The Well of Health: Your 4-Step Guide to Cleaner Well Water

When it comes to having access to basic necessities, it can be easy to take things for granted. At Ackerson Pump Company, we’re here to remind you that if you own a water well in Bergen County and the surrounding area, it’s vital to keep your water supply clean. And the task is not as complicated as it may seem. A water well inspection and basic well care can help keep your water safe for consumption. With the proper steps, safeguarding your groundwater can be as easy as one, two, three.

1. Annual Checks Go a Long Way

The first line of defense in making sure your drinking water is clean is to schedule regular inspections. An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is a must.

Groundwater can be susceptible to various contaminant sources, affecting its quality. According to the EPA, even naturally occurring minerals can sometimes reach harmful levels. Regular testing for nitrate and certain forms of bacteria, especially after nearby land disturbances, can ensure safer drinking water for your family.

Don’t wait until there’s a change in taste, odor, or appearance in your water or after your water supply system needs servicing. Regular preventative maintenance is key.

2. Hazardous Chemicals Can Spell Trouble

Second, guard your well against hazardous chemicals. This may seem basic, but it’s worth mentioning since they significantly threaten the purity of your well water. Stash away materials like paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil. Keeping them far from your water well reduces the risks of contamination.

Another factor to consider is ensuring rainwater runoff does not flow towards the well, potentially carrying harmful chemicals. According to the EPA, contaminants from pesticides and fertilizers can infiltrate your well water, posing health risks to people who drink from the system.

3. Regular Assessments Matter

Another vital step we suggest you take to maintain your water quality is to check on the physical condition of your well periodically. Pay special attention to the well cover or well cap on top of the casing to ensure it’s in good repair. A damaged well cap or cover can be an entry point for pollutants. When these are intact, debris, insects, and other contaminants are prevented from entering your water supply. The EPA stresses that even minor breaches can lead to contamination. Scheduling well service is as easy as picking up the phone. 

4. Don’t Ignore the Importance of Separation

Last but not least, remember the adage, “Good fences make good neighbors?” The same applies to your well. It’s important to separate your well, buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage facilities sufficiently.

For example, the EPA recommends that wells be located at least 50-100 feet away or more from septic tanks, livestock yards, silos, and chemical storage areas to prevent any potential contamination from seeping into the groundwater. The layout of your property might make this requirement challenging. Still, with careful planning and expert advice from specialists like Ackerson Pump Company, you can make a personalized plan for the location of the water well on your property.

Making sure your water well is safe and clean may seem daunting, but with these practical tips and the expertise of Ackerson Pump Company, it’s possible to maintain a clean water supply. After all, when it comes to water well repair and maintenance, you deserve only the best in Bergen County. For water well inspection services and more, contact Ackerson Pump Company online or at (973) 827-6088 for an appointment today!

Source: EPA. “Private Drinking Water Wells.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, 15 Feb. 2024, www.epa.gov/privatewells. 2 Apr. 2024.