Public water systems in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) under the Safe Drinking Water Program. These systems undergo daily, monthly, and annual testing to ensure households have safe drinking water. Results are published each year in a Consumer Confidence Report, which for Lincoln County residents is available on the City of Lincolnton’s website. Private wells, in contrast, are not regulated or routinely tested, meaning it is up to the homeowner to monitor water quality. Regular testing and a basic understanding of water quality parameters can go a long way in keeping your household safe and healthy.
Water quality refers to a number of measurable characteristics or “parameters” that tell us if water is safe to drink and suitable for everyday use around the home. These standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Primary drinking water standards are based on health considerations and protect you from microbial pathogens, radioactive elements, and organic or inorganic chemicals. They include things like arsenic, lead, nitrate, and coliform bacteria. Secondary drinking water standards are not health-related, but instead deal with issues such as taste, odor, color, foaming, corrosivity, and staining. These include things like copper, iron, manganese, and total dissolved solids. While secondary contaminants are not hazardous to human health, they are still important to monitor, as they can cause problems like damaged plumbing, appliance repairs, or water that simply tastes and smells unpleasant.
The most common water quality issues in Georgia private wells include bacterial contamination, unusual taste or odor, problems with corrosiveness and hardness, and elevated levels of iron and manganese. Hard water, for example, may leave behind mineral deposits that clog pipes or shorten the life of appliances, while excess iron and manganese can cause staining and metallic tastes.
UGA Extension recommends testing private wells at least once per year for bacteria, and once every 2-3 years for secondary parameters. We offer a wide variety of testing options depending on your needs. Bacterial testing for total coliform and E. coli should be conducted annually on home wells to ensure water safety. Testing for secondary contaminants should be done using a basic water test (pH, minerals, hardness) or an expanded water test (basic test plus anions, soluble salts, and alkalinity) every 2-3 years. If there are specific concerns about contaminants, other tests are available upon request.
After testing, if you find significant water quality issues, Extension can help discuss options for solving them. Some concerns, like bacterial contamination, can often be fixed with shock chlorination treatment. Others may require installation of a water filtration or treatment system, or making changes to how you protect and maintain your well. It is important that your selected treatment matches the issues you are experiencing, and Extension can help with that decision.
Testing your well water can give peace of mind and help safeguard the health of your family and your home. For more information about well water testing and interpreting results, please call us at 706-359-3233 or email uge3181@uga.edu.
