Heavy snow and flooding can potentially lead to contamination of water wells.

(WESTERVILLE, OH — May 2, 2023) The National Ground Water Association is urging private water well owners to have their systems inspected by a certified water well contractor as they approach the spring and summer seasons. The National Ground Water Association recommends an annual inspection of all private water systems.

Routine inspection of a water well can help ensure it is operating properly, prolong its useful life, and, most importantly, detect possible water quality issues that may lead to health risks.

Because winter storms and spring flooding can lead to contamination and damage to private water systems, early spring is an ideal time to perform the recommended annual inspection. According to NGWA, the rise of emerging contaminants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) — have made these inspections especially important.

According to NGWA, annual water well inspections should include:

• A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping, pump motor performance, and pressure tank and pressure switch contact
• An inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements
• A test of your water for coliform bacteria, nitrates, PFAS/PFOA, and anything else of local concern; other typical additional tests are those for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor
• A concise, clear, written report, which should be delivered to you following the checkup that explains results and recommendations and includes all laboratory and other test results.

More information on private water wells, annual inspections, and how to find local contractors can be found at WellOwner.org.

WellOwner.org is operated by NGWA with support from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Certified water well contractors can be found at https://wellowner.org/find-a-contractor/.

To arrange an interview or request additional comments, please contact Ben Frech at bfrech@ngwa.org, or call (614) 898-7791, ext. 1570.

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The National Ground Water Association is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association for the global groundwater industry. Our members around the world include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The Association’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association advocating for responsible development, management, and use of water.