Private Well Maintenance

The Environmental Protection Agency (DEP) reminds people with private drinking water wells that spring is a good time to make sure wells are in proper working order as well as to have well water tested. Properly constructed private water supply systems require only a little routine maintenance. These simple steps will help to protect your health, well system and investment:

Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well, or the water it provides. An annual water test, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced. Bottles to test treated lake or well water can be picked up at the Parry Sound Health Unit at the Parry Sound Mall and returned there for testing by the provincial laboratory (no cost).

Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced. Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides and motor oil, far away from your well. Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair.

When landscaping, keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage. Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don't pile mulch, leaves or other materials around your well.

Keep records on your well, and keep them in a safe place. These include the construction report as well as the annual water well system maintenance and water testing results. When your well has come to the end of its serviceable life (usually an average of 30 years), have a qualified water well contractor properly decommission your well after constructing your new system.