By Cynthia Taggart

Panhandle Health District

Private wells provide drinking water for more people in northern Idaho than any other source, but few check to make certain the water is healthy. Panhandle Health District encourages well owners to test their wells for contaminants as well as good construction.

“An annual checkup by a qualified water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water,” says Rick Barlow, a senior environmental health specialist with the Panhandle Health District.

A series of local aquifers provide high quality groundwater for most well owners in Boundary County.

Still, septic systems leak, animals contaminate, people sometimes dump and Nature occasionally plays tricks that can dirty well water and make families sick.

Private wells are the sole responsibility of the property owner. That means it’s up to the property owner to test the water periodically for contaminants and to make sure the well cap or well cover, which keeps out insects and rodents, is in good condition and securely attached.

Barlow checked a well that cattle had used as a scratching post.

“Cows had loosed the well cap and the top of the well inside was full of cow hair,” he said.

Preventive maintenance usually costs less than emergency maintenance. Good well maintenance can prolong the life of a well and the related equipment. The National Ground Water Association recommends people test well water whenever there is a change in taste, odor or appearance.

An annual water well checkup may include:

• A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping, pump motor performance, pressure tank and pressure switch contact and general water quality.
• A well equipment inspection to assure it’s sanitary and meets local code.
• A test of water for coliform bacteria and nitrates and, possibly, arsenic.
• Barlow recommends people protect their ground water from contamination by:
• Keeping hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer and motor oil, far aware from the well and maintaining a “clean” zone of at least 50 feet between the well and any kennels and livestock operations.
• Disposing of hazardous chemicals properly.
• Maintaining their septic systems.

For more information on well water safety, click here.