If You Live in the Country, Know about Wells

(back)

I am preparing to buy a house in the country. I know that country drinking water comes from wells. I have heard that wells can produce the best water that you can drink or in some cases the worst. How can I find out about the quality of the water? Anything you can tell me will be helpful.

Thirsty Thelma

 Dear Thelma,

It’s very important for everyone to understand that ground water comes from the “hydrologic cycle”.

The description of the hydrologic cycle usually begins with evaporation from the oceans. However it must be kept in mind that it is a cycle with no beginning or end.

The evaporation from the oceans and other large bodies of water drifts across the earth’s surface in the form of clouds. The clouds create rain, snow, hail or droplets of fog. The rain and melting snow runs on the earth’s surface as creeks and rivers towards the oceans only to repeat the cycle. Much of the water is absorbed into the land.

The absorbed water is known as ground water. Wells are drilled into the earth’s surface as a means of tapping into that water.

As an owner of country property where well water is used for domestic purposes, one becomes their own water manager.

As water manager one has a responsibility to prevent pollution by adhering to minimum standards set by California Water Resources Board when constructing, maintaining and destroying a well. In fact, the Department of Water Resources suggests that well owners keep a maintenance and repair log. Even though the water quality is tested at the time of drilling it is smart to test the water quality on a periodic basis and log the results.

I should know. I was so busy cleaning annoying mineral deposits from my dishes and bathroom fixtures it was suggested that I consider getting another hobby. Little did I know that the residue was indicative of a serious water issue.

I called Stan Rafter from Service Engineering. He did a mineral and bacterial test on a well that I haven’t tested for 12 years. He was reluctant to report that I had been drinking from a contaminated well. It tested for total coli form and e.coli. He also reported that the water was very hard (too many minerals).

Fortunately for me it was an easy and relatively inexpensive fix. He poured bleach down the well and ran chlorinated water through the entire system. It worked. I no longer have to drink a morning cup of “Tea.coli.” He also installed a water softening system with amazing results. I am now looking for a new hobby.

Stan explained that most people don’t think about bacteria and other possible water issues as long as the water is being delivered into their home. It’s when the water stops flowing that he gets the frantic calls!

While making necessary repairs Stan discovers through observation and testing just how aggressive the water is and what kind of conditioning is required.

“Acidic water is very aggressive. It attacks metals. Blue green stains on your fixtures are an indication of copper pipes being broken down by the water.” Stan explained.

“There is an easy and inexpensive remedy. A typical system can cost between $1500-2000.00. Sometimes more depending on how aggressive the water is.” Stan said.

If you haven’t checked your well in awhile call Stan. He will do a general mineral test and well consultation for free! It can be a matter of good Home Dollars and Sense.