Well Water Class Set

Although National Water Quality Month is in August, it is never too late to have your drinking water tested.

Government agencies do not monitor or regulate water quality in private wells, and water testing is not required by any federal or state regulation. Georgians with a private well are responsible for the quality and safety of their well water. Testing your well water quality is important to your health.

Properly constructed and maintained water wells can provide many years of trouble-free service. However, surface contaminants may enter the well if it is not properly constructed and maintained, and the well may eventually deteriorate or become damaged as it gets older.

In addition, some groundwater naturally contains one or more chemical substances at levels above the EPA’s health-based standards, called the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The taste, odor and appearance of your drinking water can give you an indication of its quality, but it does not indicate if the water is really safe or unsafe to drink.

Contaminated water can taste and smell fine, whereas unpleasant-tasting or -smelling water can be safe to drink or use. Many of the most serious problems can only be detected through laboratory testing of the water.

To learn more about the overview of aquifers, well maintenance, protection, and testing; I encourage you to come to our Jasper County Well Water Quality Program on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Monticello Methodist Church: 651 College Street, Monticello, GA 31064.

The cost to attend is $5, and we ask that you RSVP by 5 p.m. September 24, by calling the Jasper County Extension Office at 706-468-6479.