Photo by ISWS staff
Since private wells are not regulated like public water supplies, it is very important that you or your landlord are maintaining and testing the well. Some states have implemented laws that require landlords to test the well water at a rental home, but many states do not. Even if there are no local or state regulations that cover well water standards at a rental home, you can protect yourself and your family by:
Determining the main source of water: If you pay a utility bill for water, then you are on a public water system. If you do not either pay for any utilities or do not pay a water bill, look around the property for evidence of a well such as a well head in the yard. If you are still unsure, ask your landlord whether the rental home is on a public water system or if the water is supplied by a well.
Reading the rental agreement: If the home is supplied by a well, check your rental agreement to see who is responsible for testing, treatment, maintenance and repairs. The landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the well system, including the pump and pressure tank, but many require the tenant to perform some duties such as replacing the salt in a water softener. However, this should be clearly outlined in the lease. If you do not have a written rental agreement, work together to create one both the tenant and landlord agree to before an issue arises.
Learning about local regulations: Some states or localities have specific laws regarding private wells and septic systems. Contact your local health authority and ask if there are any regulations where you live.
Getting the well water tested: Since private wells are not regulated, it's crucial to test the water annually for contaminants like bacteria and nitrates, and every 3-5 years for other pollutants such as heavy metals. A tenant may have the right to test the water themselves, depending on local regulations and the terms of their lease.
Notifying your landlord of issues: It is important to report any issues with your well water such as sudden change in color or lack of water pressure as soon as they occur. If you suspect an issue, use bottled water until the problem can be resolved and the water test results are reviewed.
Educating yourself about wells: The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be if a problem does arise. We recommend taking our FREE Private Well Class.
Additional Resources:
Can my landlord kick me out if I complain about the quality of the well water in my rental home?. The Private Well Class.
Private Wells in Rental Properties and at Property Transfers: An Overview of State and Local Regulations. Minnesota Department of Health. 2024.
Want to learn more about your private well and how to care for it?
Sign up for the free 10-week email course from PrivateWellClass.org. The class is a project of RCAP and the University of Illinois, with funding from USEPA.
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