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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!

If your property relies on a dug well, it’s essential to understand that these shallow water sources require special care to remain safe and reliable. Unlike deeper drilled wells, dug wells tap into groundwater close to the surface, making them more vulnerable to contamination from runoff, nearby septic systems, and other hazards.

Our new information sheet, “Caring for Dug Wells,” gives you the practical guidance you need to maintain a healthy water supply.

Inside, you’ll learn:
• How dug wells are designed and what makes them different
• Simple, routine maintenance tips to keep your well in good shape
• How to protect your well from surface water, debris, and pollutants
• When it’s time to call a licensed well contractor

Whether you’ve just moved in or have relied on your dug well for years, this guide helps you take smart, preventive steps to safeguard your drinking water.

Download the full information sheet: Caring for Dug Wells

The wellcare® hotline receives questions on Lithium in well water throughout the year. We have released a new information sheet on lithium in private well water—what it is, how it gets there, and what you need to know about health and treatment.

Found naturally in some areas, lithium can enter groundwater and show up in private well testing. While low levels are not uncommon, high concentrations may raise concerns.

Read more and download the fact sheet: Lithium & Well Water

Your septic system plays a huge role in protecting your well water. Join us in celebrating SepticSmart Week (Sept. 15-19), a national campaign promoting proper septic care.

Top tips for well owners with septic systems:

• Never flush wipes—even if labeled “flushable.”
• Space out water use to prevent overload.
• Inspect and pump your tank every 3–5 years.
• Make sure your septic is at least 50 feet from your well. Local rules may vary. Always check with your health department.

Stay SepticSmart all year long – Read our info sheet on Your Septic System and follow us on social media for more tips during SepticSmart Week. Find all our social media pages on our LinkTree.

While earthquakes are more common in certain areas of the country, like along the West Coast or near fault lines, smaller seismic events can occur almost anywhere. If you have a water well, it’s important to understand how earthquakes can affect your water supply and what to do if you suspect damage.

How Earthquakes Can Impact Water Wells

Even mild earthquakes can shift underground formations, which can impact your well in several ways:

• Fluctuations in Water Levels: Some wells experience a sudden rise or drop in water level after a seismic event. This may be temporary or could signal a more significant shift in the underground water source.
• Changes in Water Quality: After an earthquake, your water may become cloudy, discolored, or have an unusual taste or odor. This can happen when silt, sand, or other
materials are shaken loose into the aquifer.
• Contamination Risks: Cracks in the casing or surrounding ground can allow bacteria or surface water to enter the well. This can pose a serious health risk if not addressed promptly.
• Physical Damage to Well Components: Strong earthquakes can damage well casings, pipes, seals, or even the pump system, especially if the well is older or not properly constructed.

What to Do After an Earthquake

If an earthquake occurs in your area, no matter how small, take these steps to check on your well system:

1. Inspect the area around your well. Look for visible signs of damage such as cracks, leaning, or displaced soil near the wellhead.
2. Check water clarity and pressure. Turn on the tap and note any changes in water appearance, taste, odor, or pressure. Murky water could indicate contamination or aquifer disturbance.
3. Test your water. It’s a good idea to test your well water after any seismic activity, especially for bacteria and nitrates. These are common contaminants that can enter through cracks or disrupted soil.
4. Contact a licensed well contractor. If you suspect physical damage or if your water quality has changed, a well professional can inspect and assess your system. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
5. Disinfect the well if needed. If your test results indicate bacterial contamination, your well may need to be disinfected. You can find instructions on our website or contact the wellcare® Hotline for help.

Be Prepared

Earthquakes can happen without warning. Here’s how to stay ready:

• Keep a record of your well’s construction details and past water tests.
• Know how to shut off power to your pump system in case of an emergency.
• Store emergency water—at least one gallon per person per day for three days.
• Have your well inspected regularly to ensure it’s structurally sound.

If you’re in an earthquake-prone region or have recently experienced tremors, don’t wait to check on your well. Your water safety could depend on it.

Have questions? Contact the wellcare® Hotline at 888-395-1033 or use our interactive map for testing help and contractor referrals.