Learn how to protect your well water
The problem
If your well is not protected, bacteria and chemicals can find their way into it and contaminate the water. People and animals that drink this water can get sick.
The solution
The solution is easy - good well-head protection.
Protect your well-head (the top of the well where it emerges from ground). Remember, this is your drinking water. Whatever goes down your well, ends up in your glass.
For a secure well-head, follow these simple steps:
1: Well cap
Install a secure well cap, and seal between the casing and any hoses or cables going down the well.
2: Well casing
Ensure the well casing is elevated at least half a metre above the ground surface.
3: Concrete apron
Seal between the well casing and the surrounding ground with a concrete apron. If you're drilling a new well, install a bentonite seal around the casing.
4: Backflow preventer
Install a back-flow preventer to stop contaminants siphoning back into your well.
5: Area around well
Keep the area around the well-head clear of animals, pesticides, fertilisers, compost and rubbish.
6: Sample point
Have your groundwater supply analysed if you suspect a problem with the water quality.
How can contamination occur?
Rainfall
- Rain water can wash contaminants directly into your well.
Animals
- Animal and bird droppings can fall down an open well.
- Insects and small animals climb down your well and die there.
Chemicals
- Oil and petrol can leak into your well from nearby machinery.
- Pesticides stored or sprayed nearby can find their way into your well.
- Contaminants can back-siphon into your well from stock troughs or chemical mixing tanks.
Rubbish
- Rubbish stored nearby can contaminate your well.
- Some people actually dump rubbish directly down their well – not a good idea.
Further information
For further information on groundwater quality, contact us.