PRIVATE WATER WELL TESTING

Due to its protected location underground, most ground water is naturally clean and free of contaminants. Unfortunately, Florida's ground water can become contaminated by chemicals and microbes that can cause illness. Bacteria and nitrate can reach the ground water and wells through poorly maintained septic systems, livestock areas and fertilizer application, or as a result of poorly constructed wells. Chemicals can enter into the ground water from leaking gasoline storage tanks, pesticide applications, landfills, and improper disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes.

Do you have a well?

​The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that consumption of contaminated drinking water in the United States has resulted in thousands of cases of illness each year. Contaminated drinking water can cause a number of diseases, and is sometimes fatal. The most common contaminants are microbes and nitrate.

While all public water systems in Florida are required to perform routine testing to ensure that they meet state drinking water standards, private well owners are responsible for ensuring that their OWN well water is safe to drink.

Recommended Testing

At a minimum, your water should be tested every year for bacteria, the most common water quality problem. Other tests may be required depending on where you live and what is located near your water supply. For example, if your well is in an area of intensive agricultural use, test for nitrates and the pesticides commonly used in that region. If household tests of radon in the air are high, test for radon in water. If you have problems with taste, odor, staining or color of your water, then test levels of iron, manganese and sulfate. Testing more than once a year may be warranted in special situations:

• someone in your household is pregnant or nursing
• there are unexplained illnesses in the family
• your neighbors find a dangerous contaminant in their water
• you note a change in water taste, odor, color or clarity
• there is a spill of chemicals or fuels into or near your well.

While bacteria and nitrate are the most common threats to your drinking water, your water well may also be susceptible to other contaminants. Depending on past and present land-use activities or other sources of contamination in your neighborhood, additional water tests may be recommended.

​Call us at (561) 570-6311 to discuss your specific concerns with our professional and schedule an appointment to have your ground water tested.​

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