Mistakes You Must Avoid When Owning A Well

10 October 2015
 Categories: Environmental, Blog


If you have never used a water well before, you may not be aware of the inherent hazards since municipal water arrives fully treated. While relying on well water can save you money, there are some mistakes you will need to avoid.

Not Testing Your Water

The only way to know if your well water is safe to drink is to have it tested regularly. The well water must be tested for pesticides and heavy metals. You must test for acidity, not only to improve the quality of the water, but to see if your filter has removed heavy metals. Talk with a professional, like Sizer Well Service, about well drilling and testing.

Not Choosing the Right Treatment System

The water treatment system that you implement must be compatible with the flow rate of your well. Different wells have different degrees of water pressure. The flow rate must be strong enough based on the listed requirements of the system.

Burying or or Covering the Well Head

If the well head is exposed, some see it as an eyesore and try to bury it when landscaping. However, by burying it, you increase the odds that the well will be exposed to contaminants such as pesticides and fertilizers.

Another approach is to try to surround the head with shrubbery or flowers to disguise it. The head is often still noticeable, but this is a better approach than completely covering it. 

Removing the Well Head

If the well cap becomes damaged, you might be tempted to remove it. Instead, you should have the well cap inspected by a qualified technician who can perform the necessary repairs. Once the cap has been removed, the well is vulnerable to insects and vermin, which can contaminate your water supply. A removed cap can also create a safety hazard for children.

Not Keeping Pet Feces Away

Do not house your pet too close to the well. If your pet defecates near the well, the feces and urine can contaminate the well water. Have your pet defecate as far away from the well head as possible.

Removing the Metal ID Tag

There is a metal ID tag that must be affixed to all drilled wells, as required by law. Often, when an owner is using a flowing well--which is a well that brings water to the surface by the natural pressure of the well--he or she may drill into the casing and accidentally damage the tag. Instead, you should hire an expert to resolve this problem.  


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