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TOP 2 BOTTOM REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS
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Wells
How can I test the quality of my private drinking water supply?
You should test private water supplies annually for ecoli and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Test them more frequently and for more potential contaminants, such as nitrates, radon or pesticides, if you suspect a problem.
How can I protect my private water supply?
You can protect your water supply by carefully managing activities near the water source. For households using a domestic well, this includes keeping contaminants away from sinkholes and the well itself. Hazardous chemicals also should be kept out of septic systems.
- Periodically inspect exposed parts of the well for problems such as:
- cracked, corroded, or damaged well casing.
- broken or missing well cap.
- settling and cracking of surface seals.
- Slope the area around the well to drain surface runoff away from the well.
- Install a well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized use of, or entry into, the well.
- Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other constituents of concern.
- Keep accurate records of any well maintenance, such as disinfection or sediment removal, that may require the use of chemicals in the well.
- Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction, modification, or abandonment and closure.
- Avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and other pollutants near the well.
- Do not dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells.
- Do not cut off the well casing below the land surface.
- Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department.
- Never dispose of hazardous materials in a septic system.
Septic Systems - Things To Keep In Mind
Gravity feed systems
- Have your system inspected every 1 to 3 years and pump your tank as needed every 3 to 5 years.
- Use water efficiently.
- Do not dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks and toilets.
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees and shrubs may clog or damage the drain field.
- Do not drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field or damage the pipes, tank or other septic components.
- Clogger = Diapers, cat litter, cigarette filters, coffee grounds, grease, feminine hygiene products, etc.
- Killers = Household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, etc.
Aerobic plant systems
- Have system inspected annually.
- Use water efficiently.
- Make sure power is on continuous to air supply and pump.
- Make sure effluent disposal is unobstructed.
- Do not dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks and toilets.
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees and shrubs may clog or damage the drain field.
- Do not drive or park vehicles on any part of your aerobic system. Doing so can damage the pipes, tank or other components.
- Clogger = Diapers, cat litter, cigarette filters, coffee grounds, grease, feminine hygiene products, etc.
- Killers = Household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, etc.
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