If you own a water well in the Bergen County area, preventing bacterial contamination is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s health. While the natural environment is teeming with bacteria, drinking water contaminated with certain harmful types can lead to illness. At Ackerson Pump Company, we care deeply about keeping your water clean and safe. Let’s take a look at how to tell if you have harmful bacteria in your well and what you can do to prevent contamination.
What Are Coliform Bacteria?
Nature is full of bacteria. Because of this, it’s not possible to test for every harmful type of organism that exists. To solve this problem, professionals test for coliform bacteria in your water well.
So, what exactly are coliform bacteria? They’re found near the ground’s surface and rarely go deep below it. If the test finds these bacteria, it could mean surface contamination has reached your well. It could also contain harmful disease-causing microorganisms.
How to Prevent Harmful Bacterial Growth
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your well water from bacterial contamination.
1. Place the Well in the Right Spot
The location of your well plays a critical role in preventing problems. Make sure your well is far from common sources of pollution, like:
- Septic tanks
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Animal feedlots
- Pet enclosures
At Ackerson Pump Company, we’ve been performing professional water well installation since 1969. If you have questions about well placement, we can help.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Well Regularly
Regular well maintenance checks are key to avoiding problems before they start. A water well professional can check for:
- Cracks, corrosion, or other structural damage
- Soil erosion around the well
- Proper well cap sealing
We recommend contacting us for maintenance checks once a year because, unfortunately, neglecting these small issues over time can increase the risk of harmful bacteria growth.
3. Keep Pets and Wildlife Away from the Well
It might seem harmless for your pets to roam near your well, but their waste can introduce harmful bacteria to your water source. Always keep animals at a safe distance from your well area.
4. Test Your Water Regularly
To ensure safety, have your water tested yearly for coliform bacteria and other contaminants. If you notice unusual smells, tastes, or colors in your water, call us right away.
Trust Ackerson Pump Company for Your Water Well Needs
Whether you’re considering a new water well installation or need a reliable company for water well repair, inspection, or maintenance, Ackerson Pump Company is the trusted choice in Bergen County, Morris County, Passaic County, Sussex County, and Warren County areas. With a commitment to quality and safety, we’ll help make sure your water is the best it can be.
Preventing bacterial contamination may seem daunting, but with the proper water well contractor, you can enjoy clean, safe water for years to come. To connect with the Bergen County water well experts, contact Ackerson Pump Company at (973) 827-6088 today!