Month: March 2021

You’re in luck! We have a dedicated hotline to answer all your questions on wells and well water. You can reach the hotline by phone at 888-395-1033, by filling out our online form, or through our live chat feature. We also have information sheets and a Well Owner’s Manual that can help you understand how to take care of your well system.

Here are a few tips to get you started on managing your water well:

• We recommend reading our information sheet on Wells. This information sheet provides general information about wells.
• Well owners are responsible for taking care of their water well system. So it is important to test your water annually and visually inspect the exposed parts of your well system to make sure they are in good condition.
• Have your well inspected by a licensed well contractor immediately if you do not have any record of the last inspection or at least every 5 years.
• Continue reading our Well Maintenance information sheet.

Get to Know Your Water Well System!

Additional information on water wells and well water can be found in our popular Well Owner’s Manual.

Bust out the rust! 

Iron is a chemical element that is classified as a metal. It is also an essential mineral found in our bodies. Iron is common in the Earth’s crust. As water moves through soil layers it dissolves iron causing it to seep into groundwater. Iron pipes also may be a source of iron in water. Levels of iron found in drinking water are considered harmless but can be a nuisance. Even the smallest amount of iron can stain your laundry and fixtures and give your water a bitter or metallic taste.

Iron can be in soluble or oxidized form. Water with soluble iron looks clear when it comes out of the faucet but has red rust in it when left standing. Oxidized iron looks red from the tap. Iron is considered a secondary water contaminant. Continue reading about Iron & Well Water.

The not so innocent one…

Manganese is an abundant metal on Earth. It can be found in air, consumer products, food, and water. Manganese makes its way into groundwater and surface water from natural sources or from activities like mining and industrial discharges. Manganese is used in many industries, with the majority of manganese used as an alloying element in steel.

In water, manganese can look yellow, brown, or black and is often found together with iron and a low pH. Manganese can cause water to taste unpleasant and stain fixtures and water appliances throughout your home. Manganese is essential for human health. However, studies show too much manganese may cause neurological effects in children. Read more about testing and treating Manganese.

Don’t forget to take care of your septic system! A poorly maintained septic system poses a serious threat to the quality of your drinking water. The cost of pumping a septic tank is far less than the expense of replacing a drainfield clogged by solids.

We recommend the following preventive measures:

• Inspect the septic tank each year for capacity and leaks.
• Pump out the tank as needed, usually every three to five years, based on the number of people in the household and the size of the tank.
• Repair the tank or drainfield system as needed to prevent leaks into
groundwater.

Read more about your septic system and contact your septic service professional for additional recommendations and service. To locate septic service professionals in your area, try these websites NOWRA and NAWT.