[Thisiseasy]

One of my new tenants asked me to have her well tested because she was having stomach upset after moving in. The results indicate high levels of bacteria in the water.
What's the best way to tackle this kind of problem. Besides all the bacteria the water is okay. Are there solutions to remove the bacteria from the water or is it easier to have someone come put in a new well?

 

[Nealtw]

Isn't that a question for the local health dept.

 

[Old Thomas]

Dump bleach in the well and let it sit overnight. Then run water until the bleach smell is gone and a little longer. Then have it tested again. We used to bleach our well before going on vacation.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Besides the health department having a procedure for de-contamination they will likely, and certainly should, determine the source of the bacteria.

 

[ron45]

It could also be in the pipes.?

Ask the people around you if they are experiencing problems.

 

[Thisiseasy]

Thanks for the recommendation to contact the health department. They were very helpful. They're starting with a repeat test to figure out what types of microbes are in the water.

 

[joed]

There is also equipment that can be installed in the house to help purify the water.

 

[Ghostmaker]

Wow! You should have done this prior to her move in. I do hope she doesn't take legal action against you.

 

[Thisiseasy]

How often should a private well be tested?

 

[660catman]

We have had our shared well tested about 4 times since moving in back in ‘86. We have never had a problem ever. Last test was when we bought the house next door two years ago which shares the same well. At the request of the purchasers we sold it to the real estate agent got water samples.
It all depends on soil type and if you have had overland flooding at all.


Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

 

[Ghostmaker]

If your a land lord I would do it at least once with each new tenant.

 

[Thisiseasy]

I got news back from the health department. Their tests found bacteria suggesting contamination by sewage. They issued two citations to nearby homeowners who had poorly maintained septic systems which were "likely the cause." Both systems have been remediated and they said for the tenant to continue boiling the water for another month until a repeat test shows the contamination has gone down.