Well Water Protection and Groundwater Stewardship
For
Rural Areas
 Home  The Well Quiz  Well Protection  Well Maintenance
       How Can Groundwater        Become Contaminated?        How Should I Maintain        My Well Water System        How Often Should I Test        My Well Water?        What Should I Test        For?        What Are The Sources        Of Contamination?
 Groundwater
 Conservation  Groundwater
 Stewardship  Local Source Info  Web Links
   How Should I Maintain My Well Water System?


Disinfect the system after the well is installed, after a pump is installed or any time the system is opened for repair. Thereafter disinfect twice a year. Follow up with a water test.

Practice water conservation in your home and on your property. Avoid overloading your septic system by, for example, refraining from doing multiple loads of laundry in one day.

Cap flowing wells so water does not flow to waste.

Keep potential contaminates a safe distance (minimum 30m / 100ft) away from the well.

Have your septic tank pumped every 2-3 years and ensure it is not failing. Signs of failing septic systems include slow drains in the home, patches of lush growth over the drain field, unpleasant odours, soggy soil, and sewage surfacing on lawns or in nearby ditches.

Divert water from your roof away from the drainfield and do not saturate the drain field with water sprinkling. Be careful what you put down your drain.

  • Do not put non-degradables down sink or toilets
  • Do not use bleach or kitchen solvents; they can destroy the "good bacteria" needed in your septic tank
  • Do not dispose of leftover or out dated pharmaceuticals in your septic tank; they do not decompose and can make their way into the groundwater

    • maintaining a well

    Reduce or eliminate the use of toxic materials inside the house (they end up in the septic system and then the groundwater!), and outside the home such as toxic household cleaners, pesticides, and herbicides.

  • Switch to phosphate reduced, or phosphate free dishwashing detergent
  • Switch to alternate cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, pure soap, washing soda and limited amounts of borax, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia
  • Use alternative methods rather than chemicals fertilizers (such as compost) and herbicides for maintaining a healthy garden

    		•
    Use friendlier cleaners like baking soda, vinegar,
    pure soap and washing soda!
    Well Construction