It is estimated that more than 13 million households rely on private wells for drinking water in the United States (US Census American Housing Survey 2017). EPA does not regulate private wells nor does it provide recommended criteria or standards for individual wells. EPA offers information regarding the importance of testing private wells and guidance on technologies that may be used to treat or remove any contaminants.

Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water. This website educates well owners on wells, groundwater, and information on protecting their health. This website also provides links to other federal and non-profit websites that host additional educational materials and resources to help private well owners.