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Spring Maintenance Crossword Challenge

Think you know your well system? Put your knowledge to the test with our special spring edition crossword puzzle! This fun activity is a great way to help kids (and grown-ups!) learn the basics of well care while celebrating the season of spring maintenance.

Print a few copies and turn it into a family challenge. See who can finish first, who gets the most correct answers, or work together as a team to solve it. It’s a simple way to start conversations about how your water gets from the ground to your home, and why taking care of your well matters.

Ready? Let’s get puzzling! 🌱

Click here or the image below to print.

The image provides a general overview of a conventional septic system and is not intended as an installation guide. Check local codes.

Your septic system and your well are closely connected. When a septic system struggles, it can contaminate your well water. Spring is a smart time to make sure both systems are working as they should.

🌷Spring septic best practices:

• Pump every 3 to 5 years (or as recommended)

• Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the system

• Flush only toilet paper and human waste

🚩Red flags to watch for:

• Slow drains or gurgling sounds

• Odors near the drain field

• Soggy soil or standing water

📏 Distance matters: Septic systems should be at least 50 feet from your well (always check local codes).

🌟 NEW THIS SPRING: Our Septic System Owner’s Manual is launching soon! Available in digital and hard copy. It’s your go‑to guide for septic basics, maintenance schedules, and long‑term system care.

Each spring, the hotline hears from well owners concerned about cloudy water, odd tastes, or sudden changes following snowmelt and heavy rains. As the ground thaws and becomes saturated, seasonal moisture can carry surface contaminants closer to your well, especially if drainage or well components are compromised.

Here’s what to watch for this spring:

🔎 Cloudy or muddy water after storms
👃 New odors or unusual tastes
🚰 Changes in water pressure
🧰 Pooling water around the wellhead

Staying on top of the well and septic maintenance recommendations can help reduce your risk. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a licensed water well contractor for an inspection.

Pro Tip: Your monthly visual well check is an important habit, but it’s not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Have a water well question? Ask wellcare®
🔗 bit.ly/askwellcare

It is important to note that not all wells need treatment. This section is for homes that do.

If your home uses a water treatment system, regular maintenance is key to ensuring safe, clean water and optimal performance.

General maintenance reminders:

• Sediment filters: every 3 to 6 months

• Water softeners: check salt monthly

• RO systems: pre‑filters 6 to 12 months; membranes 2 to 5 years

• UV systems: replace bulbs annually

Warning signs to watch for:

• Bad taste or odor returns

• Staining or scale buildup

• Reduced pressure or slow flow

🧾 Pro Tip: Follow your manufacturer’s schedule and keep service records handy.

👉 View our Water Treatment information sheet for system‑specific tips.

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.