My property has a well? Now What?
Congratulations on finding your dream home! If it includes a well, understanding and maintaining your well water quality is crucial for a safe and enjoyable living experience.
For many homeowners in this area, relying on well water is a way of life, offering a direct connection to the region’s natural beauty. However, understanding the nuances of well water quality, including common contaminants & well maintenance is key to ensuring your water is safe and enjoyable.
Discovering Local Well Experts
When it comes to well services in the Sedona Verde Valley, we’re fortunate to have trusted names like Northern Arizona Pump, KP Ventures, and Collingwood Pump, to name a few. These local experts know our region inside out and can guide you through everything from well drilling to water quality testing, treatment and maintenance.
Understanding Water Contaminants
If you’re buying a property with a well, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive water quality test done during your due diligence period. In addition to standard tests, make sure to check for arsenic, nitrates, nitrites, E. coli, coliform bacteria, and other contaminants that can affect water safety and taste. This will help you determine the quality of the water and if there are any concerns that need to be addressed.
It’s no secret that the Verde Valley contains pockets of arsenic all over the place. It is more likely than not that your well will have some levels arsenic, and it may be higher than what the EPA guidelines recommend is safe for drinking.
Nitrates and nitrites, commonly from agricultural sources like pesticides, can also be problematic.
Bacteria such as E. coli and coliform are indicators of water contamination and require immediate attention, typically this is treated by shocking the well with chlorine and then re-testing after a few days to ensure it’s gone.
Fortunately, installing a simple reverse osmosis (RO) system can significantly reduce arsenic, nitrates, nitrites, and bacterial contaminants and will bring your drinking water up to EPA safe levels.
An RO system is simple to instal at the sink for drinking water. There are many affordable options available at places like Home Depot & any plumber can easily install one for you. Let me know if you need recommendations!
Regular Testing and Maintenance
If you ever notice a decrease in water flow, smells like rotten eggs, has a funny taste or a weird color; that’s your sign to call a professional. These signs could indicate issues such as clogged well screens, contaminates, or breaches in the well system. Calling a professional for maintenance can often restore water quality and the well’s productivity to previous conditions.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends a new well be tested for arsenic, fluoride, lead, nitrates, total coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids, and uranium. After that, it’s advised to test for total coliform bacteria and nitrates annually, and for arsenic, fluoride, and uranium every five years.
Navigating Water Adjudication in Arizona
It is important to know that in recent years, water rights and management have become increasingly important topics in Arizona, especially in the Verde Valley area. The ongoing water adjudication process aims to fairly allocate water resources and ensure sustainable usage for current and future generations.
As a homeowner relying on well water, staying informed about water adjudication developments and local water management practices is crucial. Collaborating with experienced professionals from local well companies and water experts can provide insights into potential impacts on well water availability and quality.
Working Together for Water Wellness
In the Verde Valley, well water is not just a resource but a vital link to our stunning natural surroundings. By harnessing local expertise, staying informed about water quality concerns such as bacteria and arsenic, and engaging in the water adjudication dialogue, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their water is safe, clean, and sustainable.
Check out the guide in the link below for a more detailed well owners guide from the National Groundwater Association!
As always, I have many trusted resources to help guide you every step of the way in your home ownership journey. Please reach out if you need any recommendations!
