Well Maintenance and Tips

Well Water Testing

Most wells get checked when they are first built; however, water wells should be checked more frequently as water quality may change over time. This testing can determine if there have been any water quality changes to your well that could be harmful to those who drink and use that well water.

If you have a private well and you want to know if your water is safe to drink, here is what you can do:

• Call Your Local Health Department office. They can tell you if there is anything special you need to know about the water in your area.
• Contact a water testing lab for information on type of testing and the cost.
• Learn more about how to collect a water sample and send to the laboratory.

What can I have my water tested for? How do I collect my sample and fill out the forms?

• Nitrate and Bacteria
• General Water Analysis
• Partial Chemistry Analysis
• Total Coliform and E. Coli

Well Water Testing and Interpreting Your Results

Don’t worry if you are not sure what the laboratory results mean – Your Local Health Department office will help you understand the results and will guide you on next steps, if necessary.

Septic Maintenance and Tips

Facts:

• A typical septic system consists of two main parts, a septic tank and a drain field. Underground pipes connect the system.

• Septic systems can contribute to source water contamination for various reasons including improper location of the system, poor design, faulty construction, incorrect operation, and poor or no maintenance of the system.

• Septic systems that are properly planned, designed, sited, installed, operated, and maintained can provide excellent wastewater treatment. However, systems that are sited in densities that exceed the treatment capacity of regional soils and systems that are poorly designed, installed, operated or maintained can cause problems.

• Household chemicals kill the necessary bacteria that your septic system uses to break down waste. By killing the bacteria, you destroy the process.

• The average lifespan for a septic system is 30 years, as long as it is maintained properly.

• A septic field should be in an area where: the wind can get at the surface, the grass is kept short, and located away from lawn sprinkling systems.

• One of the biggest causes of pollution to our waterways is septic system failure. Bacteria and viruses from human waste can cause dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid fever.

• A non-working septic system can pollute your own yard and if you are on waterfront, it can pollute your beach.

• Michigan does not have a statewide sanitary code. Regulations pertaining to septic system installation, isolation distances, and safety vary from County to County.

What you should know:

• Have your septic system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have the tank pumped when necessary (generally every three to five years).

• Do not flush non-biodegradable products or chemicals such as feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, cat litter, paper towels, or pharmaceuticals.

• Eliminate or limit the use of garbage disposals.

• Consult a septic service professional to advise you of the proper distance for planting trees and shrubs, depending on your septic tank location.

• Do not park or drive on your drain field.

• Do not flush grease into the system. Let it harden or solidify and dispose in the trash.

• When purchasing a home with a septic system, it is required to have your system inspected by the local health department. It will be worth the fee.