If you're about to invest in a new well, you know how costly the endeavor is. The last thing you want to do is have it go down before it's time. The best way to ensure a long, healthy relationship with your new well is to provide it with the maintenance it's going to need. Luckily, in most cases, your well won't require costly repairs. However, it will require you to follow some simple safety precautions. These safety precautions will help prevent problems with your well, and your water supply:

Test Your Water Once a Year

If the water to your home is supplied by a well, you need to make sure it's safe for your family to drink. The best way to do that is with annual water testing. Your water supply should be tested for bacteria and contaminants such as arsenic and lead. You should also have your water tested if there are construction projects going on around you, or if neighboring wells have tested positive for contaminants. If you're not sure where to have your water tested, you can contact your local health department.

Protect Your Water Source

When it comes to delivering safe water to your family, the most important thing you can do is protect the source. You need to protect the ground water. To do that, you'll need to employ a few safety measures. First, never allow farm animals to graze near your well. The manure can allow nitrates to seep into the ground water. Second, keep fertilizers away from the well, and pump. Third, never install a septic system upstream from your well. The sewage water will seep down towards your ground water supply.

Maintain the Plumbing

If you have a well, you need to maintain the plumbing it's connected to, including the faucets. To prevent problems with your well, the faucets should be connected to a backflow valve. Your backflow valves will prevent contaminants from flowing back into your water supply. Without the protection of the backflow valve, your entire water supply could be contaminated.

Inspect the Well Cap and Pit

Once your well is installed, you'll need to conduct monthly inspections of your well cap and pit. If the well cap comes loose or is damaged in any way, insects and small animals can find their way into your well. Not only that but contaminants such as those found in rain water can leak into the well if your cap isn't securely in place. You'll also need to inspect the pit to ensure that it's not filled with debris and contaminated water. For the protection of the pit, you should actually inspect it after each rain. Remove any surface water you see collecting in the pit.

Don't take chances with your new well. The information provided here will help you keep your well up-and-running, and problem-free. Contact a company like Rippe Well Service INC for more information and assistance.