Uncategorized

Recovering from a disaster is tough, but ensuring your private well is safe afterward is critical. Floods, storms, and other emergencies can compromise your water system without any obvious signs. Acting quickly and carefully can protect your drinking water, prevent long-term damage, and safeguard your family’s health. We have provided basic steps on what to do after a storm.

1. Water Safety First

If you’re unsure whether your water is safe, follow any local or state health department advisories. Do not drink or bathe with the water until it’s confirmed safe. Shallow or older wells are especially vulnerable to contamination, even if there’s no visible damage.

2. Electrical Warning

Never turn on your well pump or system after flooding until it has been thoroughly inspected. There is a serious risk of electrical shock. Rubber boots and gloves are not enough protection. Call a licensed electrician, well, or pump contractor to inspect and restore power safely.

3. Well & Septic System Concerns

Floodwater can carry debris that damages well parts or introduces sediment and bacteria. If your well wasn’t tightly sealed, it may be contaminated. Septic systems should not be used until the ground has dried, as flooding can damage drain fields and pipes.

4. Emergency Treatment Options

If bottled water isn’t available during an emergency, you can treat well water, but only if chemical contamination is ruled out. Boil for 1 minute, add 16 drops of unscented bleach per gallon, and wait 30 minutes. You can also use distillation or a certified filter for microbial removal. Always clean and disinfect storage containers first. After power outages, disinfect your well and don’t use the water until it’s tested and confirmed safe.

5. Water Testing

After a storm or disinfecting your well, it’s important to test the water to ensure bacteria have been eliminated and no other contaminants are present. To schedule a test, contact your local or state health department or use our interactive map to find a certified laboratory near you.

6. When in doubt, call the pros out!

Pumps submerged in floodwater must be cleaned of silt and sediment and dried before use. If not properly maintained, pumps can burn out. If you suspect your well or pump system has been impacted by the storm, call your licensed well or pump contractor for assistance. You can find a local professional by using our interactive map.

For additional guidance and resources, visit our dedicated Emergencies web page.

The wellcare® Hotline can also help! Our friendly staff members are available to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need to maintain a safe water supply. Contact us by calling 888-395-1033 or chat with us live at wellcarehotline.org.

Summer brings more than just sunshine…it can also bring severe storms, wildfires, flooding, and power outages. For homeowners with water wells, being unprepared during these events could mean a loss of access to safe water when you need it most.

That’s why we’ve launched our updated HELP: Homeowner Emergency Localized Plan program! It includes a new printable document to help you prepare before the storm and a section where you can fill in your emergency contacts and local resources. There’s also a quick-reference Emergency Kit Essentials infographic to keep on your fridge or in your emergency kit.

🔗 Download the HELP plan and infographic from our website

Pro Tip: Keep your HELP document in a waterproof bag near your emergency supplies and update it every season!

Ready for a fun experiment? Let’s make the water dirty and clean it up! 🥛🔎

Materials Needed:

• A plastic bottle (cut in half)
• Coffee filter or cloth
• Sand and gravel
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Dirty water (from mud or food coloring mixed in water)
• A clean glass

Steps:

1. Place the bottle upside down, using the top as a funnel.
2. Layer the coffee filter, activated charcoal, sand, and gravel inside.
3. Slowly pour the dirty water into the top and watch as it filters through.
4. Observe the cleaner water that comes out at the bottom.

What Kids Learn:

• How filtration helps clean water.
• The role of different layers in removing dirt and contaminants.
• Why it’s important to have clean drinking water.

Take a short video or photo of your homemade water filtration and post it on our social media pages with #kidzkorner for a shout-out.

Thinking of Sharing a Water Well with Your Neighbor? Here’s What You Need to Know

Sharing a water well can be a practical and cost-effective solution for neighbors, but it also comes with important legal, financial, and maintenance considerations. Before you agree to share your well—or tap into a neighbor’s—understanding the ins and outs of a shared well arrangement is essential.

From legal requirements to maintenance responsibilities, this FAQ covers the key questions homeowners often have about shared wells. Whether you’re considering an agreement or already sharing a well, these insights will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Is it legal to share a water well with my neighbor?

Yes, but the legality depends on local and state regulations. Some areas may require permits, water rights agreements, or compliance with health and environmental codes. It’s best to check with your local agencies before proceeding.

Should we have a written agreement?

Absolutely. A shared well agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and sets clear terms for usage, maintenance, costs, and dispute resolution. Having it legally documented can protect both parties in case of future disagreements.

What should be included in a shared well agreement?

A shared well agreement should cover, but is not limited to:

• Water Usage – How much water each party can use.
• Maintenance & Repairs – Who is responsible for the upkeep, and how costs will be split.
• Electricity Costs – How you will share the power used by the well pump.
• Liability & Dispute Resolution – What happens if something goes wrong.
• Termination Clause – How either party can end the arrangement if needed.

Who pays for maintenance and repairs?

This should be outlined in your agreement. Typically, costs are shared equally, but if one party uses significantly more water, they may be responsible for a larger portion.

Can my neighbor claim ownership of my well?

No, unless you legally transfer ownership or grant them water rights. A shared well agreement ensures that you remain the well owner while allowing water access to your neighbor under agreed terms.

What if my neighbor overuses the water or doesn’t pay their share?

A shared well agreement should include provisions for overuse, non-payment, and consequences for violating the terms. You may have legal options if the agreement is breached.

Are there water quality concerns when sharing a well?

Yes. Regular water testing should be done to ensure it meets health standards. If contamination occurs, both parties need to resolve the issue.

Can I stop sharing the well if I change my mind?

This depends on your agreement. If there’s a termination clause, you can follow the outlined process to end the arrangement. If no formal agreement exists, local laws may determine how you can discontinue access.

Do I need to notify the government about a shared well?

Some areas require registration or reporting to local agencies. Check with your county to confirm.

What if I sell my property?

If the shared well agreement is legally binding, it may transfer to the new owner. Ensure the buyer understands the arrangement before purchasing the property.

Download our information sheet on Sharing a Well and sample Shared Well Agreement. Contact an attorney for assistance with a shared well agreement and understanding laws in your state. Your state Bar Association may have resources to help find an attorney.

A well-maintained septic system protects both your home and your well water from contamination.

Best Practices for Septic Care:

• Pump the tank every 3–5 years (or as recommended by your septic professional)
• Use water efficiently to reduce strain on the system
• Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper and human waste

Warning Signs of Septic Issues:

• Slow drains or gurgling pipes
• Unpleasant odors near the drain field
• Soggy ground or standing water around the septic area

How Your Septic System Affects Your Well Water:

• A failing septic system can introduce bacteria and nitrates into your well
• Proper placement: Your septic tank should be at least 50 feet from your well, check local regulations
• Routine inspections help prevent costly repairs and water contamination

Pro Tip: Use septic-safe cleaning products to avoid disrupting beneficial bacteria in the tank.

See our information sheet, Your Septic System for more best practices.

If you use a water treatment system
(filtration, softener, UV disinfection, etc.),
regular maintenance is crucial for its effectiveness. Please note that not all water wells need to have treatment. The information below is for homes with treatment only. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions for maintenance. You should always follow the maintenance schedule provided by your water treatment professional.

Routine Maintenance for Common Systems:

• Sediment Filters: Replace every 3–6 months to prevent clogging
• Water Softeners: Check salt levels monthly; clean brine tank annually
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Replace pre-filters every 6–12 months; membranes every 2–5 years
• UV Purification: Replace UV bulbs annually for optimal disinfection

Signs Your System Needs Attention:

• Water has an off taste or odor
• Scale buildup or staining returns
• Reduced water pressure or slow filtration

Pro Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keep records of filter changes and service.

For more water treatment tips, check out our information sheet here.

A properly maintained well helps to ensure water safety and extends the lifespan of your system. Click here to view our interactive sample water well system.

Annual Inspections:

• Check for cracks, leaks, and signs of contamination
• Ensure the well cap is securely in place
• Look for standing water or debris near the wellhead

DIY Maintenance Tips:

• Keep chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, fuel) at least 100 feet away. For more distance recommendations, check out this graphic –Wells and Contamination Sources – from Tap Score
• Maintain proper drainage to prevent surface water from pooling near the well
• Avoid overgrowth of grass and weeds near the wellhead
• Do not plant around or place decor near or on top of the wellhead

When to Call a Professional:

• Reduced water pressure or sputtering faucets
• Changes in taste, color, or odor
• Sand or sediment in water
• Every 5 years for complete well inspection

Pro Tip: Please do not try to service your well unless you are a licensed professional.

Click here to view our information sheet on Well Maintenance.

*********************************************************************

❄️Still need to de-winterize your well system? Read our information sheet before you start!☀️

Regular water testing is the first step to ensuring the safety of your drinking water. Private well owners are solely responsible for the quality of their drinking water, so it is up to you to decide when and how to test your water.

Contaminants can enter your well from natural sources, nearby septic systems, or agricultural runoff. The list below highlights what you should test for, how often to test your water, and where you can go to have water testing done.

What to Test For:

• Bacteria (e.g., coliform and E. coli) – Indicators of contamination
• Nitrates – Often linked to fertilizers and septic system leaks
• pH Levels – Can indicate corrosive water that affects plumbing
• Heavy Metals (e.g., arsenic, iron, lead) – Can leach from soil or pipes
• Other Contaminants – Pesticides, PFAS, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more depending on location

Testing Frequency:

• Annually for bacteria and any contaminants you are monitoring
• More frequently if changes in taste, odor, or color occur
• After flooding, system repairs, or known contamination events

Where to Test:

• Certified labs (use our interactive map to locate one in your area!)
• Testing services like Tap Score
• At-home test kits can be used for preliminary screening or in emergencies

Pro Tip: Keep records of your test results to track changes over time.

Additional well water testing guidance can be found in our learning module, information sheet, or brochure.

Follow us on Facebook and X for more water testing tips!

A well-functioning water system is essential for clean and safe water. There are four critical areas of well ownership: water testing, well maintenance, water treatment system care, and septic system maintenance. Spring is the perfect time to tackle this list. By staying proactive, you can ensure a safe and reliable water supply for years to come.

Check out our NEW video featuring our popular Well Owners Manual https://youtu.be/pywg5ahW_Ek. This 32-page guide helps you understand your well system, provides maintenance tips, an easy-to-follow checklist, and a section to keep all your well records. Want to download a free copy? Head over to our web page wellcarehotline.org/well-owners-manual.

The wellcare® Hotline can also help! Our friendly staff members are available to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need to maintain a safe water supply. Contact us by calling 888-395-1033 or chat with us live at wellcarehotline.org.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) refer to substances that are gaining attention due to their potential to harm human health and the environment. These contaminants can come from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, and other synthetic materials. They can enter the groundwater through wastewater discharges, runoff from agriculture, and even household waste. CECs are a growing concern for water wells, particularly in areas where wells draw from shallow aquifers or where local groundwater is vulnerable to contamination.

While CECs can be found in groundwater year-round, they have the potential to be more of an issue in winter months for a few important reasons:

1. Increased Runoff and Leaching: In many areas, winter brings more precipitation (rain or snowmelt). This can lead to increased runoff, which may carry contaminants into groundwater. Frozen ground can also limit the natural filtration of contaminants, allowing them to travel more easily into groundwater.
2. Septic System Overload: In colder months, septic systems can become less efficient due to freezing temperatures. If a septic system fails or becomes overloaded, CECs from household waste can leach into the groundwater.
3. Reduced Dilution: In the winter, these contaminants are frequently less diluted than at other times of the year due to reduced water flow in rivers, streams, and aquifers (it is considered the “dry season”). This can increase the concentration of CECs in groundwater.

If you’re concerned about CECs in your well water, it’s important to test it regularly especially if you live in an area where these substances are more likely to enter the groundwater. By taking preventative measures, you can ensure the safety of your well water.

You can use our interactive map to find certified laboratories near you that can test your well water.

Download our wellcare® information sheet on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) & Well Water for more information.