Private Wells and the Importance of Water Quality Testing

More than 13 million households in the United States rely on private wells for drinking water according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency does not regulate private wells nor does it provide recommended criteria or standards for individual wells. In fact, private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water.

EPA does offer information regarding the importance of testing private wells and guidance on technologies that may be used to treat or remove contaminants. It recommends that the water in private wells be tested annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. Testing should perhaps take place more frequently if small children or elderly adults live in the house, or if someone in the house is pregnant or nursing.

Private well owners are also encouraged to test the water if:

• There are known problems with groundwater or drinking water in the area
• Conditions near a well have changed significantly (i.e. flooding, land disturbances, and new construction or industrial activity)
• Replacing or repairing any part of the well system has taken place
• A change in the water quality is noticed (i.e. odor, color, taste)

Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water is also susceptible to contamination from activities on the surface. Corrosive groundwater could even cause lead to leach from old pipes, plumbing fixtures, and solder that contain the heavy metal into the water supply.

“Since there are no testing requirements for unregulated private wells, it’s important for the well-being of people in households that are dependent on them to have their water tested,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we provide laboratory services to assess the physical characteristics of water samples as well as test for a wide range of microbial and chemical contaminants. We also offer sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to quickly and affordably provide answers to private well owners.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about private wells and testing drinking water quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/9mtMqsTiNag

To learn more water testing or other environmental services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. For access to Drinking Water Test Kits, visit www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail