When is the last time you tested your well water?
Routine tests for household wells can determine whether or not your well water is acceptable for household use.
It is not uncommon for runoff to contaminate private wells, and the recent rains in Jackson County could have made an impact on your well water.
While contamination from heavy rains can usually be detected by cloudy or muddy water coming out of the tap, it is not always that easy to identify contamination.
Excess minerals, chemicals or disease-causing bacteria may not be detected by taste, color or smell, and it is up to the homeowner to ensure the safety of their well.
You can’t fix a problem that you don’t know exists, and guessing the quality of the water coming out of your faucets can be a dangerous gamble for your health.
Testing your well water should be done at least once a year, even if there are no noticeable impurities in your water. However, if you do notice a difference in taste, color, odor or staining, you should immediately get your well water tested.
Routine tests can be done through your local Extension office, and we recommend annual testing to determine water chemistry, presence of bacteria and nitrates, and turbidity.
While one test can’t detect all potential water contaminants, we offer over 30 different water testing options.
To learn more about the tests we offer, please visit your local county Extension office or contact us at 706-367-6344.
