Private Well Water

Approximately 23 million people in the U.S. get their water from private wells. Most wells tap an underground aquifer (also known as ground water). Although ground water appears protected from sources of contamination, it can become polluted from industrial spills, underground fuel tank leaks, fertilizer, or wastes that seep into the ground. Ground water can migrate several miles, which means your well may be contaminated by an industrial facility or farm miles "up gradient" from your home. Well water is also susceptible to sediment contamination, so the water in your home may appear discolored or "dirty."

For this reason, you should have your well water tested annually. To have your water tested, call a local water analysis laboratory. Lists of laboratories certified by your state or EPA may be available from your state or local health department. Some local health departments also test private well water for free.

Tests for contaminants such as nitrate and coliform bacteria performed by a private laboratory usually cost between $10 and $20. Cost increases if you ask the laboratory to test for other contaminants. Once the laboratory performs the tests, it will mail you the results. You can compare the results to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Standards and National Secondary Drinking Water Standards to find out if your water falls below levels EPA thinks are safe for certain contaminants.

A note of caution: a water test will only tell you what is in the water that day. Public water treatment plant failures can occur intermittently, and pollutants can be present in your water after these failures or after other events (e.g., after farm fertilizing periods, heavy rains, or season changes).

Knowing what's in your water will help you select an OMNIFilter. If your water is high in rust and/or sediment, or if you wish to reduce odors in the water flowing to all your faucets, showerheads, and appliances, we recommend installing a Whole House water filter. If you are concerned about bacteria, lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your well water, we recommend installing an Undersink water filter. Or if you just want great tasting water, we also recommend an Undersink water filter.