Groundwater is one of our most important resources and is essential to the health and well-being of residents and the environment. We all must do our part to protect this valuable resource; and for well owners, that means making sure wells are in good working order.
As with most things, preventative maintenance is usually less costly than emergency maintenance, and a water well is certainly no exception.
A routine check of your well by a qualified contractor can prolong the life of your well and is the best way to ensure problem-free service and high quality water. The check may include an equipment inspection to assure it is sanitary and meets local code, as well as a test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of concern.
MMDHD recommends that well owners:
– Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a “clean” zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels and livestock operations
– Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas
– Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached
– Test their water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced
– Properly store hazardous household substances in secure containers
– Mix hazardous household substances over concrete or asphalt where they can be cleaned up or absorbed
– Dispose of hazardous household wastes at an appropriate waste disposal facility
– Do not put medications or hazardous household wastes down the drain or in the toilet
– If you own a septic system, service it according to local health department recommendations
– If you have a water well, get a yearly maintenance check
Contact MMDHD with any well related questions, or to inquire about available services, such as well sampling and site visits at 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County, or 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.
For more information, please visit the National Groundwater Association’s website at www.ngwa.org.