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Should I Be Concerned?
You should be aware because the Safe Drinking Water Act does not protect
private wells. EPA’s rules only apply to “public drinking water systems”
— government or privately run companies supplying water to 25 people or
15 service connections. While most states regulate private household wells,
most have limited rules. Individual well owners have primary responsibility
for the safety of the water drawn from their wells. They do not benefit
from the government’s health protections for water systems serving many
families. These must comply with federal and state regulations for frequent
analysis, testing, and reporting of results.
Instead, household well owners should rely on help from local health
departments. They may help you with yearly testing for bacteria and nitrates.
They may also oversee the placement and construction of new wells to meet
state and local regulations. Most have rules about locating drinking water
wells near septic tanks, drain fields, and livestock. But remember, the
final responsibility for constructing your well correctly, protecting
it from pollution, and maintaining it falls on you, the well owner.
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