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🧪 Annual Water Quality Testing
Schedule and complete annual bacteria test (total coliform + E. coli)
Use a state-certified lab. Best time: spring, after snowmelt. Find a lab →
Test for nitrates (annual minimum; more often if near agriculture)
MCL: 10 mg/L. Do not use water above 10 mg/L for infant formula.
Test pH annually
Acceptable range: 6.5–8.5. Below 6.5 causes lead and copper leaching.
Log test results in the table below
Keep copies of all lab reports. Required documentation for future property sales.
If any parameter fails, begin remediation within 30 days
Bacteria failure: shock chlorinate. See the coliform guide →
🔍 Wellhead Visual Inspection
Inspect well cap: secured, no cracks, no gaps at casing interface
A loose or cracked cap allows insects, rodents, and surface water into the casing.
Inspect vent screen on cap: intact, no blockage
Vent must allow pressure equalization without allowing contaminants in.
Check casing extends at least 12 inches above ground
Casing below grade allows surface water intrusion.
Verify ground slopes away from wellhead in all directions
Pooling water at the wellhead is a contamination risk. Regrade if needed.
Check 50-foot radius: no new fuel storage, chemicals, or animal enclosures
New contamination sources within 100 feet warrant expanded testing.
💧 Pressure System Check
Test pressure tank: no short cycling (pump runs every few seconds)
Short cycling indicates a waterlogged tank — address immediately to protect pump.
Check Schrader valve air pressure (pump off, pressure bled): should be 2 psi below cut-in
Typical: 38 psi if cut-in is 40 psi. No air charge = tank replacement needed.
Inspect pressure switch electrical connections: dry, no corrosion, no arcing
Call electrician if blackening or moisture is present at terminals.
Note current water pressure at kitchen tap with one fixture running
Record below. Compare year to year — more than 5–10 psi decline warrants investigation.
🧹 Filters & Treatment Equipment
Replace sediment pre-filter cartridge (or note date; replace when ΔP exceeds 10 psi)
Typical replacement: every 3–6 months depending on sediment load.
Replace UV lamp (annual, regardless of appearance)
UV lamps lose intensity with age. Replace on a fixed annual date. Also clean quartz sleeve.
Check water softener salt level; inspect for salt bridges in brine tank
A salt bridge (crust with empty space below) prevents regeneration. Break up with a broom handle.
Check acid neutralizer calcite media level; refill if below 50% full
Calcite dissolves over time as it neutralizes acid. Typical refill: annually.
Verify backwash cycle on iron/manganese filter is running on schedule
Check controller clock. Backwash should occur every 3–7 days depending on iron load.
🍁 Seasonal Tasks
Spring: Perform startup check after winter (flush, inspect, test if dormant)
Fall: Winterize or protect vulnerable pipes before first hard freeze
After any flooding: do not drink water until shock chlorination and re-test complete
📋 Annual Water Test Log
Record your test results each year. Keep copies of all lab reports in a separate folder.
| Year | Test Date | Lab Name | Coliform | Nitrate (mg/L) | pH | Lead (mg/L) | Notes / Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🖨 Click “Print / Save as PDF” above to save a clean printable version with blank lines for manual log entries.