Know the Risks to Your Private Well
Private Well Risks
If your water comes from a private well, germs and chemicals can enter your drinking water from flooding, runoff, and natural changes in the water that serves your well. Using contaminated water for drinking, preparing food, and making ice can make you, your family and your pets sick. Babies, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with health conditions are most at risk of health effects from contaminated water. If you also have a private septic system, have a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permitted waste transporter inspect and pump it out every 2 to 3 years to avoid potential well contamination from a failing septic system.
Private Well Risk Mapper
Type in an address to view risks to your private wells from flooding, agricultural runoff, and arsenic contamination.
About the Private Well Mapper
Learn more about how flood hazards, carbonate bedrock (porous geology), agricultural districts, and risk of high arsenic affect your private well.
Flooding
If you live in a flood zone, you are at higher risk for germs and chemicals entering your drinking water, particularly during flooding and extreme weather. Follow this advice to assess your well. After flooding events you may need to follow the steps to repair, flush, and disinfect your well.
Agricultural runoff
If your well is an agricultural area or district, it may be at higher risk of contamination from manure and pesticides. Learn more about bacterial contamination as well as steps to Protect Your Family’s Water.
Carbonate Bedrock
If your well is in porous carbonate bedrock it could be susceptible to contamination. These areas may contain karst features such as caves, caverns, and sinkholes that are pathways for contaminants to get into your well. A well with a casing that is deeper in bedrock and sealed with grout is likely to be better protected from contamination. Follow the steps in Protect Your Family’s Water to find out how to measure for contaminants and steps to maintain your private well.
Arsenic
Naturally occuring arsenic is commonly found in New York State. If there is naturally occurring arsenic in the bedrock or material around your well, it can travel underground and contaminate your drinking water. Learn how at risk you are for having high arsenic levels in your well. Options are available to filter your household water to remove arsenic and other contaminants. Learn more about testing for arsenic and how to protect your drinking water.
