Wells Monitoring & Testing
In Oregon, about 23% of residents rely on domestic or private wells for their primary source of drinking water. Regular monitoring and testing of your well are essential to ensure that your water remains safe and free of harmful contaminants.
Why Should You Test Your Well?
If your well water has a strange taste or odor, appears cloudy or discolored, or leaves residue or stains, it is a sign that your water should be tested. Common well water contaminants such as arsenic, nitrates, and coliform bacteria pose serious health risks if left unchecked.
When Should You Test Your Well?
It is important to test your well if there are known issues in your area or if you notice any changes in water quality. Annual testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels is highly recommended, particularly if you’ve recently repaired or replaced any part of your well.
Common Well Water Contaminants
- Bacteria: Coliform bacteria in well water can indicate contamination by harmful pathogens, which may cause waterborne illnesses. Regular testing helps to ensure your water is microbiologically safe.
- Nitrates: High nitrate levels, often stemming from agricultural runoff, pose a risk to infants and can lead to methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) if consumed in elevated levels.
- Arsenic: Arsenic contamination can originate from both natural deposits and human activities. Long-term exposure to high arsenic levels has been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer.
Legal Requirements for Well Testing in Oregon
Oregon law requires well water testing during real estate transactions for nitrates, coliform bacteria, and arsenic. These tests ensure that buyers are informed of the water quality and can make decisions accordingly. Although federal law does not mandate private well testing, it is essential to regularly test your well to safeguard your health.
Well Monitoring: What You Can Do
Monitoring your well water is critical for protecting your health and ensuring long-term water quality. While annual testing for common contaminants is recommended, regular monitoring of your well’s water levels and mechanical systems is also essential.
Routine testing and monitoring are your best defenses against contaminated well water. By staying vigilant and testing your well regularly, you protect not only your health but also the long-term sustainability of your water source.
Disclaimer
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Scott Fein is a licensed Certified Water Rights Examiner (CWRE) in Oregon, specializing in well monitoring and water quality testing.
Client Testimonials
“Scott provided excellent service in testing and monitoring our well water. His thorough approach gave us peace of mind that our water was safe for our family to drink.”
– J. Smith
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