Drinking Water and Private Wells: A Beginner-Friendly Start
Drinking Water and Private Wells: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
The safety of household drinking water, especially for homes that rely on a private well rather than a public water system.
Key takeaways
- Who is responsible for a private well: the owner; EPA drinking water rules do not apply
- Test at least yearly for: total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH
- Most useful single change: Use a state-certified laboratory for water testing.
- Commonest mistake: Using well water for baby formula if nitrate levels have not been checked.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Public water systems must meet EPA standards, but private wells are not covered by those rules, so testing and upkeep are the owner's responsibility.
Start here
Begin here, with two things rather than ten.
- Use a state-certified laboratory for water testing
- Ask your local health department which other contaminants, such as arsenic or uranium, are common in your area
Then add these
When those have settled in, these are worth adding.
- Keep the wellhead capped and the area around it clear of pesticides, fuel and animal waste
- Have your septic system inspected regularly and keep it away from the well
- Read your utility's annual water quality report if you are on public water
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Who is responsible for a private well | the owner; EPA drinking water rules do not apply |
| Test at least yearly for | total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH |
| Nitrate standard for public water | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) |
| Retest after | flooding, repairs, or a change in taste, smell or color |
| Public water quality report | utilities must provide a yearly Consumer Confidence Report |
Common early mistakes
- Using well water for baby formula if nitrate levels have not been checked
- Drinking well water after a flood until it has been tested or disinfected
- Assuming clear, good-tasting water is safe
Related topics
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- Medicaid Eligibility: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise (Medicare and Medicaid)
- The Evidence on Alcohol Use Disorder, Without the Hype (Substance Use and Recovery)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Flood Water Safety (Heat, Cold and Weather Safety)
Where to go next
- What the Guidance Really Says About Drinking Water and Private Wells
- Why Drinking Water and Private Wells Matters, Explained Simply
- Drinking Water and Private Wells — the reference entry
- Environmental Health: The Complete Guide
- What the Guidance Really Says About Air Pollution and the AQI
- What the Guidance Really Says About Indoor Air and Gas Stoves
When to speak to a doctor
See your doctor if anyone in the home develops ongoing diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps that may be linked to water, or if tests show high nitrate in water given to a baby. Call 911 if a baby has bluish skin around the lips, hands or feet, or has trouble breathing, or for severe dehydration with fainting or confusion.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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