Water you giving to the next generation?

When someone says drought, do you think about the water coming out of your taps, groundwater, or your well water? Don’t take water for granted! Just because it is there now, doesn’t mean it will be there in the future.

Drought is a period of drier than normal conditions (low or no rain or snow!) that result in water-related problems. Drought can last for months or years or may be declared after as few as 15 days. Many areas face serious regional water shortages because water is being used faster than it can be replenished naturally. Water conservation can help well owners secure their drinking water supply, save money, and protect the environment. Don’t wait until a prolonged drought creates a water emergency. Consider measures today to preserve your water supply.

Download our information sheets on Drought and Your Well and Water Conservation to learn about steps you can take. For more tips search #conservewater #savewater and #waterconservation on our social media pages.

Hotline HOT Topic: What products can I use with a water well system?

Before you do your summer chores, you should read more…

As the weather gets warmer in most of the country, you will be spending more time outdoors. Our wellcare® Hotline has received several calls on what products are okay to use near or with a water well system.

The easiest answer is, do not use chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers can reach aquifers through the soil by way of rain or snow recharge. Not using chemicals may not always be realistic, but we have put together some tips to help lower the risk of contamination to your drinking water:

Outdoors

The concern – Proper storage and disposal of products and using chemicals near your well.

  • Storing/disposing of chemicals– If you have open containers, store them as far away from your well as possible (at least 100ft.), in their original container with labels intact, and tightly closed. Clean up any spills immediately. Bring unwanted pesticides to your local household hazardous waste collection program. Try using earth911.com to find locations near you where you can recycle.
  • Car washing– Choose non-toxic, biodegradable soap that is free of phosphates, fragrance, chlorine, and petroleum-based ingredients. Avoid using acid-based wheel cleaners. Wash and rinse your car away from your well.
  • Lawn care– Fertilizers can be beneficial to your lawn and garden. However, many fertilizers contain nitrogen, which can convert to harmful nitrate. There are several alternatives to chemical fertilizers available at most garden centers that use natural materials to enrich soil.
  • Pest control– Pesticides can contaminate water resources, so it is best to use natural products like citrus peels, cucumbers, vinegar, traps, essential oils, or plant herbs like peppermint. The list of remedies seems endless!
  • Weeds– It may be easier to use weed killer, but it isn’t the safest option. Instead, try pulling the weeds, spot treat with salt, lemon juice (just don’t accidentally spray your flowers or lawn), vinegar, or boiling water.

Indoors

The concern – Anything that goes down the drain if you have a septic system. We recommend not using bleach products as this can kill the good bacteria in your septic. In turn, if the septic doesn’t work properly in can contaminate groundwater – your well water! You will also want to be careful with cleaning products that contain bleach as well.

For more tips on what not to put down the drain, read our information sheet on Your Septic System.

Summer Well Concerns

Emergencies & Disasters

The official Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th. In the eastern North Pacific, the official season started May 15th and ends November 30th. Tornadoes, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and wildfires can also occur throughout the summer. We want to make sure you are ready for anything mother nature sends your way.

Our Emergencies page on our website has everything you need before and after storms hit. View our wellcare® information sheets including our Emergencies & Disasters and Wells, videos, and use the interactive map to access agencies and well professionals within your state or province that can help.

The wellcare® Hotline can also help! Our water well experts are available to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need to maintain a safe water well supply. Contact us by calling 888-395-1033, send us an email, or chat with us live. The Hotline is available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET.

Managing a Flooded Well

If you live in an area that experiences floods, your water well may be in danger of contamination from pollutants carried by flood water or at risk of shock from water-logged well equipment.

Here are some immediate steps you should follow after a flood:

  • Do not drink or wash with your well water. You could get sick from contaminants washed into the well by the flood.
  • Do not turn on the well pump. There is a danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if they were flooded.
  • Contact your water well contractor for help in dealing with the impacts of the flood on your water quality and well system.

Read more about Managing a Flooded Well.

You should suspect water contamination any time your well casing becomes flooded. For instance, if your well is shallow and you are near areas that have been flooded, if you notice a change in taste or color of your water, or there is sediment in your water. Testing your water is the only way to ensure your water is safe. Learn more about water testing.

Hotline HOT Topic: I am from the city and I just moved to a house with a well. I have no idea about wells. Can you help?

You’re in luck! We have a dedicated hotline to answer all your questions on wells and well water. You can reach the hotline by phone at 888-395-1033, by filling out our online form, or through our live chat feature. We also have information sheets and a Well Owner’s Manual that can help you understand how to take care of your well system.

Here are a few tips to get you started on managing your water well:

• We recommend reading our information sheet on Wells. This information sheet provides general information about wells.
• Well owners are responsible for taking care of their water well system. So it is important to test your water annually and visually inspect the exposed parts of your well system to make sure they are in good condition.
• Have your well inspected by a licensed well contractor immediately if you do not have any record of the last inspection or at least every 5 years.
Continue reading our Well Maintenance information sheet.

Get to Know Your Water Well System!

Click the image above to see our interactive well diagram.

Additional information on water wells and well water can be found in our popular Well Owner’s Manual.

Common Water Quality Concerns

Bust out the rust! 

Iron is a chemical element that is classified as a metal. It is also an essential mineral found in our bodies. Iron is common in the Earth’s crust. As water moves through soil layers it dissolves iron causing it to seep into groundwater. Iron pipes also may be a source of iron in water. Levels of iron found in drinking water are considered harmless but can be a nuisance. Even the smallest amount of iron can stain your laundry and fixtures and give your water a bitter or metallic taste.

Iron can be in soluble or oxidized form. Water with soluble iron looks clear when it comes out of the faucet but has red rust in it when left standing. Oxidized iron looks red from the tap. Iron is considered a secondary water contaminant. Continue reading about Iron & Well Water.

 

The not so innocent one…

Manganese is an abundant metal on Earth. It can be found in air, consumer products, food, and water. Manganese makes its way into groundwater and surface water from natural sources or from activities like mining and industrial discharges. Manganese is used in many industries, with the majority of manganese used as an alloying element in steel.

In water, manganese can look yellow, brown, or black and is often found together with iron and a low pH. Manganese can cause water to taste unpleasant and stain fixtures and water appliances throughout your home. Manganese is essential for human health. However, studies show too much manganese may cause neurological effects in children. Read more about testing and treating Manganese.

Has it been a while? Don’t neglect your septic, protect it!

Don’t forget to take care of your septic system! A poorly maintained septic system poses a serious threat to the quality of your drinking water. The cost of pumping a septic tank is far less than the expense of replacing a drainfield clogged by solids.

We recommend the following preventive measures:

• Inspect the septic tank each year for capacity and leaks.
• Pump out the tank as needed, usually every three to five years, based on the number of people in the household and the size of the tank.
• Repair the tank or drainfield system as needed to prevent leaks into
groundwater.

Read more about your septic system and contact your septic service professional for additional recommendations and service. To locate septic service professionals in your area, try these websites NOWRA and NAWT.