More than a million Ohio households depend on their own well for drinking water.  Most livestock operations are also served by private wells.  Those well owners might not realize that an annual water test is the only way to be sure their well is safe.  People who use public water supplies get their water tested by the utility, and are paying for testing and treatment through their water bills.

If you have your own water supply, you don’t pay those water bills, but you can’t be sure your water is safe without periodic testing.  Ohio State University offers information for well owners on water testing.

Private laboratories in Ohio receive certification from Ohio EPA.  A list of certified labs that accept samples from the public is available from your county OSU Extension office.  Ask for Fact Sheet "Where to Have Your Water Tested" (AEX 315).  You can also find the list at http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~setll

Essential tests
Testing for every contaminant would be very expensive and not really necessary.  Annually every well should be tested for:

• Total coliform bacteria.  Research indicates that more than 40 percent of private wells are contaminated with coliform bacteria.  If a test reveals a problem, treat your well with chlorine bleach following instructions in the Fact Sheet Shock Chlorination of Wells AEX - 318 available through the local OSU Extension office or on the website.
• Nitrate.  Nitrates are difficult to remove from water, but are dangerous only to children younger than a year old.  Such young children should not be given water that contains 10 parts per million or more of nitrate nitrogen.
• pH.  Water with a pH less than 6.5 is acidic and may corrode plumbing. Water with a pH above 8.5 tends to have an alkaline taste.
• Total dissolved solids.  Anything above 500 milligrams per liter indicates a problem with dissolved minerals.  More specific tests can help pinpoint the problem.

Additional tests are recommended if the water is colored, cloudy, or has an off-taste or odor.  If nearby activities threaten your well, regular testing can help monitor for contamination.  For a list of these tests check the Fact Sheet "Water Testing" (AEX 314) available from your county Extension office or on the website.  

Collecting a water sample
Proper collection and handling is critical for a meaningful water test.  Obtain containers from the testing laboratory for your water sample.  They are specially prepared for each contaminant.  Also follow instructions provided by the lab in how to collect and transport the sample to the lab.  

• Total coliform bacteria. Sterile containers must be obtained from the lab for bacteria testing.  Take the sample from an indoor faucet with the aerator removed.  Run the water for five minutes to be sure you’re testing fresh water. When you open the container, touch only the outside of the cap and bottle.  Refrigerate the sample and take it in an ice chest to the lab.  Be sure to get it to the lab within 6 hours. Many labs do not accept bacteria samples on a Friday, so check the lab schedule first.  Don’t mail a bacteria sample to a lab, because the results will not be reliable.
• Chemicals. When collecting water for chemical analysis, follow the lab’s directions.  The sample bottles the lab provides may contain a “fixing” agent to prevent loss or breakdown of specific chemicals.  Return samples to the lab as quickly as possible in person or through overnight mail delivery.

A good test is good news
A test that proves your water is safe provides peace of mind for your family.  It is also valuable to keep on file. If your well is damaged or contaminated by someone, the test is evidence you had a good, safe well.  

For more information on water testing and private water supplies check www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~setll for fact sheets, bulletins and manuals.

 

Karen Mancl, professor and Extension water quality specialist, can be reached at 614-292-6007, or mancl.1@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering.