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Office of Drinking Water QualityPrivate Well Testing Information**The following recommendations, set forth by this Office, pertain to water-quality testing of private wells. Water-quality analyses must be performed by a certified laboratory to assure accuracy of results. **
Since groundwater quality changes over time, testing frequency depends on the constituent. HEALTH recommends testing for the following constituents at the prescribed intervals, or when you suspect a problem (odd taste, smell, color, etc.): Initially, then annually-
Initially, then every 3-5 years-
Initially, then every 5-10 years-
1 Pending regulations will require these tests for real estate transfers and new wells. Additional testing- will depend on local land-uses, well type, underlying geology, proximity to known sources of contaminants, and requirement by the local building official (examples – Arsenic- if near existing or old orchards and/or Beryllium– if well is completed in certain types of bedrock). IMPORTANT: If your water quality results are present for coliforms you should not consume the water unless it has been boiled for at least one minute. This should continue until results indicate your water as coliform free. A procedure to disinfect the well and the household plumbing can be found in the “ Bacteria in Private Drinking Water Wells ” WEBLINKS: Other great sources of information EPA's Safewater contains information for private well owners: URI Home*A*Syst program provides very helpful information for private well owners, including topical fact sheets on treatment options. If you have any questions please call us. We would be happy to assist you.
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