How often should I get my well water tested?

ESDHD recommends homeowners have the well sampled at least once a year for bacteria, and every 5 years for chemicals, or if any change in odor, taste, or color.

Improper well caps, dug wells and wells at or below grade are risky because contaminants can seep into the well and may be potentially hazardous to drink.

Water Tests Include:
Listed below are the required analyses in accordance with Connecticut Public Health Code Section 19-13-B101 "Testing of Water Quality in Private Water Supply Systems".

Parameter

Limit

Comments

Total Coliform Bacteria

None Present MCL

MCL

pH

6.4 - 10.0 SU MCL

MCL

Apparent Color

< 15 SU

 

Odor

< 2 Odor Threshold Number

 

Chloride

250 mg/L MCL

MCL

Hardness

150 mg/L

 

Nitrate-Nitrogen

10 mg/L MCL

MCL

Nitrite-Nitrogen

1 mg/L MCL

MCL

Sulfate

250 mg/L

 

Turbidity

< 5 NTU MCL (for surface water)

MCL (for surface water)

Iron

0.3 mg/L EPA secondary contaminant

EPA secondary contaminant

Manganese

0.05 mg/L EPA secondary contaminant

EPA secondary contaminant

Sodium

28 mg/L CT Notification level Volatile Organic Chemicals

CT Notification level

*Water must be analyzed for alachlor, atrazine, dicamba, ethylene dibromide (EDB), metolachlor, simazine & 2, 4-D if nitrates are equal to or exceed 10 mg/l.
SU = standard units
mg/L = milligrams per liter = ppm
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level

Note: Parameters, which do not have a MCL, are recommended limits. Local municipalities may have additional testing requirements.





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East Shore District Health Department
Email:info@esdhd.org | 14 Business Park Drive | Branford, CT 06405 | Phone (203) 481-4233 Fax (203) 483-6894