Visit the National Ground Water Awareness Week 2009 site and learn more about the importance of ground water.
Well Basics
Types of Wells
Proper well construction and continued maintenance are keys to the safety of your water supply. It is important to know the type of well you have. You may be able to determine the type of well you have by looking at the outer casing and cover of the well. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three basic types of private drinking wells:
- Dug (EPA site on Dug Wells)
- Drilled (EPA site on Drilled Wells)
- Driven (EPA site on Driven Wells)
How to Get Information on Wells Where You Live
For information specific to where you live, visit one of the links below or contact your local health department of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
- Well Water Information Based on Where You Live (Environmental Protection Agency)
- State Certified Drinking Water Laboratories (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Finding a Contractor (National Ground Water Association)
For Rural Residents and Farmers
A private well owner informational booklet for farmers and rural area residents can be ordered through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in Ontario, Canada:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Private Drinking Water Wells. Available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/index2.html.
2. U.S. Census Bureau. National and State Population Estimates. Available at http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html.
Related Links
Here at CDC
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Around the Web (Non-governmental)
- Types of Wells (Wellowner.org by National Ground Water Association)
- Planning for a Water Well (Wellowner.org by National Ground Water Association)
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- Page last reviewed: February 10, 2009
- Page last updated: February 25, 2009
- Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - healthywater@cdc.gov
