Most private well owners are very concerned about how surrounding development and activities may impact “their” groundwater, but it is really their own local activities that may have a more direct impact on the water quality. The primary recommendations for private well owners are as follows:
Create an artificial wellhead protection zone that extends 50 to 100 feet from the well. The goal would be to prevent the installation, use, or activities that might adversely impact the quality of the water.
Properly dispose of household hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, and animal waste.
Recycle and properly dispose of automotive fluids, paints, and other chemicals and do not dispose of them onsite or within the septic system.
Properly maintain your septic system and runoff from your property. For more information check out the BF Environmental page on Septic Systems, as well the PikeConservation.org podcast on Septic Systems (Episode 4 - Properly Maintaining Your On-Lot Septic System) featuring Brian Oram.
Have the drinking water system inspected by a licensed well driller and install the necessary backflow prevention devices on your system. Do not allow the end of hoses to set in basins or tanks.
If you apply Herbicides, Pesticides, or deicing chemicals, these should be applied by a professional and only applied at the rates and conditions recommended by the manufacturer.
Use water wisely. If possible, install water conservation devices and consider the use of rainwater capture systems to meet any landscape irrigation needs for your home.
Annually get your well water quality Tested, inspect the wellhead and area around the well, and have your water treatment system inspected.
Join or participate in your local watershed, groundwater guardian, or other conservation organization. In Pennsylvania, we recommend joining the Keystone Clean Water Team. For details, please visit us at www.PACleanWater.org. Also, don't forget to Get Connected with us by joining our newsletter and on social media.
Note: This page is an excerpt from our "Drinking Water Quality Guide: What Do the Test Results Mean?" - Order Your Own Hardcopy.
