When you turn on the faucet for a glass of water, and it looks clear and doesn’t have an odor, is it still safe to drink? The only way to know is to have your water tested regularly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a home on a private well test their water once per year. The private well must pass a well inspection when a home sale occurs. After this inspection, most homeowners never test their water again unless there is an issue. Testing your home’s water once per year offers peace of mind knowing your water is safe and the water treatment equipment in the home is operating correctly.
According to the EPA, more than 13 million Americans rely on private well for drinking water. A homeowner is responsible for the safety of their home’s water. The EPA does not regulate private well water. However, regularly testing your water allows a homeowner to address a specific problem and use the appropriate treatment application for clean, safe water.
Reasons a homeowner should test their water once per year:
1. An annual test will ensure your water treatment equipment is working properly
2. Regular testing determines a record of your water quality over time and makes it easier to identify potential problems or elevated levels of contaminants.
3. At any point, groundwater can change, and you want to ensure your home’s water is safe from any bacteria or other contaminants.
It is essential to test your home’s water. This way, a benchmark occurs with the water entering your home versus after water traveling through water treatment equipment. What can a homeowner test for once per year:
1. Coliform Bacteria
2. Nitrates
3. Arsenic
4. Lead
5. Other Contaminants
Where can I get my well water tested:
It is recommended to have your home’s water tested at a state-certified laboratory. For example, in the McHenry and Lake Counties in Illinois, we recommend PDC Laboratories in McHenry. In addition, some communities offer free test screenings, so check with your local government agencies.
With all the news reports over the past few years of water contamination, it is essential to provide your home with clean, safe water, and the only way to provide this is to test the water regularly. Once your private well water has been tested and results, our company has certified water specialists on staff through the Water Quality Association who can help you with any questions or provide solutions to your situation. Contact or call us.
