Private well owner education is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water for the millions of households in the United States that rely on private wells. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated by federal or most state governments, placing the responsibility on well owners to maintain and monitor their water supply. Here’s an overview of key educational topics for private well owners based on current knowledge and best practices.  (Red Color - means we corrected)   We ask Grok2 !

Understanding Private Wells

Private wells tap into groundwater to provide drinking water, typically for single-family homes or small communities. There are three main types are hand-dug, driven, and drilled. 

Dug/Bored Wells: Shallow (10-30 feet), dug by hand or machine, and prone to surface contamination.

Driven Wells: Slightly deeper (30- <50 feet), constructed by driving pipe into the ground, still vulnerable to near-surface pollutants.

Drilled Wells: Deeper (potentially hundreds of feet), built with air-rotary drilling machines, and less likely to be contaminated due to depth and continuous casing. (Note:  In many areas if you drill at too deep you may encounter saline or even connate water).  

Each type has unique construction and maintenance needs, which owners should understand to protect their water source.

Typical Water Well Diagram
Typical Aquifer Diagram

Well Maintenance and Protection

Proper well location and upkeep are critical to preventing contamination:

Location: Wells should be sited away from potential contamination sources (e.g., septic systems, chemical storage) and positioned so rainwater flows away from them to avoid pooling and seepage of bacteria or pollutants.

Construction: A well should have a secure cap, proper casing (often carbon steel, plastic, or stainless steel), and grout to keep out debris and undesirable groundwater and prevent the vertical migration of materials or water along the borehole at the contact with the well casing. 

Regular Checks: Owners should inspect the wellhead seasonally for damage, ensure it remains sealed, and keep it at least one foot above ground with proper drainage.

Maintenance also includes keeping records of repairs, testing, and permits, and avoiding the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals within 100 feet of the well.  (Well Water Do and Don'ts)

Water Testing

Since private wells aren’t monitored like public systems, regular testing is vital:

Initial Testing:   At a minimum a comprehensive informational water quality test would be advisable.  If you are not aware of the historic activities in the region, you may want to speak to a neighbor, water professional, and/or order a Neighborhood Hazard Report. 

Frequency: Test annually for bacteria (e.g., coliform) and nitrates, and every 3-10 years for other contaminants like pH, total dissolved solids, or region-specific threats (e.g., arsenic, radon).

What to Test For: Start with basic parameters (Get Tested), then tailor tests based on local risks (e.g., agricultural runoff, industrial activity). Certified labs can provide comprehensive results.

Action: If tests show contamination (e.g., E. coli), boil water immediately and disinfect the well, following guidance from health authorities or professionals.

Health and Safety

Over 43 million Americans rely on private wells, yet studies show one in five may contain contaminants exceeding health benchmarks. Education helps owners recognize signs of issues (e.g., changes in taste, smell, or color) and understand risks from natural (e.g., minerals) or human-induced (e.g., runoff) sources. Proper stewardship prevents illness and ensures a reliable water supply.

Resources for Education

Several organizations offer free or accessible resources:

EPA, CDC, Water Quality Association, National Groundwater Association and most State Governments: Provide guidelines on well siting, testing, and maintenance.

Private Well Class / Master Well Owner Programs (added): Offers free webinars and tools to connect owners with local experts and the Know Your H20 Program and the Keystone Clean Water Team has been providing free provide well owner education and outreach since the early 1990s. 

State and Local Programs: Extension services, health departments,  conservation districts, or groups like the Virginia Household Water Quality Program and the Keystone Clean Water Team provide tailored advice and testing opportunities.

Practical Steps

Learn Your Well’s History: Review construction reports or ask previous owners about past issues.  (Learn -Get Informed)

Hire Professionals and Get Tested and if necessary Get Treated: Use licensed well drillers or pump installers for construction and repairs and an independent testing laboratory.

Stay Informed: Attend workshops or join local grassroots networks and visit the Know Your H20 Website (Sign up for our Newsletter) 

By understanding these principles, private well owners can take proactive steps to safeguard their water, health, and investment in their property. Education empowers them to manage this critical resource effectively in the absence of regulatory oversight.

Order a copy of "Our Drinking Water".

Related Blog Articles and Websites

Get on the Path to Clean Water
Biofouling of a Water Well 
Carbon County Groundwater Guardian Group Keystone Clean Water Team (Blog)
Keystone Clean Water Team Website
Carbon County Environmental Education Center
Pocono Northeast RC&D Council

Product Links

Private Well Class (.com) - Link to Water Testing Kits offered by Tapscore