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1. Am I on public or private water?

If you get a monthly water bill you are on a public water supply, not a private water system.

2. Why have my water tested?

Everything seems fine-looks, tastes great, why bother testing?

Water consumed from a non-regulated source has the potential of carrying harmful bacteria that when present can make you ill.  The properties of water have an impact on your health, livestock, expensive equipment such as water heaters and washing machines, and any other use on your list.  Undergoing sampling provides a baseline set of values so you can understand basic characteristics and possible hazards.  How can bad things happen to a seemingly good water source? Below are two examples:

• Germs (bacteria and viruses) or other contaminants may be getting into your well water through the old, cracked, incorrect or “at a tilt” well cap.
  
  The well cap is the first important step in regaining control of your water system from the outside-in.  If you haven’t seen it in a while, check it out. A sanitary well cap is the best option if installing new or looking for a replacement.
• Storm water runoff or chemicals and other elements in the soil and rocks can dissolve in groundwater and may impact your drinking water and this could affect your health.
  
  Depending on the well installation, geography, soils and a number of other factors, there is a possibility of rain/snow water runoff carrying contaminants to enter your well and influence your home.  Road salt, sprays, fertilizer, manure can all be carried and deposited great distances from the source.

It is your responsibility to check and maintain your private system to protect yourself, family, neighbors and the water source!

Resources

• Don’t Drink from Roadside Springs and Surface Waters (PDF)

3. What is in my water?

Your well water contains elements that are vital to life such as Calcium, minerals that provide health benefits like Fluoride, and harmful bacteria that may cause illness, such as E.coli.  Understanding specifically what is in your water and how to reduce hazards will allow you to enjoy the most from your private water source. 

View a list of what properties we recommend sampling for based on New York State Water Quality Standards for Individual Onsite Water Supply Systems (Appendix 75-C (PDF). 

• Click here for the standards and a detailed narrative. 
• Click here for a list of the properties only listed in Appendix 75-C standards recommended for sampling

Other advanced testing is available for concerns with pollutants such as fertilizers, metals, and chemical contamination. Contact your local testing lab for more information about options to suit your needs.

Remember, you can choose only the characteristics you would like tested. At an absolute minimum, bacteria testing is recommended.  E. coli is considered to be the species of coliform bacteria that is the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible presence of harmful pathogens.  

For more information, call the Madison County Health Department at (315)-366-2526 today!