Ground Water Awareness Week: March 12-18, 2006 - Time for Your Annual Water Well Checkup

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, spring is a good season to have an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins, according to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).

Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually?

An annual checkup by a qualified water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water, says Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Educator Melanie Szewczyk.

Also, preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance­like good car maintenance­can prolong the life of your well and related equipment. NGWA further recommends you test your water anytime there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or anytime the system is serviced.
Schedule Your Annual Water Well Checkup

Wells can provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives its drinking water from wells. But with well ownership comes the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order. A check of your well by a qualified water well contract may include:

• A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), pressure tank and pressure switch contact, and general water quality (odor, cloudiness, etc.).
• A well equipment inspection to assure it’s sanitary and meets local code.
• A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of local concern. Other typical additional tests are those for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor.

• Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels or livestock operations.
• Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas.
• Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents.
• Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.

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The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is designed to help residents and farmers identify ways to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination associated with the application of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers. Programs are both voluntary and confidential and aim to maintain a focus on the financial and technical constraints that drive everyday decisions. MGSP is a cooperative effort between Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University Extension, USAD Natural Resources Conservation Service and Michigan's AmeriCorps. Close coordination is also maintained with Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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