If you have a well, an annual well inspection should be part of your maintenance to-do list. Even if the water tastes good, lead and other contaminants can seep into the water supply and cause health problems. A well inspection is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of your drinking water.

What does a well inspection include?

Performed by a licensed and / or certified well water contractor, your annual well inspection should include several components:

• A flow test to measure water level and outlet, pump performance, tank pressure, and switch contact pressure.

• An inspection of the equipment to make sure it complies with local codes and appears safe.

• A water test for coliform bacteria and nitrates,

• Testing for any minerals known to affect water conditions in the area, such as sulfides, manganese, or iron.

• Periodic testing of pH levels or total dissolved solids,

• Additional testing if the water is cloudy or oily, if there are signs of bacterial growth on fixtures, or if the equipment is not working properly, and

• A written report that includes laboratory data, explains the results, and offers recommendations.

Helpful Information on Well Inspections

Once you receive the reports of your well inspection and any other tests that have been performed, you should keep the records and keep them in a safe place, along with the construction documents from the first time the well was dug. Most wells have a life expectancy of about 20 years or more. Having your records on hand will help you determine when you might need to replace them, and will be necessary if you sell your home.

How much can you expect to pay for a well inspection? Cost varies by area and is based on sampling methods, testing procedures, and the number of tests performed, but a homeowner can generally plan to spend between $ 150 and $ 350. A more extensive sampling of more contaminants can increase the cost.

When choosing a well inspector, it is important to use one who is licensed and certified in your state and who is familiar with local codes. The inspector must use authorized laboratories to perform analysis of various contaminants that may appear in the water.

Why should you request an annual well inspection?

You may be wondering why an annual well inspection is necessary if you have no taste, appearance, odor, or performance issues. Since your well is underground, you may not be aware of possible changes. If your home is near farms, mines, landfills, or oil or gas fields, pollutants could seep into the water. The same is true if you have spilled oil or debris in your yard, exterminated your home, have a septic tank problem, or have cracks in your sealed sanitary cap on your well.

Having an annual well inspection is the best way to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply.