Managing Your Private Well: Testing and Treatment Guide

Author: Alec Janis, UConn Graduate Student & Michael Dietz, Ph.D., UConn Extension Educator
alec.janis@uconn.edu

Reviewer:
Publication #EXT056 | September 2023

EXT056

Please contact UConn Extension for a more detailed fact sheet that includes a detailed list of water treatment options and lists of substances removed, along with pros/cons and general financial costs.

Introduction

If you’re wondering why no one’s told you to test your drinking water, it’s because private wells have very little governmental regulation, leaving most of the responsibility to the well owner. This fact sheet explains water testing and treatment if needed.

Even if your water was safe to drink when the well was installed or when you bought your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality is the same today. Regular testing is important; the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) recommends testing for the basic indicators every year (see guidance from the CT DPH website on which parameters to test for and how often). If you have tested your water and it is over the drinking water standard on one or more parameters, it can be confusing to figure out how to address the issue. This guide is designed to help you get your water tested and if necessary, select proper treatment systems to provide safe drinking water for you and your family.

Step 1: Get your water tested.

man in a lab pouring water into a bag.There are several labs around the state that have been certified by CT DPH to test drinking water. For an extra fee, some will even come out to your home to collect the sample. Different labs may charge different fees, so call labs in your area to find out what they charge (find lab locations on Google Maps). At a minimum you will want to ask for the basic potability parameters, which now include arsenic and uranium (you should ask to make sure that these are included). Total coliform and E. coli bacteria should also be included. You may also choose additional parameters to test such as radon, pesticides, or other contaminants like petroleum. Your local health district can provide guidance on whether these constituents are likely to be found in your area.

Step 2: Find out what’s in your water.

Any Connecticut certified lab will provide you with a water quality report that will include your water sample results and the health standards set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. If you are unsure if your results meet the state’s set standards, visit the CT DPH private well website, or contact UConn Extension.

Step 3: Decide if you need water treatment and choose the best system for you.

Any contaminant that exceeds a health standard should be addressed, but keep in mind that the goal is not necessarily to have “pure” water. Water stripped of all minerals (such as distilled water) has little benefit to human health. If you do need some kind of treatment system, you will also need to decide if you should have a water treatment professional do the installation. Some systems such as a point of use reverse osmosis can be installed relatively easily. Other systems like ion exchange should be installed by professionals. Use the Treatment System Options chart on page 2 of the companion PDF (request a copy) to find out what treatment is right for your situation, and if necessary, discuss options with one or more professional water treatment companies.

What treatment is right for your situation?

man lifting the lid on a residential home well.Questions to Ask When Selecting a Water Treatment Device

  • What is the required maintenance?
  • How does this technology work?
  • Are there any indicator lights or mechanisms to alert you of a malfunction?
  • What is the product’s life expectancy?
  • Are there any waste products that will need to be disposed of?
  • What is the cost for the unit, installation, routine maintenance?

Resources

This fact sheet was produced by UConn Extension faculty and staff, supported by the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (ctiwr.uconn.edu) in collaboration with the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (clear.uconn.edu).

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.