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Spring brings ground thawing, rain, and runoff, which can affect your well water. It’s the perfect season to check what’s in your water and stay ahead of potential issues. From bacteria to nitrates, pH shifts, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, or iron, knowing what’s present helps protect your family and your home. Depending on your location, you might also need to keep an eye on emerging contaminants like PFAS, pesticides, or VOCs.

Water testing isn’t just a one-time task; it’s a way to track changes over time. You should also test your water after unusual events like flooding or well repairs, or anytime your water changes taste, smell, or appearance. Testing can be done through certified labs, professional services like Tap Score, or with at-home kits for quick screenings and emergencies. You can find a list of certified water testing labs here.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a record of your test results to help spot trends, monitor levels, and identify issues early.

For more information on well water testing, explore our collection of trusted resources designed specifically for private well owners. You’ll find interactive learning modules, downloadable brochures, and detailed information sheets that provide everything you need to understand your water, interpret test results, and make informed decisions about your household water supply.

Spring is more than blooming flowers and warmer days; it’s prime time for water well maintenance. As the ground thaws and seasonal rains arrive, your private well system can be affected by shifting soil, increased surface water, and winter wear and tear. A little attention now can go a long way in protecting your water quality and keeping your system running smoothly throughout the year.

Your well is tough, but not invincible. That’s why spring is the perfect time to start with an annual visual check. Take a few minutes to look over your wellhead and the surrounding area. Make sure the well cap is secure and undamaged. Check for any cracks or openings that could allow insects, rodents, or contaminants to enter. Look around the wellhead for standing water or debris, especially after heavy rains. Keep the wellhead at least 12 inches above grade, or as required by local or state codes. These simple observations can help you spot potential issues before they become costly problems.

Good maintenance also includes practicing smart habits throughout the season. Store chemicals, fuel, and fertilizers at least 100+ feet away from your well to reduce the risk of contamination. Keep the area around the well clear, no landscaping, décor, or planters that could trap moisture or interfere with access. Make sure surface water drains away from the well so runoff doesn’t pool around the casing. These small steps help protect your water supply from preventable contamination.

While homeowners can handle routine visual checks and basic upkeep, it’s important to recognize when professional help is needed. Call your licensed well contractor if you notice sputtering faucets or low pressure, sediment, cloudiness, or color changes in your water, or odd tastes or odors. If it’s been 5+ years since a full inspection, spring is a great time to schedule one. Your water well professional can assess the condition of your system and address issues safely and effectively.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Never attempt well repairs yourself unless you’re licensed. Working on a well system without proper training and equipment can pose safety risks and potentially damage your water supply. Find well pros near you using our interactive map.

📄 Check out our Well Maintenance information sheet for more guidance, and keep scrolling to find tips on water testing, treatment system checks, and septic system awareness.

Need backup? The wellcare® Hotline is here with real people and real answers.
📞 888-395-1033 | 💻 wellcarehotline.org

Follow us on social media for weekly wellcare® reminders! Find all our social media pages on our LinkTree.

Click to print the crossword puzzle!Answers can be found here.

Important Steps for Well Owners

If your home or well system has been winterized, don’t just turn the tap back on when warmer weather returns!

We recommend contacting a licensed well contractor to handle the de-winterization process. If your plumber provides this service, confirm they are certified for well systems.

If you’re handling it yourself, review our De-Winterizing Your Well information sheet first. This sheet provides safety checks, flushing steps, and water quality testing tips.

Find a licensed well contractor near you: View List of Licensed Well Contractors

Don’t Forget to Test Your Well Water!

Most people know to test their air for radon, but not their well water. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed naturally in soil and rock. It can be released from water during everyday activities like showering or washing dishes. Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of lung and stomach cancer, but the good news is, it’s completely preventable!

🧪 Test both your air and water for radon this January.
👉 Find a certified lab using our interactive map and learn how to reduce radon levels by downloading our wellcare® sheet on Radon & Well Water.

How to Find Financial Assistance for Well Repairs or Replacement

Across the U.S., many families still struggle without reliable access to safe drinking water. The Water Well Trust (WWT) helps by offering low-interest loans for eligible homeowners needing well repair or replacement and grants for septic systems.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit the WWT website to review eligibility requirements.

💧 Need help? Apply for assistance »
💙 Want to give back? Donate today » 
Your support helps provide clean, dependable water to families in need.

➡️ For more information on WWT programs, visit waterwelltrust.org

Our Kidz Korner brings a fun winter twist on a classic science experiment: the Snow Volcano! Great for snowy days, this hands-on activity teaches kids about chemical reactions while they stay active outside.

❄️ What You’ll Need:
• Snow
• A cup or small container
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring (optional)

🌋 Instructions:
1. Build a mound of snow and place your cup inside.
2. Fill the cup halfway with baking soda.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring for extra fun.
4. Pour in vinegar and watch your volcano erupt!

It’s a simple, safe, and exciting way to introduce basic science concepts, and perfect for winter family fun!

Winter Water-Saving Tips for Your Home & Well

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean conservation takes a break! Here are some easy, budget-friendly ways to protect your water supply and reduce waste all winter long.

Inside the Home:

🛠️ Fix leaks fast. Even small leaks can waste 10,000 gallons a year.
🧣 Protect your pipes. Insulate exposed pipes – especially in basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
💦 When in doubt, drip. Let faucets trickle during freezing temps. Save the water you catch for flushing or plants!
🚰 Know your shut-off valve. Locate and label it now before an emergency happens.
🚽 Upgrade to low-flow toilets. Save up to 5 gallons per flush.
🪥 Turn off the tap. Don’t let water run while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.
🌿 Install WaterSense products. These certified fixtures cut water use and lower your bill.
👕 Wash full loads. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
🧊 Change water filters. Replace refrigerator and whole-house filters every 6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer or your water treatment pro.

Outside the Home:

🧣 Protect your wellhead. If you do not have a pitless adapter, cover your wellhead to insulate the exposed pipe. More info in our wellcare® sheet, Protecting Your Pipes and Well System From Freezing.
❄️ Winterize irrigation systems. If you haven’t already, shut them down! Potted plants only need occasional watering.
🌻 Plan your spring landscape. Choose native, low-water plants that attract birds and butterflies.
☀️ Water in the morning. Avoid evening watering to prevent fungal growth.
🪣 Use a carwash. Or hand wash with a bucket and spray nozzle to save gallons.

👉 Want more year-round water-saving tips?
Follow us on social media for weekly wellcare® reminders! Find all our social media pages on our LinkTree.

We’re excited to share a brand new septic system educational video designed to help homeowners understand how their system works and how to keep it functioning properly year-round. From what not to flush, to seasonal maintenance, to protecting your drainfield, this video offers clear, practical tips for every septic owner.

👉Watch the Septic System Video

✨Share it with neighbors, friends, and new homeowners – it’s a great refresher for anyone with a septic system!