Rural residents living on private wells should have water tested

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 43 million Americans get their drinking water from domestic wells, which is a necessary part of living in the country. 

Since most of these wells are located on private property, it falls on the property owner – rather than a government entity – to ensure the safety of the water.

However, experts note most residents haven’t had a certified lab test on their well water within the past one to three years, and not knowing what is in well water poses a real health risk.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website states, “More than 75 percent of Wyoming’s population relies on groundwater for part – or all – of their drinking water supply.”

The agency notes it is the owners’ responsibility to maintain a private water well and to not contribute to contamination of groundwater.

Properly maintaining a well helps protect the groundwater supplying the well. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect the well and have immediate issues corrected.

Water testing

Federal, state and local government agencies provide education and technical assistance to private well owners through programs such as Know Your Well.

Knowing the water quality gives the well owner an idea if there are issues with the well that need to be addressed.

According to the DEQ, in Wyoming it is recommended to test wells for bacteria, such as E. coli and nitrates every year. 

Additionally, it’s recommended to test for arsenic, lead, copper, iron, manganese, sulfate and total dissolved solids every five years. 

“Uranium, radium, selenium and methane are also common contaminants in Wyoming groundwater,” reads the DEQ website. “It’s also recommended to test well water if there are any changes in the taste, color or odor of the water. If someone in the household has experienced unexplained health issues, it should be tested immediately.”

Contamination

If a well is contaminated, there are several treatment options available for most types of contamination. 

The DEQ states, “To determine the best treatment option for a specific well and type of contaminant, it’s recommended to consult a licensed water treatment specialist, as they can recommend and install a treatment option which will work best for each situation.”

For assistance interpreting well water test results, individuals can e-mail deq-knowyourwell@wyo.gov, call 307-777-9355 or use the Wyoming-specific tool by visiting bewellinformed.info/workbench to see if any detections exceed drinking water standards.

The only way to know for sure if well water is safe to drink is through laboratory testing, as most common contaminants cannot be seen, tasted or smelled and cannot be removed by boiling, reads the DEQ website.

Water quality can change naturally over time or as a result of activities in the area, which can affect the quality of the well water. 

Well protection

There are several steps an individual can take to protect a well and ensure the safety of drinking water.

Conducting regular water testing is essential to identifying any potential contaminants which can pose a health risk.

Proper maintenance, such as inspecting and repairing well equipment, can prevent well contamination and ensure the longevity of the well.

Also, individuals should properly dispose of hazardous materials but should not dispose of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and pesticides near a well, as they can seep into the groundwater.

“Wells should be properly constructed and inspected by a licensed professional to meet all local codes and regulations,” the DEQ states. “Protecting the area around a well prevents surface water from entering the well by properly grading and maintaining the area around the wellhead.”

DEQ reiterates following these steps to help protect the well ensures the safety of drinking water.

Contamination

According to the DEQ, there are several potential sources of groundwater contamination in Wyoming including the use of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides which can lead to contamination of groundwater with nitrates and other chemicals.

Industrial activities such as mining and manufacturing can lead to groundwater contamination from runoff and discharge of wastewater.

Another form of possible contamination can be from improperly constructed or managed landfills and waste disposal sites which can leach chemicals and other contaminants into groundwater.

“Manure and other animal waste can contain pathogens, bacteria and other contaminants which can leach into groundwater if not managed properly,” notes the DEQ. “Natural sources such as radon, arsenic and uranium can also contribute to groundwater contamination in some areas of Wyoming.”

Oil and gas development including exploration, drilling and production activities can lead to groundwater contamination from spills, leaks and disposal of wastewater.

A failing septic system or an improperly designed septic system can release bacteria, viruses and other contaminants into groundwater.

In addition, DEQ mentions stormwater runoff from rain and snowmelt can carry pollutants from roads, rooftops and other surfaces into groundwater.

It’s important for well owners to regularly test their water and properly maintain their wells to reduce the risk of contamination, but there are numerous resources individuals can utilize offered through the DEQ.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.