Common causes for no water or low pressure from your well.

• Low water levels in well
• Leak in system piping
• A clogged filter or water pipe
• Faulty electrical controls
• Waterlogged pressure tank
• Worn well pump

Initially

• When a new well is drilled
• If there is no record of testing
• You are buying a home with a well

Annually

• Spring or summer is the best time to test

And ...

• Before installing a treatment system
• Sudden change in taste, color, or odor
• Someone in the home is pregnant or nursing
• After failure of a septic system or flooding event
• Changes in land use that cause runoff

At a minimum, test for common contaminants that can pose health risks.

• Bacteria is the most common contaminant
• Nitrates are caused by faulty septic systems and fertilizers
• Lead can leach from household plumbing
• Arsenic occurs naturally and was once a common ingredient in pesticides

• Certified or accredited water testing laboratory, including the RWA Lab headquartered in New Haven, CT
• Keep records of water testing

• Store chemicals at least 100 feet from your well
• Keep heavy equipment and vehicles off of your lawn and away from your well
• Only grow grass around your well; plants with long roots can damage the well casing
• Do not pile leaves, snow, or anything around your well; consider adding a fiberglass marker to help with locating the well during fall and winter
• Pump septic tanks every 3-5 years to avoid well contamination