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March 7-13 is National Ground Water Awareness Week! As we remind our readers on a regular basis, there is no better way to protect our water supply than by protecting it at the source. This is especially true for Americans who receive their water supply from a well, as opposed to a utility provider. With that in mind, it's important that owners keep their water well in good working order. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has these tips on what a check of your well by a qualified water well contract may include: A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), pressure tank and pressure switch contact, and general water quality (odor, cloudiness, etc.). A well equipment inspection to assure it’s sanitary and meets local code. A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of local concern. Other typical additional tests are those for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor.
NGWA also recommends that well owners: Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels and livestock operations. Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas. Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents. Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
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Former CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding
talks about water and public health 
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