Assessment

What to Look For Around Your Well

Check the well and area around the well for damage. Debris can dislodge parts of the well and distort or crack the well casing. Groundwater may also deposit mud or sediment in the well. If you see any of these conditions you should have a professional repair the system.

Below are things that a well owner can look for; any one of these signs may indicate that a well is contaminated and the water may be unsafe. If you suspect the well has been affected by groundwater, stop using it until it is checked.

Most private wells have the pump located inside the well casing and submerged, so well owners will probably not be able to inspect the pump. If the pump or well casing needs repair, contact a qualified professional, registered well driller, or pump contractor to evaluate and service it. Do not turn on your well pump until the well has been assessed and repaired as needed. Contact your local health department for help in locating registered well contractors. The DEC has a list of registered water well contractors.

6 Steps to Assess Your Well
Step	What To Look For	When to Call a Professional
1. TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE WELL.
2. Check whether the well was flooded.	Check your well for flood water or signs of flooding. If you did not see the area during the flood, debris and mud in the area and water or mud stains on the well may indicate that the well was flooded.	If you don’t have safe access to the well.
3. See if the ground surface around the well is broken or unstable.	Check for erosion that may lead to unsafe conditions or a pathway for surface water and contaminants to get in the well. Check whether groundwater entered the well.	If you need to regrade land around the well or repair/replace the well or casing.
4. Inspect electrical components and wires.	Look for exposed/damaged wiring or electrical components. Check whether water entered any electrical components. Do not touch electrical wires. If electrical connections or controls located outside the well casing remain submerged, do not turn on the pump.	If any water or damage is seen, or if it is suspected that any part of the electrical system has been submerged, call an electrician or well professional.
5. Check the well casing.	A bent/cracked well casing may allow water, sediment and debris to enter the well and increase the risk of contamination.	If the well casing needs to be repaired or replaced.
6. Check the well cap and seal.	See if the cap and seal are securely fastened to the well casing. Sediment and debris may enter the well through a loose well cap and contaminate it.	If sediment and debris have entered the well, call a professional before restarting the well.