Month: May 2021

Water you giving to the next generation?

by

When someone says drought, do you think about the water coming out of your taps, groundwater, or your well water? Don’t take water for granted! Just because it is there now, doesn’t mean it will be there in the future.

Drought is a period of drier than normal conditions (low or no rain or snow!) that result in water-related problems. Drought can last for months or years or may be declared after as few as 15 days. Many areas face serious regional water shortages because water is being used faster than it can be replenished naturally. Water conservation can help well owners secure their drinking water supply, save money, and protect the environment. Don’t wait until a prolonged drought creates a water emergency. Consider measures today to preserve your water supply.

Download our information sheets on Drought and Your Well and Water Conservation to learn about steps you can take. For more tips search #conservewater #savewater and #waterconservation on our social media pages.

Hotline HOT Topic: What products can I use with a water well system?

by

Before you do your summer chores, you should read more…

As the weather gets warmer in most of the country, you will be spending more time outdoors. Our wellcare® Hotline has received several calls on what products are okay to use near or with a water well system.

The easiest answer is, do not use chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers can reach aquifers through the soil by way of rain or snow recharge. Not using chemicals may not always be realistic, but we have put together some tips to help lower the risk of contamination to your drinking water:

Outdoors

The concern – Proper storage and disposal of products and using chemicals near your well.

  • Storing/disposing of chemicals– If you have open containers, store them as far away from your well as possible (at least 100ft.), in their original container with labels intact, and tightly closed. Clean up any spills immediately. Bring unwanted pesticides to your local household hazardous waste collection program. Try using earth911.com to find locations near you where you can recycle.
  • Car washing– Choose non-toxic, biodegradable soap that is free of phosphates, fragrance, chlorine, and petroleum-based ingredients. Avoid using acid-based wheel cleaners. Wash and rinse your car away from your well.
  • Lawn care– Fertilizers can be beneficial to your lawn and garden. However, many fertilizers contain nitrogen, which can convert to harmful nitrate. There are several alternatives to chemical fertilizers available at most garden centers that use natural materials to enrich soil.
  • Pest control– Pesticides can contaminate water resources, so it is best to use natural products like citrus peels, cucumbers, vinegar, traps, essential oils, or plant herbs like peppermint. The list of remedies seems endless!
  • Weeds– It may be easier to use weed killer, but it isn’t the safest option. Instead, try pulling the weeds, spot treat with salt, lemon juice (just don’t accidentally spray your flowers or lawn), vinegar, or boiling water.

Indoors

The concern – Anything that goes down the drain if you have a septic system. We recommend not using bleach products as this can kill the good bacteria in your septic. In turn, if the septic doesn’t work properly in can contaminate groundwater – your well water! You will also want to be careful with cleaning products that contain bleach as well.

For more tips on what not to put down the drain, read our information sheet on Your Septic System.

Summer Well Concerns

by

Emergencies & Disasters

The official Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th. In the eastern North Pacific, the official season started May 15th and ends November 30th. Tornadoes, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and wildfires can also occur throughout the summer. We want to make sure you are ready for anything mother nature sends your way.

Our Emergencies page on our website has everything you need before and after storms hit. View our wellcare® information sheets including our Emergencies & Disasters and Wells, videos, and use the interactive map to access agencies and well professionals within your state or province that can help.

The wellcare® Hotline can also help! Our water well experts are available to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need to maintain a safe water well supply. Contact us by calling 888-395-1033, send us an email, or chat with us live. The Hotline is available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET.

Managing a Flooded Well

If you live in an area that experiences floods, your water well may be in danger of contamination from pollutants carried by flood water or at risk of shock from water-logged well equipment.

Here are some immediate steps you should follow after a flood:

  • Do not drink or wash with your well water. You could get sick from contaminants washed into the well by the flood.
  • Do not turn on the well pump. There is a danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if they were flooded.
  • Contact your water well contractor for help in dealing with the impacts of the flood on your water quality and well system.

Read more about Managing a Flooded Well.

You should suspect water contamination any time your well casing becomes flooded. For instance, if your well is shallow and you are near areas that have been flooded, if you notice a change in taste or color of your water, or there is sediment in your water. Testing your water is the only way to ensure your water is safe. Learn more about water testing.