Considerations for Group B or Private Source Drinking Water

Many Group B small systems use groundwater to supply their drinking water needs, as do about 90 percent of this country's rural residents. Wells generally provide clean, safe water. If improperly located, constructed, or maintained, however, they can become contaminated with bacteria, fertilizer, pesticides, or oil products.

Problems can arise from:

• feedlots
• septic systems
• fertilizer applications
• pesticide spills
• oil spills
• waste storage areas

Due to natural deposits or the general soil conditions of your area you can experience trouble with:

• odor
• taste
• staining
• other aesthetic problems

You may choose to obtain a broad scan of your water quality for a number of contaminants. Some labs offer a screening for metals, inorganic chemicals, volatile organic chemicals, and herbicides/pesticides. These tests can be expensive, so you will probably not have them unless you suspect a specific problem.