1. Penn state recommends…

2. Make sure your water well is properly constructed
Fewer than 20% of home and farm wells in PA have this “sanitary” construction 5
“sanitary” well cap 4
12” above ground 1
sloping ground
casing to bedrock 2
grout seal 3
bedrock

3. Install a sanitary watertight well cap
Protects well from surface water contamination
Protects well from insects and vermin
Inexpensive

4. Prevent Surface Water Contamination
Wellhead should be about 12 inches above the ground
Slope ground away from the well

5. Proper well location is important!
Don’t make this mistake
Make sure it is uphill from any potential source of pollution
Construct the well as far away as possible from other potential sources of contamination

6. Example of a Poorly Sealed Spring
Seal spring boxes to prevent contamination by surface water, insects, or animals
Example of a Poorly Sealed Spring

7. Protect the area near your well or springX
100’ minimum

8. Inspect Your Well, Spring or Cistern Regularly
Keep the area clean and easily
accessible
Inspect your well casing to
detect cracks, holes, or corrosion
Have a qualified professional inspect your well at least every 10 years
Keep records – don’t rely on anyone else

9. Test Your Water! Use state accredited laboratories Do routine testing
Annually - coliform bacteria
Every three years - pH, total dissolved
solids, local pollutant
Test before new activities
Specific test for the activity
Remember - water testing gives you legal protection!

10. Understand Your Water Test Results
Drinking water standards are available to tell you the acceptable level of many pollutants
Primary standard = health
Secondary standard = aesthetics
Many online publications and resources
DWIT online tool – type in results to online form

11. Explore ALL Options When a Problem is Found
Develop a new source of water
Deeper well, develop spring, connect to city water, etc.
Control the source of pollution
Divert runoff, maintain septic system, etc.
Maintenance of the water system
Install sanitary well cap, slope ground, etc.
Install water treatment devices
Match treatment process to pollutant

12. Make an Effort to Conserve Water
Save money
Conserve your water supply for future use
Reduce load on septic or sewer system

13. Penn State Recommends
Properly locate and construct new wells and springs
Avoid activities around your wellhead or spring and be aware of local land use activities
Inspect your well, spring or cistern regularly
Test your water – by a certified lab
Compare your test results with drinking water standards
Explore all options when a problem is found
Make an effort to conserve water