Wells are a good way to reduce your dependency on municipal utilities. When you have your own well, you have access to your own water. You don't have to worry about rate hikes, or problems such as outdated water pipes or widespread contamination. However, there are some things that you do have to worry about when your water is provided by a private well. Here are some tips that will help you keep your well working properly.

Start With the Location

Proper care of your well should begin before you even begin well drilling. The location for your well should be chosen carefully. Your new well shouldn't be near septic tanks, livestock or bodies of water – such as rivers and streams. Having your well installed near any of these items can lead to water contamination.

Inspect the Well

Once your well is in place, you should conduct monthly inspections of the exterior walls of the well. Check for cracks or corrosion in the well walls and caps. Also inspect the concrete pad for signs of cracks and damage. The cap should be intact. If you see any signs of damage, you should have them repaired as soon as possible.

Keep Pesticides and Harmful Liquids Away

If you're going to use pesticides or fertilizers, do not use them uphill from your well. When it rains, the water can flow down towards the well, allowing those harmful chemicals to seep into the soil. It's also important that you not store harmful or hazardous materials uphill from your well.

Test Water Supply Twice a Year

You want to ensure that your water is not contaminated. To do this, you should have your water tested at least once a year. Your local health department can provide water testing for you. Health department water tests will check for the following substances.

• Fecal coliforms
• Volatile organic compounds
• Nitrates
• pH levels

Perform Routine Maintenance

Sediment and other contaminants can get inside your well. When they do, they can cause your well to malfunction. To prevent build-up in your well, you should have it cleaned at least once a year. Be sure to keep complete records each time your well is serviced. Proper maintenance records will allow you to monitor the health of your well.

When you have a well, it's important that you take good care of it. Proper location and maintenance will ensure that your well performs properly. It will also help prevent contamination of your water supply.