Each day, every American uses about 88 gallons of water in their home. Using that much water, homeowners want to ensure their water is clean and safe. If your home runs on well water, you may find this to be a bit more difficult. Fortunately, water testing can help homeowners make sure their well water is free of harmful contaminants. But how often should water testing be done?
At the bare minimum, well water should be tested once a year. Annual water testing can test for specific contaminants, like:
- Nitrate
- Ions
- Fluoride
- Sulfate
- Bacteria
- Dissolved solids
- Pesticides
But it’s important to note that the location and type of well should be considered when you’re asking yourself “how often should water be tested?” For example, shallow wells and surface water sources can be more susceptible to contamination and should be tested more frequently. Additionally, homes that use iron plumbing systems should have their water tested more frequently because the iron may begin to break down and enter the water.
So why is water testing important? Many homeowners make the mistake of believing their if their water looks and tastes fine, then it is fine. However, that isn’t the case. A lot of contaminants can be present in well water and make no noticeable changes to the water itself. So water testing can identify any problems or contaminants, keep track of changes in the water over time, and also help determine whether or not a treatment system is effective.
When it comes to choosing a well water filtration system, the right system will depend on the kind of contaminants your water is susceptible to in your area. There are filtration systems that target a wide number of contaminants, but you may need a more specified system depending on your water test results.
It’s also important to remember that if you notice a problem with your water, you shouldn’t wait until your annual testing to get it taken care of. If you notice any sort of strange colors, smells, or tastes, schedule a water test right away. While some contaminants aren’t harmful to human health, there may be something in your water that could cause significant harm.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to get your well water tested. While it should be done at least once a year, talk with your water test provider to ensure you don’t need to be having it done more often.