Required Testing
A private well provides an excellent source of safe high quality drinking water and if regularly tested, can provide water quality that surpasses that of public drinking water systems. State and Federal Laws require private well water to be tested for coliform bacteria before a new well is approved for human consumption. Some local ordinances require more complete chemical analysis prior to the well being approved for human consumption. Most lenders and purchasers of existing homes require a coliform bacteria test as a condition of purchase or financing including re-finance. These requirements are typically found in the body of the real estate agreement.
If you are purchasing a home with a private well, you should consider a more extensive test. You may be able to negotiate this cost with the seller or arrange to pay for it yourself. Let SES Company’s professional staff help you with your decision.
Recommended Testing
The Virginia Department of Health and the US EPA recommend that private wells be tested annually for coliform bacteria. This simple test ensures your water is bacteria free and safe to drink. The USEPA also recommends that private wells be tested every three years for additional contaminants that can be harmful to your health if continuously consumed over time. These include total dissolved solids, nitrate / nitrite, lead, pH, sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosive index. Hydrogen sulfides should be included if there is a sour or rotten egg smell in the cold or hot water. These parameters can also be very helpful when determining what type of water treatment system your water supply needs. This applies to private well water as well as public water supplies. Let SES Company test your water and provide recommendations for water treatment options.
Water Treatment & Disinfection
Whether you have a private well or are on a public water supply, the safety and quality of your water is in your control with a water system from our affiliate ECOWATER. Public water supplies are only required to be in compliance with safety standards 96% of the time but you rely on it 100% of the time.
You hear about broken water mains on the news everyday. Did you know that 25% of all water produced by public authorities is lost to leaky pipes and broken water mains? If water can leak out, contaminated groundwater can leak in. Broken water mains and leaking delivery systems cause groundwater intrusion resulting in orders to boil water before using it. The safety and quality of your drinking water can and should be in your control. Have SES Company install a water treatment and disinfection system on your private well or public water supply to ensure your water is safe 100% of the time.
