If your home’s water supply comes from a private well, you are responsible for making sure that your family’s water is safe from toxic contaminants — many of which can only be detected by laboratory testing.

The only way to do this is have your well water tested for naturally occurring and man-made contaminants. In Massachusetts, naturally occurring private water well contaminants include bacteria, iron, manganese, radon, and arsenic. Man-made contaminants may include fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recommends that comprehensive well water quality testing should be performed by a state certified laboratory before buying your home.

Comprehensive well water testing should be done again at least once every ten years unless your local Board of Health (which regulates private wells in Massachusetts) require otherwise. Testing for bacteria and nitrates should be performed once a year.

Always Test Your Well Water When:

• You notice changes in your water’s taste, smell, or appearance.
• Your well, pump, or water filtration system is serviced, repaired, or replaced.
• Your well cap has been broken or compromised.
• Your septic system has failed or has been replaced.

Aquatek Filtration and Pump helps private well owners in MetroWest and Central Massachusetts keep their water safe and clean. For a complimentary in-home water analysis and expert advice about your options, call 508-869-0499, or contact Aquatek.