Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor, or color. Only laboratory testing can detect them.
While there is no state requirement to have your well water tested (although there may be from your mortgage lender or local Board of Health), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recommends that all homeowners with private wells do so, and use a state certified laboratory.
Contamination of Wells
Well water originates as rain and snow that then filters into the ground. As it soaks through the soil, the water can dissolve materials that are present on or in the ground, becoming contaminated.
Some contaminants are naturally occurring from features found in the rocks and soils of Massachusetts. These include substances like bacteria, radon, arsenic, uranium, and other minerals.
Other contaminants find their way onto the land from human activities. On a large scale, industrial/commercial activities, improper waste disposal, road salting, and fuel spills can introduce hazardous substances to the ground. However, even typical residential activities, such as the application of fertilizers and pesticides, fueling of lawn equipment, and disposal of household chemicals can contaminate the ground when done improperly. Even an on-site residential septic system can pose a threat to your well. That is why taking measures to protect your well from contamination is so important.
Contaminants and testing frequencies
| Standard Analysis | Testing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Arsenic Chloride Copper Fluoride Hardness Iron Lead Manganese pH Sodium |
Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every ten years, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| Coliform Bacteria | Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every year for bacteria and nitrate/nitrite, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| Nitrate/Nitrite | Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every year for bacteria and nitrate/nitrite, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| Radon | Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every ten years, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| Gross Alpha Screen (bedrock wells only) |
Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every ten years, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| VOCs | Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every ten years, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
| PFAS6 | Monitor initially and then at a minimum once every ten years, or as otherwise required by the local Board of Health. |
Recommended Tests
The following tests provide only the most basic indicators of a well's water quality. These tests identify some of the common natural and man-made contaminants found in our state's well water. However, you should also consider nearby land uses to decide whether additional tests are appropriate for your well. It is not necessary to do all of the tests at one time.
Standard Analysis
This basic analysis covers the most common contaminants. Some of these contaminants pose health-related concerns, while others only affect aesthetics (taste and odor).
Radon
Radon can be a well water problem in Massachusetts, especially in bedrock wells. Presently, there are no federal or state standards for radon in drinking water, only suggested action levels. [Note: If Radon levels are elevated in your well water, you should also consider checking your indoor radon levels.]
Gross Alpha Screen
Radioactive minerals, such as radium and uranium, may be dissolved in well water. A Gross Alpha Screen is a simple test to judge whether further testing for specific radioactive minerals such as radium or uranium might be needed.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The most common VOCs come from gasoline compounds (such as MtBE and benzene) and industrial solvents (such as TCE). MtBE can be found in well water even in remote areas.
PFAS6
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in a variety of consumer products and industries throughout the world. MassDEP has established a public drinking water standard for six individual PFAS chemicals, referred to as "PFAS6".
Additional Tests
Circumstances relative to your well may require additional testing not described here. For instance, MassDEP does not recommend frequent testing for things like pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic organic compounds, mainly because of the high cost. However, such testing might be warranted if your water has elevated nitrite/nitrate concentrations or significant amounts of pesticide have been applied near the well. These less-routine tests may not be performed at all state certified laboratories.
When To Test
MassDEP recommends that prospective homebuyers test the water in a home with a private well before purchase. Water quality in wells is generally stable, and if a change is going to occur, it occurs slowly. Thus the interval between water quality tests, once you've purchased the home, can generally be in terms of years (see chart above) if a well is properly constructed and located in a safe area. However, the following conditions would prompt more frequent testing:
- Heavily developed areas with land uses that handle hazardous chemicals.
- Recent well construction activities or repairs. MassDEP recommends taking a bacterial test after any well repair or pump or plumbing modification, but only after disinfection and substantial flushing of the water system.
- Contaminant concentrations above state or federal standards found in earlier testing.
- Noticeable variations in quality like a water quality change after a heavy rain, extended drought, or an unexplained change in a previously trouble-free well (i.e. funny taste, cloudy appearance, etc.).
When taking any sample, MassDEP recommends that it be taken after a heavy rainstorm. These events tend to highlight conditions of improper well construction or poor soil filtration.
What the Tests Tell You
Results will reveal the level at which any of the tested substances were found in your water sample. The mere presence of these contaminants in well water does not necessarily imply that there is a problem. However, when levels exceed state or federal health standards, you should take steps to correct the situation. Several methods are available from commercial contractors to treat contaminated water.
You can use the Be Well Informed (BWI) online tool hosted by EPA to enter your water quality lab results to learn about potential health risks and recommended water treatment options.
Additional Resources
For More Information
As private wells in Massachusetts are regulated at the local level, you should first contact your local Board of Health for your town's private well testing requirements. For more information about private wells, including additional water quality testing recommendations, you should refer to the MassDEP Private Well Guidelines. Other information, such as the listing of state certified laboratories, can also be accessed through the web site.
For additional assistance, contact the MassDEP Drinking Water Program.