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 BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTING OF DOMESTIC WATER WELLS
The service described in this document is available only to persons residing within the 15-county High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 service area.
Upon request by rural residents, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 staff will collect water samples to determine if fecal coliform bacteria is present in a domestic water well. Very few water samples are found to contain fecal coliform bacteria; however, all domestic water supply wells should be disinfected at least once a year to ensure a safe water supply.
Fecal coliform bacteria usually occur in wells when waste from warm-blooded animals, including man, enters the well. Consumption of water from a contaminated well can result in flu-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, low-grade fever, and recurring headaches.
Common sources of contamination of wells by bacteria are cesspools; improperly constructed septic systems; seepage from livestock waste; waste from burrowing warm-blooded animals, such as mice and rats; precipitation runoff containing animal or fowl waste; and leaks from the pump or pipes which dissolve waste on the pump base that drains back into the well.
Changes in the taste of the water coming from a well, a foul odor, and/or discoloration of the water are indications that bacterial contamination may have occurred. However, the water may become contaminated without any apparent change. If you have any reason to believe that your water supply has become contaminated, do not consume the water or use it in food preparation or tooth brushing unless it has been boiled for at least five minutes. Have the water tested immediately and if it is contaminated, get the well treated and retested before consuming any water from it.
Simple laboratory tests can be conducted which will indicate the presence of fecal coliform bacteria. If you are a resident of the High Plains Water District, we will collect water samples and conduct the test at no charge. If the well is contaminated, the staff will guide the well owner in locating and eliminating the contamination source.
It should be noted that the
High Plains Underground Water Conservation District only
conducts simple laboratory testing for fecal coliform.
Testing for heavy metals and other constituents should be done by a certified
laboratory.
For more information, contact
Field Technician Dan Seale at (806) 762-0181 or by e-mail at dseale@hpwd.com
 
This
page last updated
05/17/2005.
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