Wells are alive and well! Did you know almost four million people in Ohio are provided ground water by community public water systems, and more than 700,000 have their own wells? There’s a good chance that you enjoy well water or know someone who does. Do you know the proper steps to keep your well in tip-top shape and your drinking water safe? If you plan on house hunting this spring, knowing how to take care of a well could be a valuable new skill! It may seem daunting to some, but proper well care doesn’t have to be hard.

What’s In A Well

Wells are a natural aquifer that filters water through porous material in the ground. Rocks like shale and limestone, or sand and gravel are popular make-ups of soil in the surrounding areas of wells. The water that eventually fills the wells can come from melted snow, rivers, and lakes. The sediment filters the water that eventually ends up in your faucets and showerheads. With a well on your property, you have access to clean and reliable drinking water year round. You can save money by cutting water costs. Because well water is a green way to supply your home, you’re also being kind to the environment.

Caring For Your Well

Spring- The annual spring cleaning extends to your well care. Now is a great time to see what transpired over the winter. 

-Check for small cracks or fissures in the structure of your well. 

-Replace filters and flush your system

-Test for bacteria. Your water may look discolored, smell like oil or petroleum, cucumber, sewage, or rotten vegetables. These are signs that you will need to disinfect your well.

-Schedule a licensed technician visit. Even after many years of well care, a yearly visit will keep your well in safe working order.

Summer-

-Landscape around your well. Be sure to cut back overgrown weeds or any vegetation that is taller than the well. You want to prevent debris buildup in your water supply.

-Be vigilant during droughts. Summer is usually a drier season, and if your well “runs dry” your pump could be irrevocably damaged. Monitor the water pressure, if there is a heavy dip your household is probably running below the water level.

Fall-

-New filters twice a year will keep the water safe to drink through the winter. This is not a job you’ll want when it’s snowing outside!

-Start to winterize your well. Insulate pipes. If you do not use your well in winter, shut down power and close the main water valve.

Winter-

-Keep your well snow free.

-Prevent your well from freezing by covering the well’s opening. Consider a well house or a prefab well topper. If your well freezes, do not despair. You can actually thaw pipes with a simple household hair dryer. 

Proper well care is important for homeowners across Ohio. If you are still needing help caring for your well, be sure to check out this free well care class! They have options for many schedules and learning styles. And keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power Blog for more helpful tips!