When and why to test your water
As a potential homebuyer of a home with a private well, you should do a full comprehensive water test. You should take a raw water sample from the well tank, and we would also recommend taking a treated water sample if water treatment is already in use. That way, you can get the full scope of what is potentially going on in the home. Do not assume that because there is water treatment in place, it takes care of everything that potentially is in your water.
If you are already in the home or once you are in, we would recommend you test your water at least once a year for a minimum of coliform bacteria and E. coli but would prefer to see a full comprehensive done.
Private water sources are known to change with the seasons. Some factors can potentially change your water, including snow melt, heavy or long-term rains, or lack thereof. Also, as housing continues to expand here in the granite state, builders are sometimes blasting to create land space for future homes, and doing that may cause your water to change as they potentially open up pockets of minerals that may flow into your aquifer below the ground.
Some reasons you may want to test your water include your location. Do you live near a dump site? Have there been any hazardous spills in your area? Although uncommon, there have been instances where an oil delivery truck spilled on a routine home fill, and the oil made its way into the private well. Are you expecting a child or have any unexplained illnesses that you may not have had before? Do you want to make sure you have safe drinking and bathing water? Have you noticed any changes in your water quality, including clarity, tastes, or orders? Do you notice discoloration or buildup in your plumbing appliances? Have you been seeing frequent leaks or pinholes in your plumbing as it ages?
We always use and recommend a third-party state-accredited water testing facility to ensure that you are getting honest and accurate results; for some, the state will also come and do water testing for you. Onsight testing can give you an idea of what is in your water, but we like to be sure of the exact levels so you can be confident that water is safe for you and your family.
Some helpful links www.epa.gov/safewater
Advanced Radon Mitigation & Water Treatment
(603)644-1207