How Often To Test Well Water
If you rely on a private well for drinking water, regularly testing it for bacteria and other potential contaminants is essential. But how often should you test your well water to keep it safe? This guide will help you decide the best testing frequency to ensure your water quality and peace of mind.
How often do I have my well water tested for bacteria?
Testing for harmful bacteria like E. coli and other coliforms is a top priority for private well owners. Not only can these bacteria be dangerous on their own, but they can be a warning sign that something else is wrong with your well.
You should have your well water tested for Total Coliform Bacteria once a quarter. Affordable DIY test kits make it easy to stay on top of well water safety without breaking the bank. We sell a 4-pack of DIY Total Coliform Bacteria test kits that will provide you with a year supply at a discount.
If your test results show the presence of Total Coliform, you may need to perform shock chlorination to address the contamination. Read our guide on how to shock chlorinate your well for step-by-step instructions.
How often do I have to test my well water?
In addition to bacteria testing, all other parameters should be tested once a year. These include dissolved oxygen, nitrate levels, hardness, total dissolved solids, and other parameters.
The once-a-year recommendation is for routine testing, we’ll cover what other factors may make you want to test more often later in the article.
For reliable results, you should test with an EPA certified laboratory that can test all the essential parameters at once.
Our most budget-friendly option, the Premium Drinking Water Test Kit, covers 50 different parameters that are crucial for well water safety. You’ll collect the water at your home and get free shipping to our lab.
For the most comprehensive testing, our Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit covers 200 parameters, including common herbicides and pesticides often found near agricultural or industrial sites. If you’re unsure which kit you need, reach out to our customer support and we’d be happy to walk you through the options.
When to test more frequently
Certain situations call for more frequent well water testing. Below, we outline key exceptions and explain why additional testing is recommended to keep your water safe.
Infants in the Home or Pregnancy
If you have an infant in the home or anyone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to test for elevated Nitrate/Nitrite levels. Nitrite can cause Methemoglobinemia which affects how the blood carries oxygen, with infants and pregnant women being especially vulnerable. An in-lab test for Nitrate and Nitrite is recommended to ensure accurate results.
Damage to your well or flooding
If you have a local emergency like flooding or a hurricane, it’s essential to test for potential groundwater contamination to your well. Anytime you suspect outside water may have infiltrated your well, a quick DIY Bacteria Test Kit can help identify immediate contamination risks.
Changes to your water system
Anytime you make changes to your water system, it’s wise to re-test your well water. Meaning any new parts installed or work done. For minor repairs, a DIY Bacteria Test Kit can quickly detect contamination, while extensive work may require an in-lab test to review the entire water profile.
Local Concerns for Well Water- Agricultural or Manufacturing
If your well is near agricultural run-off or manufacturing sites, more frequent testing may be needed. While there aren’t strict guidelines, how close you are to the potential run-off increases the chance of contamination.
What we recommend is to use an Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit for your yearly testing. The reason you’ll want to use the Ultimate is that it tests for an additional 150 parameters including pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals will be the largest concern with agricultural or manufacturing run-off and the best way to know if it’s contaminating your well water.
Local Contaminants
Some regions of the country have local contaminants that you may be concerned about. For example, in Indiana where Safe Home Test Kits is located, we have hard water that can damage appliances if not softened. While some other regions have naturally high Nitrate levels.
If there is a particular parameter that you want to test for because of your location, contact us and we’ll find the best test kit for your region.
Health Concerns Tied to Well Water
For households with health concerns possibly related to water quality, using the Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit can provide a detailed analysis. While we can help interpret results compared to EPA limits, consult with a healthcare provider for your specific health concerns and treatment options.
Changes in Taste, Odor, or Smell in Well Water
If you notice a change in your well water’s taste, odor, or smell, it’s worth testing to understand why. Changes could be harmless, you do not want to guess when it comes to your drinking water.
Concerns about your filtration system
Filtration systems do wear out over time and become less effective. This is why it is important to follow the manufacturers’ instructions on your filters’ upkeep. You should test your filtered water to make sure no contaminants are getting through the filter.
Another option is to test the water before it runs through the filter and after, to see exactly what the filter is and isn’t taking out of your water.
Want peace of mind about your well water quality? Contact us today for personalized recommendations on the right testing kit.
