Who is responsible for private well water testing?
Yes, as a private well owner, you are responsible for testing your well to ensure the water is safe to drink. EPA is responsible for making sure that the public water supply within the United States is safe. However, EPA does not monitor or treat private well drinking water.
Can you test your own well water?
A water testing laboratory can test your well water. The laboratory will supply the sampling bottles and can help you sample your own well. Search the Division of Drinking Water’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Map to find ELAP-accredited laboratories in your area: California ELAP Certified Laboratories GIS Map.
How often should those who have private wells test their well water?
When to have your well tested At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.
Where can I get my well water tested in Texas?
Find Public Health Laboratories in Texas Find a public-health laboratory1 nearest you on the list of accredited labs in Texas. You may also call TCEQ at 512-239-3754 and ask for this information.
Are private water wells regulated?
EPA does not regulate private wells nor does it provide recommended criteria or standards for individual wells. Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water. This website educates well owners on wells, groundwater, and information on protecting their health.
How water from a private well is typically treated to make it safe for drinking?
The Full Chlorination method kills bacteria that may be present in wells, plumbing systems and in the aquifer surrounding the well. This is the method most commonly used by well drillers for wells with persistent bacterial contamination, or for wells that have been affected by surface or flood waters.
Is it OK to have coliform in well water?
Most Coliform bacteria are harmless. If Coliform bacteria (sometimes reported as Total Coliform) are found in your well water, it is an indication that disease-causing bacteria could get in the same way.
How can you tell if water is drinkable?
If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. Most testing laboratories or services supply their own sample containers.
Are private wells safe?
Many people in the United States receive their water from private ground water wells. EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to privately owned wells. As a result, owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants.
Where do I send my water sample for testing?
You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. Most testing laboratories or services supply their own sample containers.
Who can test my drinking water?
NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program NSW Health provides free of charge testing for water supply system monitoring for indicator bacteria and health related inorganic chemicals. This program does not extend to Sydney Water Corporation or Hunter Water Corporation, which have their own laboratory services.
Which state has the most private wells?
Michigan has the most domestic well users at nearly 2.5 million people.