Water Wells
In Chenango each homeowner is responsible for their own water well.
It is important to test your water on a regular basis to make sure that the water you and your family are drinking is safe.
Colorado and the CDC recommend private wells be tested a minimum of once per year. Here are a few links about what to test for and why to test. It is important, if you have children, to test the fluoride level of your well water. Here are two links about well testing.
Here is a link from the Colorado Dept. of Health about well testing, a link showing the different testing packages available and a link to order testing kits.
1. Look at the well testing packages available. If you have never had your well tested before, the lab recommends (as do I) that you do the Deluxe Colorado Package. This covers all the major contaminants. It also includes pH which can affect your pipes and appliances in your house. Annually you may choose to do the Annual Colorado Package or the Expanded Annual Colorado Package to make sure your well is safe to drink.
2. Once you know what tests you want performed on your water, you may order the testing kits from the state lab by phone at 303-692-3074 or online through the link above. You may choose to pick up the collection bottles or have them shipped to you for a fee. You then fill the bottles according to their instructions and return them to the Lab for testing.
The lab is located at 8100 Lowry Blvd. Denver, CO 80230
When you get there, go down the right hand side/ south side of the building to get to the Lab Courier service and sample/specimen drop-off at Receiving door.
collecting your samples
There are different procedures to take your water samples. Follow the instructions included with your testing kit collection bottles.
These are just the basic guidelines you will follow.
1. Bypass any softener or treatment systems that you have.
2. If you are testing for any metals-
Take the sample first thing in the morning so that it's been sitting in the pipes all night. This will show if your water is leaching metal out of the pipes.
Do not take the sample from a swing-type faucet.
3. For all other tests-
Do not take the sample from a swing-type faucet or a faucet with a pull out head.
Inspect the faucet for leaks. Select another faucet if there is leaking.
Remove the aerator.
Disinfect the faucet with bleach or a flame.
Run the water several minutes to clear the line.
Take the sample midstream.
Do not touch the sides of the collection bottle, the opening or inside of the cap.
4. Label all the bottles as indicated.
5. Return the bottles to the Lab for testing.
RESULTS
The bacterial test results will be back within 72 hours and the remaining results will come in roughly 3 weeks.
Ohio State University has a great website to help you interpret your water test results. Once you receive your results you can use their online tool that allows your to input your test results and get more information about each test and explanations about potential health risks, treatment options and more.