Protect Your Family Test Your Well’s Water Qualify Today Testing for MAII Wells A Guide to Water Quality Private in Massachusetts United States 9 EPA Environmental Protection Agency New England I NVINONNINYAI P lO TIC ON EPA 901 -F-04-002A February 2004 ------- Private Wells If you have a private well, then water quality testing should be important to you and your family. Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor, or color. Their presence can only be deter- mined by laboratory testing. While there is no state requirement to have your well water tested (although there may be from your mortgage lender or local Board of Health), the Massachu- setts Department of Environmental Pro- tection (DEP) recommends that all homeowners with private wells do so, and use a state certified laboratory. Contamination of Wells Well water originates as rain and snow that then filters into the ground. As it soaks through the soil, the water can dissolve materials that are present on or in the ground, becoming contaminated. Some contaminants are naturally oc- curring from features found in the rocks and soils of Massachusetts. These include substances like bacteria, radon, arsenic, uranium, and other minerals. Other contaminants find their way onto the land from human activities. On a large scale, industrial/commercial activities, improper waste disposal, road salting, and fuel spills can introduce hazardous substances to the ground. However, even typical residential activities, such as the application of fertilizers and pesticides, fueling of lawn equipment, and disposal of household chemicals can contaminate ------- the ground when done improperly. Even an on-site residential septic system can pose a threat to your well That is why taking measures to protect your well from contamination is so important. Recommended Tests The following tests provide only the most basic mdicators of a well’s water quality. These tests identify some of the common natural and man-made contami- nants found in our state’s well water. However, you should also consider nearby land uses to decide whether additional tests are appropriate for your well. It is not necessary to do all of the tests at one time o Standard Analysis This basic analysis covers the most com- mon contaminants. Some of these contami- nants pose health-related concerns, while others only affect aesthetics (taste and odor). 0 Radon Radon can be a well water problem in Massachusetts, especially in bedrock wells. Presently, there are no federal or state standards for radon in drinking water, only suggested action levels. [ Note: If Radon levels are elevated in your well water, you should also consider checking your indoor radon levels.] 0 Gross Alpha Screen Radioactive minerals, such as radium and uranium, may be dissolved in well water. A Gross Alpha Screen is a simple test to judge whether further testing for specific radioactive minerals such as ra- dium or uranium might be needed. This brochure was funded in part by the U S Environmental Protection Agency ------- Contaminants & Tesling Frequency Standard Analysis Testing Frequency Arsenic ‘ Monitor Chloride initially for all Copper I contaminants, Fluoride and then at a Hardness ( minimum of Iron : once every ten Lead i years (except Manganese I for bacteria pH I and nitrate/ Sodium — — J nitrite which should be Coliform Bacteria sampled Nitrate/Nitrite yeariy, or as Radon otherwise Gross Alpha Screen required by the (bedrock wells only) local Board of VOCS Health. č Volatile Organic compounds (VOcs) The most common VOCs come from gasoline compounds (such as MtBE and benzene) and industrial solvents (such as TCE). MtBE can be found in well water even m remote areas. 6 Additional Tests Circumstances relative to your well may require additional testing not de- scribed here. For instance, DEP does not recommend frequent testing for things like pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic organic compounds, mainly because of the high cost. However, such (cont. over) ------- testing might be warranted if your water has elevated nitrite/nitrate concentrations or significant amounts of pesticide have been applied near the well. These less- routine tests may not be performed at all state certified laboratories. When To Test DEP recommends that prospective homebuyers test the water in a home with a private well before purchase. Water quality in wells is generally stable, and if a change is going to occur, it occurs slowly Thus the interval between water quality tests, once you’ve purchased the home, can generally be in terms of years (see chart) if a well is properly constructed and located in a safe area. However, the following conditions would prompt more frequent testing: • Heavily developed areas with land uses that handle hazardous cherrucals. • Recent well construction activities or repairs. DEP recommends taking a bacterial test after any well repair or pump or plumbing modification, but only after disinfection and substantial flushing of the water system. • Contaminant concentrations above state or federal standards found in earlier testing. • Noticeable variations in quality like a water quality change after a heavy rain, extended drought, or an unex- plained change in a previously trouble-free well (i.e. funny taste, cloudy appearance, etc). ® printed on 100% recycled paper, witha minimum of 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable based inks ------- When taking any sample, DEP recommends that it be taken after a heavy rainstorm. These events tend to highlight conditions of im- proper well construction or poor soil ifitra- lion. What the Tests Tell You Results will reveal the level at which any of the tested substances were found m your wa- ter sample. The mere presence of these con- taminants in well water does not necessarily imply that there is a problem However, when levels exceed state or federal health standards, you should take steps to correct the situation. Several methods are available from conimer- cial contractors to treat contaminated water. For More Information As private wells in Massachusetts are regulated at the local level, you should first contact your local Board of Health for your town’s private well testing requirements. For more information about private wells including additional water quality testing recommendations, you should refer to the DEP Pnvate Well Guidelines, which are avail- able on the Drinking Water Program’s Pub- lication web page. Other information such as the listing of state certified laboratones can also be accessed through the web page. For additional assistance contact the DEP Drinking Water Program at Massachusetts Department of Environmenbi Protection Drinking Water Prognm 1 Winter Street, Floor Boston, MA 02108 phone: 617-292-5770 www.mass.gov/ dep ------- |