good sources of information andadvice can be found close to home. Thelist below tells about some “localexperts”:

• The local health department’sregistered “sanitarian” is a healthspecialist. He or she likely knows themost about any problems withprivate wells.

50 ft.Septic Tanks

50 ft.Livestock YardsSilos Septic Leach Fields

100 ft.Petroleum TanksLiquid-Tight Manure StoragePesticide and Fertilizer Storage and Handling

250 ft.Manure Stacks

To keep your well safe,you must be surepossible sources ofcontamination are notclose by. Experts suggestthese separationdistances as a minimumfor protection — farther isbetter.


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• Local water-well contractors can tellyou about well drilling and construc-tion. They are also familiar withlocal geology and water conditions.Look in the yellow pages of yourphone book or contact the agency inyour state that licenses water wellcontractors. Call the NationalGround Water Association (NGWA)at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 551-7379 to find NGWA-certified water-well contractors in your area.

• Officials at the nearest public watersystem may explain any threats tolocal drinking water and may bedeveloping plans to address poten-tial threats. They may advise you ontaking samples and understandingtests done on your water. Ask thelocal health department or look inyour phone book for the name andaddress of the closest system.

• Local county extension agents willknow about local farming andforestry activities that can affectyour water. They may also haveinformation about water testing.

• The Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) replaced the oldU.S. Soil Conservation Service. It ispart of the U.S. Department ofAgriculture. The NRCS and the U.S.Geological Survey have informationabout local soils and ground water.They can tell you where a localwater supply is located and how it isrecharged or replenished. Theywould know of any pollution threatsand if radon is a problem in thearea. Look for both in the blue pagesof your local phone book.

• Local or county planning commis-sions can be good sources. Theyknow about past and present landuses in your area that affect water.

• Your public library may also haverecords and maps that can provideuseful information. Nearby collegesand universities have research armsthat can provide facts and expertise.They may also have a testing lab.

ScreenedVent

Vermin-ProofCap or Seal

18-inches

An animal or verminproof cap preventsrodents from enteringyour well, being trappedand dying. Paving aroundyour well will preventpolluted runoff fromseeping into your watersupply.


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6. Fix Problems Immediately

If you find that your well water ispolluted, fix the problem as soon aspossible. You may need to disinfectyour water, have a new well drilled,replumb or repair your system. Con-sider hooking into a nearby communitywater system (if one is available). Ifyou have a new well drilled or connectto a community water system, the oldwell must be closed properly. Consult“local experts” for help. You mightconsider installing a water treatmentdevice to remove impurities. Informa-tion about treatment devices can beobtained from the following sources:

Water Quality AssociationP.O. Box 6064151 Naperville RoadLisle, IL 60532www.wqa.org

National Sanitation FoundationP.O. Box 130140789 N Dixboro RoadAnn Arbor, MI 48113-0140(734) 769-8010, (800) NSF-MARKwww.nsf.org

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(to visit in person)Office of Water Resource Center1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWAriel Rios BuildingWashington, DC 20460Phone: (202) 260-7786

Monday through Friday,except federal holidays,8:30AM – 4:30PM ET

E-mail address:[email protected]

There are many home water treatmentdevices. Different types remove differentpollutants or impurities. No onedevice does it all. Also, you mustcarefully maintain your home treatmentdevice so your water stays safe. For moreinformation, get a copy of EPA’s pam-phlet, “Home Water Treatment Units”from the U.S. EPA Resource Center orcall the Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Find Out More

To find out more about your watershedand its ground water visit “Surf YourWatershed” at www.epa.gov/surf. Alsolook at the “Index of WatershedIndicators” at www.epa.gov/iwi. Thesewebsites can also tell you possiblesources of problems. Companies withpermits to release their wastewaters inyour area are listed. You can see if theymeet pollution control laws. You canalso learn how your watershed com-pares to others in the country.

The U.S. Department of Agricultureand EPA support a program to helpfarmers, ranchers and ruralhomeowners. Called Farm*A*Syst orHome*A*Syst, it helps identify andsolve environmental problems, includ-ing protecting drinking water. Obtain acopy of the Home*A*Syst question-naire/checklist that can help you findpossible threats to your water supplyfrom:

National Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*SystProgram303 Hiram Smith Hall1545 Observatory DriveMadison, WI 53706


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Ph: 608.262.0024, Fax: [email protected]

For more information on current andfuture federal drinking water standardsand for general information on drinkingwater topics and issues, contact the EP Aat www.epa.gov/safewater or at:

U .S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Ground Water andDrinking Water1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20460

Or call:

The Safe Drinking Water Hotline(800) 426-4791The hotline operates from 9:00 AM to5:30 PM (EST)The hotline can be accessedon the Internet atwww.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html

You can get a list of Federal drinkingwater standards from the EPA website.In addition, the EPA Office of GroundWater and Drinking Water giveschemical and health risk informationfor a number of drinking water prob-lems through its Safe Drinking WaterHotline (800) 426-4791. This informa-tion is also on the internet atwww.epa.gov/safewater. If you do nothave a computer, most public librariesoffer internet access. Even thoughfederal standards do not apply tohousehold wells, you can use them as aguide to potential problems in yourwater. Be aware that many states havetheir own drinking water standards.Some are stricter than the federalrules. To get your state standards,contact your state drinking waterprogram or local health department.

Other sources of information include:

Ground Water Protection Councilhttp://gwpc.site.net

American Water WorksAssociationwww.awwa.org

National Rural WaterAssociationwww.nrwa.org

National Drinking WaterClearinghousewww.estd. wvu.edu/ndwc

Rural CommunityAssistance Programwww.rcap.org

U.S. Geological Surveywater.usgs.gov

U.S. Department of AgricultureNatural ResourcesConservation Servicewww.nrcs.usda.gov

Water Systems Councilwww.watersystemscouncil.org


18

Definitions

Aquifer – An underground formationor group of formations in rocks andsoils containing enough groundwater to supply wells and springs.

Backflow – A reverse flow in waterpipes. A difference in water pres-sures pulls water from sources otherthan the well into a home’s watersystem, for example waste water orflood water. Also called backsiphonage.

Bacteria – Microscopic livingorganisms; some are helpful andsome are harmful. “Good” bacteriaaid in pollution control by consum-ing and breaking down organicmatter and other pollutants in septicsystems, sewage, oil spills, and soils.However, “bad” bacteria in soil,water, or air can cause human,animal, and plant health problems.

Confining layer – Layer of rock thatkeeps the ground water in theaquifer below it under pressure.This pressure creates springs andhelps supply water to wells.

Contaminant – Anything found inwater (including microorganisms,minerals, chemicals, radionuclides,etc.) which may be harmful tohuman health.

Cross-connection – Any actual orpotential connection between adrinking (potable) water supply anda source of contamination.

Heavy metals – Metallic elementswith high atomic weights, such as,mercury chromium cadmium,arsenic, and lead. Even at low levelsthese metals can damage livingthings. They do not break down ordecompose and tend to build up inplants, animals, and people causinghealth concerns.

Leaching field – The entire areawhere many materials (includingcontaminants) dissolve in rain,snowmelt, or irrigation water andare filtered through the soil.

Microorganisms – Also calledmicrobes. Very tiny life forms suchas bacteria, algae, diatoms, para-sites, plankton, and fungi. Some cancause disease.

Nitrates – Plant nutrient andfertilizer that enters water supplysources from fertilizers, animal feedlots, manures, sewage, septicsystems, industrial wastewaters,sanitary landfills, and garbagedumps.

Protozoa – One-celled animals,usually microscopic, that are largerand more complex than bacteria.May cause disease.


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Radon – A colorless, odorlessnaturally occurring radioactive gasformed by the breakdown or decayof radium or uranium in soil orrocks like granite. Radon is fairlysoluble in water, so well water maycontain radon.

Radionuclides – Distinct radioactiveparticles coming from both naturalsources and human activities. Canbe very long lasting as soil or waterpollutants.

Recharge area – The land areathrough or over which rainwaterand other surface water soaksthrough the earth to replenish anaquifer, lake, stream, river, or marsh.Also called a watershed.

Saturated zone – The undergroundarea below the water table where allopen spaces are filled with water. Awell placed in this zone will be ableto pump ground water.

Unsaturated zone – The area abovethe ground water level or watertable where soil pores are not fullysaturated, although some water maybe present.

Viruses – Submicroscopic disease-causing organisms that grow onlyinside living cells.

Watershed – The land area thatcatches rain or snow and drains itinto a local water body (such as ariver, stream, lake, marsh, oraquifer) and affects its flow, and thelocal water level. Also called arecharge area.

Water table – The upper level of thesaturated zone. This level variesgreatly in different parts of thecountry and also varies seasonallydepending on the amount of rainand snowmelt.

Well cap – A tight-fitting, vermin-proof seal designed to preventcontaminants from flowing downinside of the well casing.

Well casing – The tubular lining of awell. Also a steel or plastic pipeinstalled during construction toprevent collapse of the well hole.

Wellhead – The top-of a structurebuilt over a well. Term also used forthe source of a well or stream.

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