Why Should I test my water?

The current testing program is under review and will be published when finalized. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Carbon County Groundwater Guardians (CCGG) recommends testing the water of every residential well on a regular basis. If the water was never tested, a comprehensive test should be done first. Based on the results of the test, follow-up testing should be done as needed. Testing for bacteria should be done at least once a year.

This testing is needed because your water quality can diminish due to changes in your water usage, in weather conditions, in your neighborhood etc. This is the reason why public water suppliers are required by law to constantly monitor the water they provide.

If you notice any change in your water, it should be tested immediately.

The state of Pennsylvania issues no standards for private well water quality. The only time the state gets involved is when there is pollution due to spills, leaking tanks or industry.

If your well water contains bacteria, for example, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) will tell you to buy bottled water or give you a pamphlet, which explains how to shock chlorinate your well. That’s it. It’s up to you to fix any and all problems. Yes, you’re completely on your own.

In order to fix problems that could be threatening you or your family’s health, you first have to know a problem exists. How can you find out if your well water is safe? There is a very simple answer, and only one answer. Test your water.

If you have a private well, you’re an unregulated water company. If you also have a septic system, you’re an unregulated sewage company. It’s common for septic discharge to pollute the water in your and your neighbor’s well.

You don’t have to live next to a superfund site to have problems. Nature put many dangerous substances into the ground and we can add to it by what our neighbors and we do in our own backyards.

A part of CCGG’s Mission is to offer advice to homeowners with a private well and septic system, and it’s free. The advice comes primarily from Wilkes and Penn State Universities. If you test your water through CCGG, you do have to pay, for the testing is done at Wilkes University. Because of our partnership, the regular prices have been reduced.