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Before A Storm Hits

Storms and the damage they can create cannot be prevented, but there are a few ways you can prepare and protect your well and water supply before a storm hits your area.

Protecting Your Wellhead and Pump

Check that your well cap or seal is tightly fastened to your wellhead. If you have any well components exposed to outside elements, make sure all are secure to help protect them from flying debris or becoming flying debris.

Surge Protection

If you do not have surge protection on your pump, consider having it installed. Power surges can still affect your pump as surrounding areas lose or regain power even if you do not lose power at your home. Contact your licensed well contractor for assistance.

Note: If you lose power during a storm, make sure that you turn off your pump at the circuit breaker and leave it off for the duration of the storm.

Fill ’em up!

Fill your sinks and tubs with water in case you lose power to your pump. This water can be used to wash hands and flush toilets.

Don’t forget – Drinking Water

You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day. Power outages and cleanup can last a long time after a storm so consider storing enough water for at least two weeks for each family member in your household.

After the Storm

It is important to remember that there is potential danger of electrical shock from any electrical device that has been flooded. Rubber boots and gloves are not adequate protection from electrical shock. DO NOT touch any part of the well system before it has been thoroughly inspected by a professional.

Inspect Your Well and Components

If flooding did not occur on your property, visually inspect your well and well components to make sure there is no damage. If you notice any damages, call a licensed well contractor before turning on your pump.

Managing a Flooded Well

After flood waters have receded and the pump and electrical system have dried, do not turn on the equipment until the wiring system has been checked by a qualified electrician, well, or pump contractor. If the pump’s control box was submerged or damaged during a flood or other storms, all electrical components must be dry before electrical service can be restored. Get assistance in turning the pump on from a well or pump contractor.

Disinfection and Testing

If your well has been flooded it should be disinfected and the water tested before you start using the water.

For more information download our free wellcare® information sheet on Emergencies & Disasters and Wells and visit our dedicated web page. For more tips, look for #bestormready on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

Tannins Tannins are a natural organic material that can be the byproducts of nature’s fermentation process, created as water passes through peaty soil and decaying vegetation. This can cause water to have a faint yellow to tea-like color, and can cause yellow staining on fabrics, fixtures, china, and laundry. Tannins may give a tangy or tart aftertaste to water. They may also cause water to have a musty or earthy odor. Tannins (also known as fulvic or humic acid) are more common in surface water supplies and shallow wells than in deep wells. Water in marshy, low-lying, or coastal areas is also more susceptible to tannins. Tannins are considered an aesthetic problem. While they may make water unappealing to drink and stain laundry, they present no health risk. However, if you are considering water treatment, comprehensive water testing is necessary to help determine which treatment method will be most effective. Read more on Tannins and Well Water. Turbidity Turbidity is the measure of cloudiness of a liquid, imagine the way smoke can make air appear cloudy. Turbidity in water is caused by large numbers of suspended organic and inorganic particles, such as sediments or microscopic organisms. These particles are picked up as water moves through rock and soil, and into your groundwater supply. High turbidity levels can shield harmful microbiological contaminants from the effects of drinking water disinfection and some treatment devices like ultraviolet (UV) lights. Therefore, it is imperative to keep turbidity levels low when treating your water. EPA has set the public drinking water standard for turbidity at 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) for public water systems. Well owners should use the EPA’s standard as a guideline. If your water looks cloudy, you should have your water tested for turbidity. If you are considering installing a water treatment system, comprehensive water testing is vital. Continue reading about Turbidity and Well Water.

For information on well water testing read our information sheet and visit our website for resources.

Check out our new infographic! Click the infographic to read our information sheet on Buying a Home with a Well.

 

Septic systems require regularly scheduled maintenance just like wells. See our tips below.

Proper maintenance of a septic system includes:

• Regular inspection every 1 to 2 years
• Having the system pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on demand
• Conserving water to reduce the amount of demand placed on the system and to prolong its useful life

Protecting Your Septic Throughout the Year

Everyone in the household must consider what is flushed into the septic system. There are certain items that can reduce or damage the natural function of the septic system. Avoid flushing items that can clog the system or chemicals that can contaminate ground and surface water, and potentially damage the biological components of the system. DO NOT flush grease, fats, oils, bandages, feminine hygiene products, disposable diapers, wipes – even ones that say ‘flushable’, pharmaceuticals or medicines, paper towels, kitty litter, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, dental floss, hair, paint, pesticides, varnish, thinners, waste oil, or other chemicals. Ideally, ONLY water and household detergents are flushed into the system. The septic system’s drain field must also be protected. The following strategies are recommended to protect the field and prolong its functional life:

• Do not drive over the drain field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment.
• Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the drain field area as roots can plug or damage the wastewater distribution lines.
• Do not cover the drain field with hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
• Use grass to cover the area. It will help prevent erosion and help remove excess water.
• Divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios, driveways, and other areas away from the drain field.

A properly maintained septic system poses no threat to the groundwater that supplies a household well. However, wastewater from a failing septic system can carry contaminants such as nitrates, harmful bacteria, and viruses into groundwater and potentially the well.

For more information download our free wellcare® information sheet on Your Septic System.

Don’t fret if you do not have water treatment! You should note that not all water needs to be treated. You should also know that not all water treatment works for all water quality. We like to say there is not a ‘one treatment fits all’ approach to water quality. It is more complex and can cause more harm than good if the wrong treatment system is installed or is not needed at all. It is imperative to test your water first before considering or installing water treatment.

If you have water treatment, it is equally important to have these systems maintained per your water treatment professional or manufacturer’s recommendations. If you do not have a water treatment professional, visit Water Quality Association’s website to find a professional in your area.

For more information see our wellcare® information sheet on Water Treatment.

Testing your water is the only way to ensure your water quality is safe for you and your family. Remember that you are solely responsible for the quality of your drinking water. It is up to you to decide when and how to test your water. We have recommendations!

Recommended Testing

At a minimum, your water should be tested every year for bacteria, anything of local concern, or any contaminants that you are monitoring from previous test results.

Testing more than once a year may be warranted in special circumstances:

• Someone in your household is pregnant or nursing
• There are unexplained illnesses in the family
• Your neighbors find a dangerous contaminant in their water
• You note a change in the taste, odor, color, or clarity of the water
• There is a spill of chemicals or fuels into or near your well

If you have a situation that is mentioned above, follow the comprehensive testing recommendations below or call the wellcare® Hotline at 888-395-1033 for assistance on what to test for.

Comprehensive Testing

If you have noticed a change in your water or you have not tested it in several years, do a comprehensive test to find out if there are any contaminants of concern. Even if there is no contaminant found, this will give you a baseline that you can compare to in the future.

Finding a Testing Lab

You can view lists of certified water testing laboratories for each U.S. state and Canadian province by using our interactive map.

**Water testing discounts are available for those impacted by the Ohio derailment and all wellcare® Well Owners Network members. Please contact us for details at info@wellcarehotline.org or 888.395.1033.**

For more tips, see our brochure on Well Water Testing.

 

Don’t have any snow on the ground? That’s okay, you can make it!

Fake Snow Supplies

Sodium polyacrylate

Water

Container to mix in

What You Do

There are a couple of ways to get the ingredient necessary to make fake polymer snow. You can purchase the fake snow or you can harvest sodium polyacrylate from common household sources. You can find sodium polyacrylate inside disposable diapers or as crystals in a garden center, used to help keep soil moist.

All you need to do to make this type of fake snow is add water to the sodium polyacrylate and mix the gel. Add more water until you have the desired amount of wetness. The gel will not dissolve. It’s just a matter of how slushy you want your snow.

Sodium polyacrylate snow feels cool to the touch because it is mainly water. If you want to add more realism to the fake snow, you can refrigerate or freeze it. The gel will not melt. If it dries out, you can rehydrate it by adding water.

**Once you are done with your snow creation, you can dispose of it in the trash. DO NOT put it down the drain into your plumbing or septic system. This product can cause clogs.**

For complete details and tips go to thoughtco.com.

What is causing low water pressure or flow in my home?

Sure, it can be related to low water levels, but there are a few other areas that may be causing the issue including, but not limited to:

• A clogged filter or water line
• Faulty electrical controls
• Frozen well or pipe
• Leak in system piping
• Malfunctioning or worn well pump
• Waterlogged pressure tank

Contact your licensed well contractor for inspection and repair. For a list of licensed well contractors try using our interactive map on our website.

We have gathered the best winter tips over the last several years and put them all in one place. These tips are not only for your home but also while you are traveling. Let’s dig in!

There’s ‘snow’ place like home:

• Ceiling fans are not just for summer. Flip the switch on the fan to reverse the direction clockwise. This will create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.
• Use energy from the sun. During the day, open drapes and blinds to allow sunlight to help warm the house, and then close them at night to contain the heat.
• Protect your well from getting damaged by snow blowers and plows. Don’t pile anything around your well, including snow, and consider adding a fiberglass driveway marker to help with locating the well.
• Got ice? Alfalfa meal is an eco-friendly salt alternative. It’s 100% organic so it’s less of a threat to local water systems when used in moderation. Plus, not everyone can constantly shovel during a snowstorm! Just remember to use it sparingly.
• Winterize your pipes. Preventing leaks and your pipes from bursting is a great way to conserve water in winter. You should make sure outdoor pipes, like the ones running to your backyard spigot, are wrapped to prevent freezing. You can wrap them with a pipe sleeve or electrical heat tape. If you need assistance, contact your local plumber.
• Insulate hot water pipes. Ever notice that it takes your shower longer to get hot when it’s freezing out? That’s because your pipes are colder. Just like your outdoor pipes, you should wrap your hot water pipes. Not only does this help the hot water stay hot, but it helps protect these pipes from the cold, which can cause leaks. Again, if you need assistance, contact your local plumber.
• Catch the water. Since it takes longer for your shower to heat up in winter, catch that cold water and use it to water plants. You can use this tip year-round.
• Save your skin. Skip the long, hot showers, which can dry out the skin. Try taking a lukewarm shower, for a shorter duration and save water.
• Check for leaks. Temperature changes from night to day cause pipes to expand and contract. This constant change adds more stress to your pipes and can lead to a leak over the winter. Contact your local plumber to check your pipes for leaks.
• When in doubt drip your faucets. Leave faucets dripping slightly overnight in extremely cold weather (below 32°). This slight trickle allows constant movement of the water which will prevent freezing. Remember more water is wasted from a leaky pipe than from using this tip! You can still save the water you are dripping; just place a bucket or large pot under the faucet. You can use that water to flush the toilet in a power outage or water plants.
• Know where the shut-off valve is. Despite your efforts, sometimes a pipe will still burst in the winter. The faster you can turn off the water, less will go to waste. Most likely you will find the shut-off valve near your pressure tank if it is located inside your home. It looks like a regular spigot and it turns off all the water in your house. It will help save hundreds of gallons while you are waiting for your plumber to arrive.

If you are ever in doubt about your well or household plumbing contact your well contractor or plumber for assistance.

The weather outside is frightful – travel tips:

• Pack an extra pair of socks in your car’s glove compartment. Then if you need to get out and shovel, or if you step into a puddle, you’ll have dry socks to change into. And put those mismatched socks to use and use them as wiper blade covers!
• Dress in layers while watching TV or working from home, you may be able to keep the heat at a minimum during certain times of the day.
• Keep a bag of clay kitty litter in your car’s trunk. If your car gets stuck in deep snow or slick ice, sprinkling kitty litter (non-clumping) at the base of your tires can be just the thing to add some traction and get things moving again. The extra weight in your trunk will also create added pressure on your tires, ensuring greater contact between your tread and the ground.
• Fill a clean spray bottle with 1 part water and 2 parts rubbing alcohol and store it in your car during the cold weather months for an easy deicer. Spray it on your frosted windshield and windows on those chilly mornings to make scraping easier.
• During cold weather months, it’s a good practice to keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times. Not only does it prevent you from being stranded, but it prevents any water in the tank from freezing, which can damage the fuel pump.
• Place plastic bags over your car mirrors at night and they’ll be frost-free in the morning. Reuse them over and over.
• Your car’s floor mats can help you get unstuck from snowy or muddy conditions. Place your front floor mats under the spinning tire to give you some traction.
• Frozen locks? Squirt a little hand sanitizer on them. The isopropyl alcohol that kills germs also lowers the freezing point of water and can melt the ice inside the lock within seconds.
• A plastic card, such as an old gift card from your wallet, can work as an ice scraper in a pinch.
• Keep a roll of duct tape in the car. Not only does it fix everything, but you can use it as a fire starter — duct tape is very flammable and is a great tool to get a fire going in an emergency.

Follow us on Facebook and X for more sweater weather tips!

January is National Radon Action Month! Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no color, odor, or taste. It comes from the breakdown of radioactive elements like uranium and radium in the ground. The soil under your home releases radon which can make its way through cracks or openings in your home and sometimes through well water. High levels of radon are commonly found in certain kinds of bedrock such as granite and dark shale. Radon can be inhaled when it is released from water while showering, washing dishes, or cooking. It can also be ingested directly through drinking water. Research shows that inhaled radon is the greatest concern as it increases the risk of lung cancer. Drinking water contaminated by radon may raise the risk of stomach cancer.

Here’s the good news…radon exposure is completely preventable! Learn more about radon. Find a certified lab in your area for both air and water radon testing.