Six Mistakes That Can Destroy A Well If You're Not Careful
Wells are important resources for property owners and significant investments for land developers. Property managers need to make sure that wells stay in working order to not only protect any investment they've made in a property but also to ensure the health and safety of the surrounding environment.
The following are six mistakes it's important to avoid that could potentially destroy a well or render it unusable:
Failing to regularly have water tested to ensure purity
It's important to stay on top of any contaminants that are building up in a well by periodically having the water tests. Generally speaking, well water should be tested at least once a year.
Well water tests do more than just ensure that a well's water is potable. They also give a heads-up on any potential contamination issues that are developing above or around a well. Over time, these issues could become so severe that they ruin an area's potable groundwater.
Allowing back-siphonage to occur that makes it so harmful chemicals get into well water
Back-siphonage in a well is harmful because it can allow harmful chemical contaminants into a well when substances such as fertilizers or pesticides are being mixed. Back-siphonage involves placing a hose that's being used to mix chemical preparations into the well's tank or reservoir and thereby contaminating the well's water.
Carelessly placing hazardous substances around or near a well
Any potentially toxic substance should be kept well away from a well and any ground above the well from which the well pulls groundwater. Substances such as motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and paints can easily contaminate well water if they are allowed to spill on the ground.
Landscaping around the well carelessly and damaging the well casing
It may sometimes be necessary to mow grass or cut vegetation around a well's casing. This must be done with extreme care because any damage to the casing could allow contaminants into the well.
Losing records regarding your well or wells
In most municipalities, well usage is strictly regulated to ensure the safety of the water that is consumed by area residents. It's therefore important to save any records about a well including drilling documentation, drilling and construction permits, and water testing results.
These documents can help ensure that you'll be officially allowed to continue using the well and won't face any legal obstructions.
Having a well opening that's too close to the ground surface
It's important to keep the well opening itself elevated above the ground surface. This protects the well casing from damage and makes it so that water drains away from the well opening itself and down into the ground.
Contact a company that offers maintenance for wells for more information and assistance.