Proper well care and maintenance of a water well can have a positive effect on its yield and water quality. Here are some general steps to maintain your water well:
Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic inspections of all visible components, including the well cap and casing. Check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Repair any damaged parts.
Routine Testing: It is important to test your well water frequently. We have developed a set of recommendations for testing that are provided in our article, "What do I need to know about sampling my well water?"
Keep Records: Maintain your own well records. Include your name, address, and any documentation for repairs or new parts.
Prevent Contamination: Take steps to prevent contamination of your well water. Do not keep hazardous chemicals like fertilizers or pesticides near your well. Check out our article, "How do I protect my well water quality?", for more information.
Pump Maintenance: It is important to properly maintain your well pump. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for guidance to help extend the life of your well pump.
Address Declining Performance: If you notice any problems with your well, try to determine the cause and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Contact a professional. It is recommended to consult with a professional well contractor for specific maintenance recommendations based on your well’s unique characteristics.
Additional Resources:
Annual Inspection. Wellowner.org. National Groundwater Association.
Well Maintenance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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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