Maintaining your well system

Although a properly constructed private well normally requires little routine maintenance, these helpful tips will help protect your well system, in addition to your water supply, and keep it in good working order for years to come:

• Consider an annual well maintenance check.
• Your well should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.
• Periodically check the well cap and casing to make sure they are in good working order. A damaged casing may cause your water to become contaminated.
• Have your water tested periodically by a certified testing laboratory. The well water should be tested at the time of purchase and this is required in the state of New Jersey.
• Maintain a clean zone around your well. Do not treat the area around the well with pesticides or fertilizers and maintain proper clearances from on site septic and sewer systems.
• Keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well to allow proper drainage and prevent harmful material from entering the water system.
• Prevent the accumulation of snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.
• Keep your well records in a safe place.

Most importantly, remember that this is the water that you and your family put into your bodies. Use it wisely and ensure that it is safe with periodic testing. The installation and maintenance of filtration systems is needed in many private water supplies.