Division of Water
National Ground Water Awareness Week: Spring is a good time to check water wells

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, spring is a good season to have an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins, according to the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW).
 
An annual checkup by a qualified water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water, said Paulette Akers, manager of the DOW Watershed Management Branch.
 
“Emergency maintenance is usually much more expensive than preventive maintenance,” said Akers. “You should also have your well water tested whenever there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or when the system is serviced.”
 
Wells can provide high-quality drinking water and about half the Kentucky population receives its drinking water from wells. But with well ownership comes the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order. A check of your well by a qualified water well contractor may include:

• A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping, if possible; pump motor performance, including  checking the amp load, grounding and line voltage; pressure tank and pressure switch contact; and general water quality (odor, cloudiness).
• A well equipment inspection to assure it is sanitary and meets state standards.
• A test of your water for coliform bacteria, nitrates and anything else of concern, such as pesticides or other contaminants.  Other typical tests are those for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance and odor.
• If your well is located in a well house, be sure the well is vented to the outside. Venting will help prevent the accumulation of gas to explosive levels.

You can obtain a copy of the Water Well Owner’s Guide at www.water.ky.gov/gw/gwtech/gwdrill.