I'm new to using well water and have been overwhelmed by the variety of testing recommendations out there. The county provides testing solely for bacteria, while many people in my local Facebook group say they've never tested their well and it's been fine for them. However, as a parent with a baby, I can't risk my family's health. So, for those of you who use well water, what tests do you think are essential to do each year?
3 Answers
Definitely start with bacteria testing—it's crucial for safety. Many folks suggest also testing for hardness, iron, sulfur, and other potential contaminants that could affect how safe or palatable your water is. I recommend seeking independent testing to avoid any upselling from treatment companies. The recovery rate of your well is worth checking too, as it tells you how much water you can get and how fast it comes back!
Most standard testing packages will cover multiple contaminants, so you don’t have to individually test everything if that’s overwhelming. Hardware stores also sell test kits that can check for a number of pollutants at once. Just ensure you follow the instructions correctly to get accurate results!
Your local health department is a great resource! They usually have guidelines specific to your state about what you should test for. Standard tests should cover bacteria, nitrates, metals, etc. When we tested our well, we found out we had high levels of arsenic, which was a real eye-opener. After that, we switched to bottled water until we could get a filter installed.
Wow, high arsenic levels? That sounds serious! Glad you took action on that.
Good point about the recovery rate! It's super important, especially if you rely on the well for everyday needs.