Water Well Checklist
As a well owner, you want your water to be clean, clear and safe for your family to drink. Your water may look clean and clear, but how can you be confident that it is safe? Properly constructed private water supply systems require little routine maintenance. These simple steps will help protect your system and investment.
Always use licensed well contractors by the Ministry of Environment when a water well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced. Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc. are licensed well contractors that employ licensed well technicians to perform water well service work.
An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or when the water well system is serviced.
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well to prevent contamination.
Periodically check the water well lid or cap on top of the well casing to ensure it is in good repair. If you notice any cracks or holes in the well lid, or the well cap is not properly sealed, it is a good idea to replace the well lid or cap to prevent contaminants from entering the well or freezing in the winter.
Always maintain a proper separation between your well and buildings, septic systems or chemical/waste storage facilities (garbage bin) to prevent contamination and possible health complications.
Prevent backflow or back-siphonage. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals, don’t put the garden hose inside the tank or container.
When landscaping, keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your water well for proper drainage.
Take care in working or mowing the lawn around your water well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well by allowing contaminants to enter. Don’t pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.
Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, as well as annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
Be aware of changes in your water well, the area around your well, or the water it provides.
When your water well has come to the end of its serviceable life (usually 20 years, plus), have a qualified water well contractor, such as Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc., decommission it after drilling a new well and hooking up a new system.
As a private well owner, it is your job to be well aware – to understand the basics of well maintenance and operation, and to take the necessary actions to keep your water wells in safe running order. By performing regular well inspections, you can ensure your well stays in good working order to prevent future emergencies that lead to costly repairs. If your water well does require service or maintenance, make sure you call in the licensed well experts at Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc.! We provide well drilling, well cleaning, well decommissioning, pump and pressure system services.
