Water straight from the earth is one of the purest and most refreshing drinks you can enjoy. However, if your well water gets polluted at any point in the process as it travels from the well to your home. A well drilling professional can ensure that your well is set up in a way that prevents pollution, but there are a few steps you can take on your own to avoid contamination. 

4 Ways to Safeguard Your Well From Pollution 

1. Check for Sources of Contamination 

Your well should be situated in an area that isn't susceptible to pollutants. Common contamination sources include manure piles, septic tanks, feed lots, outhouses, drain fields, and other waste collection areas. Once your well is installed, make sure that contaminants are at least 100 feet away from the well, and try to keep waste areas as contained as possible. 

2. Consider Your Well Depth 

Well-drilling techniques have evolved dramatically in recent years. Hand-dug or bored wells may not be as deep as the modern equivalents, which are installed using a drill that cuts deep into the earth. Shallow wells are more likely to attract contaminants from the surface. Further, hand-dug or bored wells often include a porous casing that is susceptible to penetration from rodents and bacteria. Drilled walls, on the other hand, have a thick plastic or metal casing, and well-drilling professionals usually drill deeper than 50 feet to avoid contamination concerns at the surface. 

3. Dispose of Medicines and Chemicals Safely 

In some cases, contamination can come from your own home. Avoid putting medications, household chemicals, or other harsh products into your home's plumbing system. Improperly disposing of hazardous items can lead to groundwater pollution. In addition to polluting your personal water source, chemicals and medications can enter lakes, streams, and other natural water sources, which can cause problems for others as well. 

4. Pick Up After Pets

Pet feces contains bacteria that can cause illnesses. If you have pets or animals live or graze on your property, be sure to pick up their waste and store it in a far-off manure pile that can't reach your water source. 

If you are interested in having a well installed at your home, contact the well drilling professionals at Holler Drilling & Plumbing. This La Crosse, WI, well contractor has drilled, maintained, and inspected wells for residents of La Crosse County since 1952. Learn more about their services online or give them a call at (608) 781-2342.