Nitrate Contamination in Private Wells

Q: Are all types of *E. coli* dangerous?

No, not all types of *E. coli* are dangerous. Most *E. coli* strains are harmless and live naturally in the intestines of people and animals. However, some specific types of *E. coli* can make you seriously sick, potentially causing symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, and even kidney failure [Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria](https://www.home-water-purifiers-and-filters.com/coliform-bacteria-well-water.php?srsltid=AfmBOopQX84E_YwRHagwKBJNEpQUJjYrkyeg6HapmrV_rNFg21HtIsb6).

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing.
Private well owners are responsible for testing their water; federal EPA rules do not apply to private wells.
A positive test for fecal coliforms or E. coli likely means human or animal waste has entered your well water.
Many coliforms are harmless, but fecal coliforms like E. coli can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria.

As a private well owner, you carry the important responsibility of ensuring your drinking water is safe. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated, treated, or monitored by government officials under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. This means that regular testing is entirely up to you. We recommend testing your well water at least once every year for key indicators such as total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. If your test results show a positive presence of coliform bacteria, especially fecal coliforms or E. coli, it suggests that your water may have come into contact with human or animal waste, potentially introducing harmful germs. While many coliforms are harmless, the presence of fecal coliforms like E. coli can lead to serious health issues, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches, and can even cause kidney failure in vulnerable individuals Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to test and, if necessary, treat your well water is crucial for the health and safety of your household.

Why is regular well water testing important?

Regular well water testing is important because private well owners are solely responsible for the safety of their drinking water. This responsibility means you must actively ensure your water is safe to drink, as there are no federal mandates for its quality.

Private Well Owner Responsibility

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets strict rules to protect public drinking water systems. These rules ensure that water from municipal sources is regularly monitored, treated, and regulated to meet specific safety standards. However, these same EPA rules do not apply to privately owned wells CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. This distinction is critical because it places the entire burden of water quality assurance on the well owner. There is no government body that automatically regulates, treats, or monitors the tap water that comes from a private well. This lack of oversight means that without regular testing, a well owner might unknowingly be consuming water contaminated with harmful substances or microorganisms. The quality of well water can change over time due to various factors, including environmental shifts, changes in local land use, or issues with the well's infrastructure itself. For instance, heavy rainfall can lead to surface water runoff carrying contaminants into the groundwater. Agricultural activities in the vicinity, such as the application of fertilizers or pesticides, can introduce nitrates or other chemicals into the water table. Failing septic systems or animal waste can also leach into the ground, impacting well water quality. These potential sources of contamination highlight why consistent monitoring is not just a recommendation but a necessity for private well owners. Without routine testing, these changes in water quality can go undetected, posing significant health risks to anyone consuming the water.

Local Government and Support

While federal EPA rules do not cover private wells, local governments can still play a supportive role. Your local health department or environmental department can be a valuable resource. They can help you understand what specific germs or chemicals to test for, based on your geographical location and any known local contamination issues CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. For example, certain regions might have higher risks of arsenic, radon, or specific agricultural runoff contaminants that warrant additional testing beyond the basic annual recommendations. These local agencies often have a deeper understanding of regional geology, common contaminants, and historical water quality data. They can also guide you to state-certified laboratories that are equipped to perform accurate and reliable water testing. Using a state-certified laboratory is crucial because it ensures that the testing methods meet established standards and that the results are credible. After you receive your test results, your local health department can assist in interpreting them, explaining what the various levels mean, and outlining the necessary steps if contamination is found. They might recommend specific treatment options, advise on well maintenance, or suggest more frequent testing if your well shows signs of recurring issues. This partnership with local authorities, even without direct regulation, empowers well owners to make informed decisions about their water safety. Ultimately, the responsibility rests with the well owner to initiate the testing and act on the results, but local resources are available to facilitate this process and provide expert guidance.

Health and Safety Implications

The primary reason for regular well water testing is to protect the health and safety of everyone who drinks from the well. Water quality indicators, such as coliforms, pH, and total dissolved solids, are not typically harmful themselves. Instead, they act as warning signs, indicating that your water might contain something else that could make you sick CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. For instance, a high total coliform count suggests that harmful germs, including certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites, could also be present in your water. These pathogens can cause a range of illnesses, from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe infections. The absence of routine testing means that these invisible threats can go unnoticed, leading to chronic health problems or acute outbreaks within a household. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, making consistent water quality a critical concern. Moreover, some contaminants, like nitrates, pose specific health risks, especially to infants. High nitrate levels can lead to methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome," a serious condition that affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Regular testing for nitrates, alongside other indicators, is therefore essential for preventing such severe health outcomes. By proactively testing your well water, you are taking a fundamental step in safeguarding the well-being of your family and anyone else who consumes water from your private well. It’s an ongoing commitment to health that begins with understanding the importance of consistent monitoring and responding appropriately to test results.

What should you test your well water for every year?

Every year, you should test your well water for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level to ensure its safety. These tests provide a baseline understanding of your water quality and can indicate potential issues.

Annual Core Tests

We recommend that all private well owners test their water at least once every year for a specific set of core indicators. These indicators include total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH level CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. Total coliforms are a group of bacteria found in various environments, including soil, plants, and the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals. While many total coliforms are not harmful themselves, their presence in high numbers can indicate that a pathway exists for disease-causing germs to enter your water system. Therefore, they serve as an important "indicator organism." Nitrates are another critical contaminant to monitor annually. High levels of nitrates, often originating from agricultural runoff (fertilizers) or septic system failures, can be particularly dangerous for infants and pregnant women. Total dissolved solids refer to the total concentration of inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. High TDS levels can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of your water, and can also indicate the presence of undesirable chemicals. Finally, pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can be corrosive to plumbing, potentially leaching harmful metals like lead and copper into your drinking water. Regularly checking these parameters helps you catch potential contamination or system issues early, allowing for timely intervention before they become serious health risks or costly repairs.

Localized Contaminant Testing

Beyond the core annual tests, it is also important to consider other germs or chemicals that might be specific concerns in your local area. Your local health department is the best resource for this information CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. Depending on where you live, there might be regional issues such as naturally occurring arsenic, radon, or uranium. Agricultural areas might face increased risks from pesticides or herbicides. Industrial zones could introduce specific chemical pollutants into the groundwater. Even geological characteristics can influence water quality, with some areas having higher levels of iron, manganese, or other minerals that, while not always directly harmful, can affect water aesthetics and plumbing. For example, if your property is near agricultural fields where fertilizers are heavily used, your risk of elevated nitrate levels might be higher than in other areas. If you live in an older home, you might want to test for lead, especially if your plumbing system contains lead pipes or fixtures. Your health department will have data and knowledge about common groundwater contaminants in your specific county or municipality. They can guide you on additional tests that are prudent for your well, helping you to develop a comprehensive testing plan that addresses both general and localized risks. This tailored approach ensures that your testing efforts are focused on the most relevant threats to your well water quality, providing a more complete picture of its safety.

The Importance of Certified Laboratories

When testing your well water, it is absolutely essential to use a state-certified laboratory. These laboratories meet rigorous standards for equipment, methodology, and personnel, ensuring that your test results are accurate and reliable CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. Uncertified labs or home test kits, while sometimes convenient, may not provide the precision or comprehensive analysis needed to accurately assess potential health risks. A state-certified lab will follow standardized protocols for sample collection, handling, and analysis, which minimizes the chance of errors or false readings. They are also equipped to test for a wider range of contaminants with much greater sensitivity than basic home kits. For instance, detecting trace amounts of certain chemicals or specific strains of bacteria requires sophisticated laboratory equipment and expertise. Your local health department can provide a list of state-certified laboratories in your area. When you contact a certified lab, they will provide specific instructions for collecting your water sample. It is crucial to follow these instructions precisely to avoid contaminating the sample or skewing the results. For example, some tests require sterile bottles, specific collection points (like a cold water tap without an aerator), or immediate delivery to the lab within a certain timeframe. Accurate test results are the foundation of making informed decisions about your well water. Without reliable data from a certified source, any actions you take to treat or manage your water quality could be based on incomplete or incorrect information, potentially leaving your household exposed to unseen dangers.

What do total coliforms and fecal coliforms mean?

Total coliforms are a group of bacteria found widely in the environment, and while generally harmless themselves, their presence can signal a pathway for harmful germs to enter your water. Fecal coliforms, a subset of total coliforms including E. coli, specifically indicate contamination by human or animal waste.

Total Coliforms as Indicator Organisms

Total coliforms are a family of bacteria that are very common in the environment. They live naturally in soil, on plants, in decaying vegetation, and in surface water bodies like lakes and rivers Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. They are also present in the digestive systems, or guts, of warm-blooded animals, including humans CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. The key thing to understand about total coliforms is that they are generally not harmful themselves. You won't typically get sick from the coliform bacteria themselves. However, they are used as "indicator organisms" in water testing. This means that their presence, especially in high numbers, indicates a potential problem. If total coliforms are found in your well water, it suggests that there might be a pathway for other, more dangerous germs to enter your water supply. These harmful germs could include viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause illness. The reason total coliforms are good indicators is that they typically get into your water the same way as disease-causing germs, for example, through a sewage leak or runoff from animal waste, but they are much easier and less expensive to test for than trying to find every single type of pathogen CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. A positive total coliform test should prompt further investigation, as it signals a breach in the integrity of your well system or the surrounding environment.

Fecal Coliforms and E. coli

Fecal coliforms are a specific kind of total coliform bacteria. As their name suggests, they are found in the feces (poop) of people and warm-blooded animals CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. Millions of these bacteria are present in human and animal waste. The presence of fecal coliforms in well water is a much stronger indicator of direct contamination by human or animal waste compared to total coliforms. One very well-known species of fecal coliform bacteria is Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli. You can test for E. coli specifically, and a positive test for E. coli or other fecal coliform bacteria definitely indicates contamination by contact with human or animal waste Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. This is a serious concern because human and animal waste can contain numerous disease-causing microorganisms, or pathogens, that can make people very sick. While most types of E. coli are harmless and live naturally in our intestines, some specific types can cause severe illness. The key takeaway is that if fecal coliforms or E. coli are detected in your well water, it means that feces, and potentially the harmful germs found in feces, have entered your water system. This scenario demands immediate action to protect your health.

Interpreting Positive Test Results

Receiving a positive test result for total coliforms can be concerning, but it doesn't always mean your water is contaminated with E. coli. "Yes, a positive total coliform test can mean your water is contaminated with e-coli, but not always," as stated by Home Water Purifiers and Filters Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. Because coliform bacteria are so common in the environment, a positive total coliform test might sometimes be due to non-fecal coliforms, or even contamination during the water sample collection process itself Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. Therefore, if you receive a positive total coliform result, the first crucial step is to retest your water. When retesting, it is important to specifically test for fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli. A positive result for these specific types of bacteria provides much stronger evidence of actual contamination with human or animal waste. If E. coli or other fecal coliform bacteria are confirmed in your well water, it signifies a direct health risk. This contamination means the water has come into contact with waste and could cause illness. Understanding the difference between total coliforms and fecal coliforms/E. coli is vital for correctly interpreting your test results and deciding on the appropriate next steps to ensure your well water is safe to drink. This distinction guides whether you need to simply retest for confirmation or take immediate action to address serious contamination.

What are the health risks of coliform contamination?

The health risks of coliform contamination vary; many coliforms are harmless, but fecal coliforms, particularly E. coli, can cause serious illness, including severe gastrointestinal symptoms and even kidney failure. Vulnerable populations face elevated risks from such contamination.

Harmless vs. Harmful Coliforms

It's important to distinguish between the various types of coliform bacteria when assessing health risks. Many coliforms are completely harmless. These non-fecal coliforms are naturally present in soil, decaying vegetation, and surface water, and their presence in well water, while indicating a pathway for contamination, doesn't directly cause illness Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. They serve as an "indicator" that something might be wrong with the well system, such as a breach that allows surface water or soil bacteria to enter. However, the picture changes significantly when fecal coliforms are present. Fecal coliforms, which include E. coli, originate specifically from the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their presence in well water means the water has been contaminated by human or animal waste Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. This is a critical distinction because human and animal waste can carry a host of disease-causing microorganisms, known as pathogens, which can pose serious health threats. Therefore, while a positive test for total coliforms warrants investigation, a positive test for fecal coliforms or E. coli demands immediate attention due to the direct health risks involved. The primary concern is not the fecal coliforms themselves, which are usually harmless, but the harmful pathogens that accompany them from the waste source CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing.

Symptoms and Severe Outcomes

When harmful pathogens from fecal contamination enter drinking water, they can cause a range of unpleasant and sometimes severe symptoms. Fecal coliforms, like E. coli, can make people sick with symptoms that commonly include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and headaches Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating illness, depending on the specific pathogen, the amount consumed, and the individual's immune system. Beyond these common gastrointestinal issues, some specific types of E. coli can cause much more serious health problems. For instance, certain strains of E. coli, such as E. coli O157:H7, can lead to kidney failure, a life-threatening condition. The table provided by Home Water Purifiers and Filters lists pathogens like Cryptosporidium, Norovirus, Campylobacter, and Salmonella as potential contaminants indicated by the presence of E. coli or total coliforms Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. Each of these pathogens can cause distinct and severe illnesses. Cryptosporidium, for example, is highly resistant to chlorine and can cause prolonged diarrhea. Norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis, while Campylobacter and Salmonella are well-known bacterial causes of food poisoning, which can also be transmitted through contaminated water. The presence of fecal coliforms, therefore, indicates a risk of encountering any of these dangerous pathogens, making it a serious public health concern for private well owners.

Vulnerable Populations and Specific E. coli Strains

The risk of illness from contaminated well water is not uniform across all individuals. Certain groups are particularly vulnerable and can experience more severe symptoms or complications. These include infants, young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. Their bodies may not be able to fight off infections as effectively, leading to prolonged illness, dehydration, or more serious complications like kidney failure. This is why a positive coliform test should be taken with utmost seriousness, especially if these vulnerable individuals live in or frequently visit the household. It is also important to understand that a standard water quality indicator test for E. coli will not tell you whether the water contains the particularly dangerous types of E. coli. The E. coli test simply confirms the presence of the bacteria, indicating fecal contamination. If you suspect your water is contaminated with a dangerous type of E. coli, such as E. coli O157:H7, you will need to use a more specific type of test to find it CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. This specialized testing is crucial for identifying the exact strain and determining the level of health risk. For general purposes, however, any confirmed presence of E. coli or fecal coliforms should be treated as a serious contamination event, requiring immediate action to either treat the water or switch to an alternative safe drinking source to protect all household members, particularly those most at risk.

What should you do after a positive coliform test?

After a positive coliform test, do not panic, but take the results seriously by first retesting to confirm contamination, specifically for fecal coliforms or E. coli, and if confirmed, switch to a safe water source while determining further action.

Confirming Contamination with Retesting

Receiving a positive test result for total coliform or coliform bacteria can be alarming, but the first crucial step is to retest to confirm the contamination. While a positive total coliform test indicates that something may be wrong with the well, the initial water sample might have been contaminated during the collection process itself Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. Coliform bacteria are very common in the environment, and it is possible for them to inadvertently enter a sample bottle if proper sterile collection procedures are not followed. Therefore, it is essential to collect another water sample and have it tested specifically for fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli. This retest helps to differentiate between a general environmental presence of coliforms and a more serious contamination by human or animal waste. If the retest confirms the presence of fecal coliforms or E. coli, it definitely indicates contamination by contact with human or animal waste, which poses a direct health risk. This confirmation is vital because it informs the severity of the problem and guides the necessary remedial actions. Without a confirmed retest, you might undertake unnecessary or insufficient treatment, leaving your household exposed to potential dangers. Always use a state-certified laboratory for these tests to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Accurate Sample Collection for Retesting

To ensure you get accurate results during the retesting process, it is critical to follow the laboratory's instructions for collecting a water sample very carefully. The integrity of the sample directly impacts the reliability of the test results. Before collecting water, you should remove any aerator, filter, or hose from the faucet you plan to use Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. These attachments can harbor bacteria and contaminate your sample, leading to a false positive. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the sterile sample container. When opening the container, be extremely careful not to touch the inside of the bottle or the cap, as this can introduce bacteria from your skin or the environment into the sample. Fill the bottle according to the lab's instructions, usually to a specific line, and then seal it immediately. Deliver the sample to the laboratory as quickly as possible, typically within a few hours, and keep it cool during transport to prevent bacterial growth that could skew the results. By adhering to these strict collection guidelines, you minimize the chance of external contamination and ensure that the test truly reflects the quality of your well water. This meticulous approach is fundamental to getting reliable results that you can confidently act upon.

Post-Confirmation Actions

If your retest confirms the presence of harmful germs or chemicals in your well water, immediate action is necessary to protect your health. The most straightforward step is to consider drinking bottled water or another safe source of water CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. This ensures that you and your family are not consuming contaminated water while you work on a permanent solution. Next, contact your local health or environmental department. They are equipped to help you understand the confirmed test results and guide you on the next steps to make your well water safe to drink. They may recommend various treatment options, such as shock chlorination of the well, installation of a UV disinfection system, or other filtration methods, depending on the type and severity of contamination. For instance, if the contamination is due to a structural problem with the well, they might advise on repairs or sealing the wellhead. "If E. coli or other fecal coliform bacteria are in well water, the water has come into contact with human or animal waste and could cause illness," as stated by Joel Pigg, John W. Smith, and Diane E. Boellstorff of the Texas Well Owner Network Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria. This highlights the urgency of addressing confirmed fecal contamination. Your local department may also recommend that you test your well water more often after treatment to ensure the problem has been resolved and does not recur. Taking these steps promptly and working with local experts is crucial for restoring the safety of your private well water and protecting the health of everyone in your household.

Can water softeners help with coliform bacteria?

Water softeners primarily address hard water issues and are not designed to remove coliform bacteria or other harmful microorganisms. While they improve water quality by reducing mineral content, separate treatment methods are necessary for bacterial contamination.

Understanding Hard Water Problems

Hard water is one of the most common issues faced by well owners. This condition is caused by high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, which are naturally picked up by water as it flows through soil and rock. The presence of these minerals can lead to a variety of household problems that many well owners are familiar with. For instance, hard water can cause soap scum to build up on fixtures, dishes, and shower walls, making cleaning more difficult. It can also leave spots on glassware and make laundry appear dull or dingy. Beyond these aesthetic issues, hard water can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of appliances that use water, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. The minerals can form scale deposits inside pipes and heating elements, reducing efficiency, increasing energy consumption, and eventually leading to costly breakdowns. For personal care, hard water can leave skin feeling dry and hair looking lifeless, as it interferes with the lathering of soaps and shampoos. Many well owners seek solutions like a Culligan® water softener for well water to mitigate these effects, aiming for cleaner, soft water that improves daily living and protects their home infrastructure Culligan Water Softeners for Well Water.

How Water Softeners Work

Water softeners operate on a principle called ion exchange. They contain a bed of resin beads that are charged with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the softener, the calcium and magnesium ions, which cause hardness, are attracted to the resin beads and exchanged for the sodium ions. This process effectively removes the hardness-causing minerals from the water, resulting in "soft" water. Companies like Culligan offer various water softener systems designed for residential use, including models specifically for well water Culligan Water Softeners. These systems typically include a mineral tank where the ion exchange occurs, and a brine tank that holds a salt solution used to regenerate the resin beads once they become saturated with hardness minerals. During regeneration, the salt solution flushes the calcium and magnesium ions from the resin, sending them down the drain, and recharges the beads with sodium ions, preparing the softener for another cycle of treatment. While a water softener effectively tackles issues related to mineral content, providing benefits like spot-free dishes, brighter laundry, and smoother hair and skin, its primary function is mineral removal, not microbial purification Culligan Well Water Treatment.

Limitations for Bacterial Contamination

Despite their effectiveness in addressing hard water, water softeners are not designed to remove bacteria like coliforms or E. coli from your drinking water. The ion exchange process of a water softener does not kill or filter out microorganisms. Therefore, if your well water tests positive for coliform bacteria, installing a water softener alone will not solve the problem of bacterial contamination. In fact, if not properly maintained, a water softener itself could potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria, though this is rare and typically not its primary role in contamination. For bacterial contamination, different treatment methods are required. These methods typically involve disinfection technologies that actively kill or inactivate microorganisms. Common options include ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems, which use UV-C light to destroy the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, preventing them from reproducing. Another method is chlorination, where chlorine is added to the water to kill harmful bacteria. This can be done as a "shock chlorination" for an acute contamination event or as a continuous injection system for ongoing disinfection. Other filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis or specific types of ultrafiltration, can also remove bacteria and other pathogens. Therefore, while a Culligan water softener can significantly improve the aesthetic and functional quality of your well water by dealing with hardness, it is crucial to understand its limitations. If you have bacterial contamination, you must implement a dedicated disinfection or purification system in addition to, or instead of, a water softener to ensure your water is microbiologically safe to drink Culligan Water Treatment Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my well water?

You should test your well water at least once every year. This annual testing should include total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. Your local health department can also advise on additional tests specific to your area's potential contaminants.

What does it mean if my well water tests positive for total coliforms?

A positive test for total coliforms indicates that a pathway may exist for harmful germs to enter your water, but it doesn't always mean E. coli is present. Total coliforms are common in soil and plants. If positive, retest specifically for fecal coliforms or E. coli to confirm contamination by human or animal waste Texas Well Owner Network on Coliform Bacteria.

Are all types of E. coli dangerous?

No, not all types of E. coli are dangerous. Most E. coli strains are harmless and live naturally in the intestines of people and animals. However, some specific types of E. coli can make you seriously sick, potentially causing symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, and even kidney failure Home Water Purifiers on Coliform Bacteria. Standard tests do not differentiate between harmful and harmless strains.

What steps should I take if my well water has harmful germs or chemicals?

If your well water tests positive for harmful germs or chemicals, first consider drinking bottled water or another safe source. Then, contact your local health or environmental department. They can help you understand the results and recommend actions to make your well water safe, which may include treatment or more frequent testing CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing.

Does my local government monitor my private well water quality?

No, government officials do not regulate, treat, or monitor tap water from private wells. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rules protect public drinking water systems but do not apply to privately owned wells CDC Guidelines for Well Water Testing. You, as the well owner, are responsible for testing your water.