Every March 13th is “Know Your Well Day”, but any day is a good day to learn moreabout your water well and drinking water supply.
If you live in a rural area, it is likely that your daily water supply comes from a well on your property. More than 75 percent of Wyoming’s population relies on groundwater for part, or all, of their drinking water supply. This water comes from more than 53,000 wells.
Your Well and Water, and Your Responsibility
You are solely responsible for the maintenance of your private water well, and are required to maintain it in such a condition that it does not contribute to contamination of groundwater. The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office regulates permitting and construction requirements for water wells. Properly maintained wells help to protect the groundwater that supplies your well. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your well, and immediately correct any issues that you see.
Federal, state, and local government agencies provide education and technical assistance to private well owners through programs such as Know Your Well; however, private well owners are ultimately responsible for maintaining their wells and having their water tested. This means that the water quality of private water wells is not checked unless you take action to have your water sampled and tested. Knowing your water quality is the first step in protecting your family. Having your water tested regularly gives you an idea if there are issues with your well that may need to be addressed.
How do I test my well?
Testing your private well is an important step in ensuring the safety of your drinking water. Here are the steps to test your private well:
1. Determine what to test for: In Wyoming, it is recommended to test your well for bacteria (e. coli, total coliform) and nitrates every year. Additionally, it’s recommended to test for arsenic, lead, copper, iron, manganese, sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) every five years. Uranium, radium, selenium, and methane are also common constituents in Wyoming groundwater.
2. Collect a water sample: Follow the instructions provided by the lab for collecting and handling the water sample. Typically, you will need to collect a certain amount of water in a sterile container provided by the lab. See our sampling instructions for more information or watch this Youtube Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HzKk6CieQ0) for an example.
3. Send the sample to a testing lab: There are several options for testing labs, including state-certified labs and private labs. Make sure to choose a reputable lab that provides accurate and reliable results. Local laboratories are listed under our Find a Laboratory link.
4. Review the results: Once you receive the results from the lab, review them carefully to determine what was detected. Resources are available for help interpreting your lab results including our Be Well Informed tool (https://www.bewellinformed.info/workbench) and Understanding Your Results document (LINK). If there are any issues with the water quality, you may need to take corrective actions to improve it.
It’s recommended to test your well water at least once a year to ensure it remains safe to drink. If you notice any changes in the taste, color, or odor of your water, or if someone in your household experiences unexplained health issues, you should test your well water immediately.
What should I test my well for?
In Wyoming, it is recommended to test your well for bacteria (e. coli, total coliform) and nitrates every year. Additionally, it’s recommended to test for arsenic, lead, copper, iron, manganese, sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) every five years. Uranium, radium, selenium, and methane are also common contaminants in Wyoming.
When should I test my well?
It’s recommended to test your well every 12-14 months. You should also test your well when someone within the household has an unexplained illness or is a member of a sensitive population, such as during pregnancy, infants, elderly or has a health condition
What should I do if my water tastes strange?
If your well water tastes unusual or funny, it’s a good idea to test your well to determine the cause of the issue. Comparing results before and after the changes in taste are noticed can be helpful in identifying potential remedies.
How do I interpret my well water lab results?
Interpreting lab results can be challenging, particularly when comparing the results with established standards. Differences in units of measurement between the detected contaminants and comparison standards can lead to confusion, making it difficult to determine if the results pose a health risk. To help with understanding, resources such as the Be Well Informed tool (hyperlink:https://www.bewellinformed.info/workbench) or the Understanding Your Results document (LINK) are available. If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us
What should I do if my well is contaminated?
If your well is contaminated, there are several treatment options available for most types of contamination. To determine the best treatment option for your specific well and type of contaminant, it’s recommended to consult a licensed Water Treatment Specialist. They can recommend and install a treatment option that will work best for your situation.
Who can I contact for assistance interpreting my well water test results?
For assistance interpreting your well water test results, you can contact the DEQ Know Your Well Program at deq-knowyourwell@wyo.gov or call 307-777-WELL(9355). You can also use the Wyoming-specific tool at https://www.bewellinformed.info/workbench to see if any detections exceed drinking water standards.
Why is it important to test my well water?
As a private well owner, you are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of your drinking water. Unlike public water systems, the water quality from private wells is not regulated by government authorities. Therefore, it is essential to test your well water regularly to identify any potential contaminants that could pose a health risk to you and your family. Testing your well water can help detect any issues early and allow you to take necessary corrective actions to protect your health.
How do I know if my well water is safe to drink?
The only way to know for sure that your well water is safe to drink is through laboratory testing. Many common contaminants cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled and cannot be removed by boiling. Water quality can change naturally over time or as a result of activities in the area, which can affect the quality of your well water. Therefore, it is recommended to test your well water at least once a year to ensure it is safe to drink.
What can I do to protect my well?
There are several steps you can take to protect your well and ensure the safety of your drinking water:
1. Conduct regular water testing: Testing your well water at least once a year is essential to identifying any potential contaminants that could pose a risk to your health.
2. Properly maintain your well: Regular maintenance, such as inspecting and repairing well equipment, can prevent well contamination and ensure the longevity of your well.
3. Properly dispose of hazardous materials: Do not dispose of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and pesticides, in your yard or near your well as they can seep into the groundwater.
4. Ensure proper well construction: Your well should be constructed by a licensed professional and meet all local codes and regulations.
5. Protect the area around your well: Prevent surface water from entering your well by properly grading and maintaining the area around the wellhead.
By following these steps, you can help protect your well and ensure the safety of your drinking water.
What resources are available to Wyoming well owners?
There are several resources available to well owners in Wyoming to help them manage and protect their well water. Here are some of the key resources:
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): The DEQ is responsible for protecting Wyoming’s environment and public health. They provide information and resources to well owners, including information on well construction, water quality testing, and well abandonment. The WQD Groundwater Program works to protect and preserve Wyoming’s groundwater by permitting facilities to prevent contamination, and investigating and cleaning up known releases. Know Your Well is a program within DEQ to specifically assist Wyoming private well owners with questions regarding water quality. (https://deq.wyoming.gov/)
Wyoming State Engineers Office (SEO): The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office is charged with the regulation and administration of the water resources in Wyoming. In addition to processing and maintaining groundwater permits, the SEO Ground Water Division maintains a statewide observation well network, conducts interference investigations and water right adjudication inspections, reviews reports of water supply adequacy for subdivisions, and provides conflict resolution between groundwater and surface water appropriators. (https://seo.wyo.gov/)
Wyoming Water Development Office (WDO): The Wyoming Water Development Commission is responsible for the coordination, development and planning of Wyoming’s water and related land resources. This agency contributes to the quality of life by addressing the water resources needs of our citizens through the construction of new water supply projects and the rehabilitation of existing water supply projects. (https://wwdc.state.wy.us/)
Wyoming Well Drillers Association: The Wyoming Well Drillers Association is a professional organization that represents the interests of well drillers in the state. They provide information on well drilling, well construction, and well maintenance. (http://wwcb.state.wy.us/)
Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems: The Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems provides training and technical assistance to rural water and wastewater systems, including private well owners. They offer workshops, webinars, and other resources on well maintenance, water quality testing, and well construction. (https://www.warws.com/)
University of Wyoming Extension: The University of Wyoming Extension provides education and outreach to communities throughout the state. They offer resources on well water management, including information on well construction, water quality testing, and well maintenance. (http://www.uwyo.edu/uwe/)
Wyoming County Health Departments: Local health departments in Wyoming can provide information and guidance on well water quality testing and potential health effects from contaminated drinking water. They may also provide resources on well water treatment options. (LINK to Smartsheet – https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/JqCgHVh99R3qGfPPvHWJp4CMV7F87H6XmvxfMwC1?view=grid)
Wyoming Association of Water Conservation Districts: Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with landowners, counties, cities, towns and other community organizations to conserve land and water resources on private and public lands in the United States. (https://conservewy.com/)
These resources can provide valuable information and support to well owners in Wyoming. If you have questions or concerns about your well water, consider reaching out to these organizations for assistance.
What are the potential sources of groundwater contamination in Wyoming?
There are several potential sources of groundwater contamination in Wyoming, including:
1. Agriculture: The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can lead to contamination of groundwater with nitrates and other chemicals.
2. Industrial Runoff: Industrial activities such as mining and manufacturing can lead to groundwater contamination from runoff and discharge of wastewater.
3. Landfills and Waste Disposal Sites: Improperly constructed or managed landfills and waste disposal sites can leach chemicals and other contaminants into groundwater.
4. Livestock and Animal Waste: Manure and other animal waste can contain pathogens, bacteria, and other contaminants that can leach into groundwater if not managed properly.
5. Natural Contamination: Natural sources such as radon, arsenic, and uranium can also contribute to groundwater contamination in some areas of Wyoming.
6. Oil and Gas Development: Exploration, drilling, and production activities in the oil and gas industry can lead to groundwater contamination from spills, leaks, and disposal of wastewater.
7. Septic Systems: Failing or improperly designed septic systems can release bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants into groundwater.
8. Stormwater Runoff: Runoff from rain and snowmelt can carry pollutants from roads, rooftops, and other surfaces into groundwater.
It’s important for well owners to regularly test their water and properly maintain their wells to reduce the risk of contamination.
How does geology affect water quality?
Geology can have a significant impact on groundwater quality. The type of rock and soil that the groundwater flows through can affect the concentration and types of contaminants present in the water. For example, groundwater that flows through limestone can be naturally high in calcium and magnesium, which can contribute to hard water. Conversely, groundwater that flows through shale or sandstone can be naturally high in arsenic or radon.
Geologic features such as fractures, faults, and karst formations can also affect groundwater quality. These features can provide pathways for contaminants to enter groundwater, or they can serve as barriers that prevent contaminants from moving through the subsurface.
Human activities such as land use changes, waste disposal, and mining can also affect groundwater quality by introducing contaminants into the subsurface. The geologic properties of the area can influence the extent to which these contaminants are able to move through the subsurface.
Overall, the geology of an area plays a crucial role in determining groundwater quality and can affect the types and concentrations of contaminants present in the water.
How does my private well work?
Private wells are typically drilled into the ground to access groundwater, which is stored in an aquifer below the surface. The well is typically made up of a casing, which is a long pipe that is inserted into the ground and sealed to prevent surface water and contaminants from entering the well. The casing is typically made of steel, PVC, or concrete.
A pump is installed in the well casing to draw water up from the aquifer and into the house or property. The pump may be a submersible pump, which is installed at the bottom of the well and pushes water up through pipes to the surface, or a jet pump, which sits above ground and uses suction to draw water up from the well and into the home.
Private wells require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure that they are functioning properly and providing safe drinking water. This may include regular water testing for contaminants, regular well inspections to check for damage or wear and tear, and periodic cleaning or disinfection of the well and pump system.
What is the difference between a public water supply and a private water well?
Public water supply and private wells both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Public water supply:
- Consistent quality: Public water supplies are regulated by the EPA and are required to meet strict water quality standards. This means that the water you receive from your tap is consistent and generally safe to drink.
- Convenience: You don’t have to worry about maintaining or repairing the water system, as this is the responsibility of the public water provider.
- Access to emergency services: If there is a water-related emergency or contamination event, public water suppliers typically have emergency response plans in place to quickly address the issue.
- Higher costs: Public water supplies typically come with a monthly water bill, which can be higher than the cost of maintaining a private well.
- Limited control: You have limited control over the quality and source of your water, as the public water provider is responsible for making decisions about water treatment and supply.
Private well:
- Cost-effective: Private wells are typically less expensive in the long run, as the cost of drilling and maintaining the well is spread out over many years.
- Control: You have the responsibility to know and understand the quality of your water. You can choose to install water treatment on your well, or not, and the type of treatment.
- Access: Private wells are often the only option for properties located in rural areas or far from a public water source, providing access to a reliable source of drinking water.
- No monthly water bill: With a private well, there is no monthly water bill to worry about.
- Maintenance and repair: You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of your well system, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Water quality concerns: There is no government agency that regulates the quality of groundwater supplied to domestic private wells, like there is for public systems. Therefore if there is a concern with your water quality, as a private well owner, you are responsible for determining if there is an issue and how to treat it.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact our Groundwater Program:
307-777-WELL (9355)
