Wells are alive and well! Did you know almost four million people in Ohio are provided groundwater 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? It may seem daunting, 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 components of soil in the surrounding areas of wells. The water that eventually fills them can come from melted snow, rivers, and lakes — the sediment filters the water that 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, and you're being kind to the environment.

Caring For Your Well

Spring — The annual spring cleaning extends to your well. 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. Discolored water or smells like oil, petroleum, cucumber, sewage, or rotten vegetables are signs that you will need to disinfect your well.
• Schedule a licensed technician visit. Even after many years of well care, a yearly professional visit will keep your well in safe working order.

Summer — Warmer months bring their own set of considerations.

• Landscape around your well. Cut back overgrown weeds or any vegetation taller than the well to prevent debris buildup in your water supply.
• Be vigilant during droughts. If your well "runs dry," your pump could be irrevocably damaged. Monitor water pressure — a heavy dip likely means your household is drawing below the water level.

Fall — Prepare your well before the cold sets in.

• Replace filters twice a year to keep water safe to drink through the winter — not a job you'll want to tackle when it's snowing outside!
• Start to winterize your well by insulating pipes. If you do not use your well in winter, shut down power and close the main water valve.

Winter — Cold weather requires simple but important precautions.

• Keep your well snow free.
• Prevent freezing by covering the well's opening — consider a well house or a prefab well topper. If your well does freeze, you can actually thaw pipes with a simple household hair dryer.

Proper well care is important for homeowners across Ohio. If you still need help caring for your well, free well care classes are available with options for many schedules and learning styles. And keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power Blog for more helpful tips!