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Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Well Water Testing??
Date:	9/21/2011 1:01:56 PM

Does anyone know the process on getting well water tested? It has been a while with mine.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Well Water Testing??
Date:	9/21/2011 1:31:25 PM

I would recommend contacting your County Health Department as the best source of information.

Name:	stripernut -	Reply
Subject:	Well Water Testing??
Date:	9/21/2011 7:04:41 PM

The Auburn University Soil Testing Lab does water analysis. Let your tap run for 5 minutes and collect a sample in a clean pint plastic bottle. Keep it cool while transporting it to the lab. For more information see: http://www.aces.edu/anr/soillab/services.php. Send me a message if you need further help.

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Thank You Nut, and War Eagle!
Date:	9/21/2011 7:50:59 PM

I have been surfing the State and Coosa/Shelby County sites trying to find out where/how/etc to have well water tested for cooties. The closest I could come was the Extension Service site that told me to dump bleach down the well to kill those cooties. That is really, really helpful. I'll do it, but I still don't know, right?
Left e-mail messages for both counties, and got phone numbers for both. We'll see how it works?
Interesting info I got from one of the County sites????? 40% of Alabama get their water from private wells.
And there is not a specific tab for water quality testing anywhere to be found??

Name:	stripernut -	Reply
Subject:	Thank You Nut, and War Eagle!
Date:	9/21/2011 8:15:33 PM

Mack, Sounds like you want to test for E.Coli. I'm not sure AU soil testing does that, but I can get it done in my lab. It would probably be good for you to get the water tested for chemicals like nitrate as well, which soil testing can do. Shoot me an email and we'll see what we can get going. War Eagle backatcha! Wes

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Test for Cooties?
Date:	9/22/2011 8:28:16 AM

I think you would worry more about chemical impurities than organisms like ecoli. Ecoli is for the most part harmless and present lots of places....even from cows - but that won't make you sick. The bad ecoli is a result of feeding grain to cattle too long to get the weight up. That changes the PH in their digestive system that allows the bad stuff to flourish. It's an agricultural practice problem. Kinda like Mad Cow disease. So I wouldn't worry so much about organisms than I would impurities...

Name:	stripernut -	Reply
Subject:	Test for Cooties?
Date:	9/22/2011 8:52:23 AM

You're right that E. Coli per se is not necessarily harmful, but it is an indicator of fecal contamination. If a septic tank is too close to a shallow bored well, and the water table rises a hydrologic connection can be made, i.e., potential human pathogens can end up in the well. I helped a guy out that had this situation a few years ago. And, you're right that checking for chemical impurities is a good idea.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Well Water Testing??
Date:	9/22/2011 11:31:56 AM

Mack. What exactly are you concerned about? There are any number of labs that can provide water well testing results. If you are concerned about chemical contamination USEPA has created a list of what they call Priority Pollutants which includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides/herbicides, PCBs and inorganic analytes (metals). Analysis for the full suite will probably cost around $1,000. Fecal coliform and organoleptics (taste and odor) are usually pretty cheap. Please note that if you are concerned about VOCs in order to get a reliable sample you can't pull it out of the tap because the pump and holding tank will eliminate the VOCs. You also need to follow proper preservative and cooling procedures to get the right results. The lab can help you collect the sample properly. If you are worried about lead in your water from the pipes (only an issue if you have a much older home) then there are specific protocols for collection of that sample. If you need more information let me know and I can send you an email.

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Well Water Testing??
Date:	9/22/2011 4:58:15 PM

I recently had my well tank/pressure switch replaced. The "technician" suggested pouring bleach down the well just in case there was bacteria present. Therefore, my interest in getting more assurance that there were no cooties that survive the bleach.
I have heard in my 20 years using this well that one could run by the Health Department and pick up a testing kit, and return it there for results. Guess not.
My well is down 200 feet and far from the septic lines. Sweet and COLD. A pitcher of tea with well water takes over a week to cloud up. Same tea made with B'Ham water clouds in 2 days. Go figure.

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Not my Intent to Start a Fuss, But>>
Date:	9/23/2011 7:31:06 PM

The county site that gave the 40% private well water number bothers me a lot. If 40% of Alabama residents are drinking water from their wells, how many are polluted, and they don't know it? Ahhh, Crap!!
Anyway, I got a response from Coosa County Extension Service to call a number in Rockford for the answer.
Lets see if our Guvment cares as much about what we drink as much as it cares about where we squat?

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Not my Intent to Start a Fuss, But>>
Date:	9/23/2011 9:15:42 PM

I would like to hear what you find out. Coosa County gave us a very difficult time approving our new septic system four years ago. We ended up obtaining a ruling from the State before Coosa County would grant approval. They were interpreting one aspect of the State regulation opposite of its intent. Coosa County did require us to close our well, and I suspect they were correct in doing so. As a result, we rent Terry Henley's water.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Not my Intent to Start a Fuss, But>>
Date:	9/24/2011 11:04:12 PM

As do we. Thirty bucks a month plus usage, and then there was the $3K up front, which I'd imagine we'll never see again.

But it is nice to not have to worry about power outages or cooties in the well. We are part timers and it is just one thing we don't have to worry about when we come to enjoy paradise.

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