If you and your family get drinking water from a well located on property that you own, the EPA and the state of Texas consider you a private water operator.
As the private water operator you or your family are responsible for making sure that the well and distribution system are working correctly and that the water is healthy for you to drink. This job takes some work and some specialized knowledge. For additional information on the importance of this job please review this PDF brochure by the EPA.
A properly constructed private well should require little routine maintenance, these tips will help protect your well system and keep it in good working order for years to come:
Get an annual well maintenance check by a licensed water operator, including a bacteria in water test.
Your well should be checked any time; there is a flood, there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or when repairs are made to the water distribution system.
Periodically check the well cap and casing to make sure they are in working order. A damaged casing could cause your water to become contaminated.
Maintain a clean zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels or livestock operations.
Do not treat the area around the well with pesticides or fertilizer.
Keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well to allow proper drainage.
Don't pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well head.
Keep your well and test records in a safe place.
Repair any leaks in the system as quickly as possible.
