Protecting Your Well Water: Why You Should Consider Wastewater Treatment

Access to clean, safe water is something we all generally take for granted until it breaks, or malfunctions. If you are a private well user, protecting your water supply is not just a good idea: it is essential for the health of your family. One important consideration that often gets overlooked is how you treat your home wastewater, particularly if you have a septic system, and how that wastewater affects your drinking water.

Knowing Where Your Septic System Meets Your Well Water

Septic systems are the ‘back of house’ plumbing for many rural homes. They treat everything from dishwater to toilet flushes that are produced on your property – all in your backyard! If septic systems did not exist, we would be without waste treatment. There is one concern though, when it comes to septic systems. If your septic system fails, and it sends raw sewage along with harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and nitrates into the soil, the potential for contaminants to migrate to your well water increases. The last thing you want showing up in your bathroom sink is effluent from your septic tank.

What To Look For

With busy lives and home maintenance constantly demanding your attention, monitoring your septic system may prove difficult. However, here are a few signs to look  for, in order to prevent small issues from  becoming  bigger problems: 

• Slow Drains: Is your sink or shower draining slower than usual? A clog is not always the cause.
• Backups: If you are experiencing consistent backup with your toilet or drains, you may have a larger issue on hand.
• Unpleasant Odors: Do you get the smell of rotten eggs around your yard or drains? Don’t doubt your nose!
• Grass Growth: Has the grass in the area above your septic system suddenly grown lush and spongy? This is not a good gardening outcome.
• Puddles or Wet Spots: Do you have puddles and/or wet soil above your tank or drain-field? That is not a typical occurrence.

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not dismiss them and have your septic system looked at as soon as possible.

Taking Action to Protect Your Drinking Water

The good news is that you are not helpless. There are little things you can do everyday to help protect the quality of your well water. Start with these easy habits:

• Regular Check-Ups: Have a professional come out every year to inspect and report to you the condition of your septic system.
• Empty the Tank: Schedule to have the tank pumped every 3 – 5 years (family size and water usage will be a good guideline for how frequently to schedule a session, ask a professional if your not sure).
• Be Careful of What Goes Down the Drain: Do not put grease, harmful chemicals or non-degradable products down your pipes.
• Be Cautious About How Much Water You Are Using: Try not to run the laundry, shower and dishwasher at the same time to avoid overloading your system.
• Mind the Gap: When you install a septic system, ensure there is sufficient distance and separation to prevent cross contamination between the two systems.

Testing: The Safety Net You Cannot Skip

Even if you think your septic system is operating great, water quality isn’t something you want to leave to chance. Test your well water at least once, annually, for any bacterial contaminants, nitrates, and other unwanted surprises. After the annual testing, if your water quality has an issue, here are some options for fixing it:

• Disinfect Your Well: Sometimes everything just needs to be wiped clean and renewed.
• Install a Filtration System: Certified filters are available to target specific contaminants.
• Hire a Professional: If you get in over your head, hire a water treatment professional to help you determine your issue and fix it.

How Can We Help You?

At Tri-County Water Services, we understand clean water is not a luxury, but a requirement. For more than 25 years, we’ve helped households in Chester, Delaware, and Lancaster Counties protect their water supply. If you are concerned about potential septic issues, wastewater, or just want the peace of mind of knowing the water is clean, we are here to help. Please call us at 610-365-4872, or contact us online, and let’s get your water tested and protected because every family deserves the comfort of clean water.