National Ground Water Awareness Week is March 10-16
\nJust as you check your furnace or the batteries in your smoke detectors seasonally, spring is a good time to check the condition of your water well before the peak water use season begins.
\nHomeowners shouldn’t assume their wells are safe from one year to the next without actually inspecting them. Changes in water quality can be caused by new sources of contamination, construction defects or failures in the well or septic system.
\nNearly half of our nation’s population receives its drinking water from wells, and with that ownership comes the responsibility of keeping our wells in good working order to ensure safe, high-quality drinking water. A check of your well by a qualified water well contractor may include:
\n\u00b7 A well equipment inspection to assure it’s sanitary and meets local code.
\n\u00b7 A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, 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.
\n“An annual checkup by a qualified water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water,” says Bob Gouin, Environmental Division Director for MMDHD. “If the well begins to have mechanical issues, it is recommended that a licensed well driller or pump installer be contacted for assistance.
\nGouin also recommends that well owners:
\n\u00b7 Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, gasoline, 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.
\n\u00b7 Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, septic systems, and chemical storage areas. There should be at least fifty feet of separation from the well and any part of your septic system or a chemical storage area
\n\u00b7 Periodically check the well cover or well cap to ensure it is in good condition and securely attached to keep out insects and rodents.
\n\u00b7 Keep well records, including the construction report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results, in a safe place.
\n\u00b7 Test your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced. You may call Mid-Michigan District Health Department with questions, for testing instructions or to request a sample test kit:
\nClinton County: 989-224-2195
\nGratiot County: 989-875-3681
\nRemember that preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance – like good car maintenance – can prolong the life of your well and related equipment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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