Sourcing your water from a private well is a great option for many families. Before you drill, though, follow these key steps to ensure that you have a safe and plentiful water supply.
Assess Your Water Supply Before You Drill
The availability of groundwater can vary greatly depending on location. Even on a single property, the water supply can be vastly different in one spot versus another.
This is why it’s important to work with your well drilling contractor to assess the water supply before installing your well. Your contractor will be able to advise you on the best location so that you have plenty of water for your household needs.
Distance Your Well From Contaminants
Along with making sure you have a good water supply, another critical factor regarding well location is its proximity to contaminants. Your well should be at a safe distance from:
- Landfills (1200 feet)
- Metal mining (1200 feet)
- Industrial sites (250 feet)
- Farming (100 feet)
- Livestock (25–50 feet)
- Wastewater systems (25–250 feet)
You should check with your municipality for updated safe distance recommendations. Those can vary from location to location and can evolve based on current testing information.
Even if your water tests negative for contaminants at present, that can change over time. That’s why it’s essential to drill at a safe distance from potential contaminants at the outset.
Test Your Water Quality
In addition to safeguarding your well from potential contaminants, it’s also important to check the current water supply for safety. Before you construct a new well, make sure your well contractors conduct a contamination check.
These pre-drilling tests are designed to detect the presence of:
- Bacteria
- Nitrates
- Water hardness
- Alkalinity
- pH
- Chloride
- Lead
- Copper
If there’s an issue with the water quality, don’t panic! It’s often possible to treat the water before use in order to filter or neutralize the problem.
In some situations, though, the nature of the groundwater may not be appropriate for use. If this is the case, your well contractor will likely advise choosing a different drilling location.
Choosing a water well location isn’t always easy. Taking these steps before you start construction, though, will ensure that you have a water supply that meets your needs in terms of quality and volume.
If you’re considering drilling a well in Valatie or the surrounding area, call the team at Goold Wells and Pumps. We have over 90 years of experience in water well drilling and we are committed to making sure your well meets all specifications for safety and lasting use. Good Wells & Pumps—Trusted Name Since 1928.