The importance of well water inspections in Delaware

Well Water Inspection

Well Water Inspection In Delaware

Private well water must meet the same drinking water standards as public water supplies in Delaware. Still, it is the owner of the well's responsibility to ensure their water's safety. Therefore, regular water inspections are crucial to protecting the health and well-being of you and your family. Contaminated water can cause a variety of serious health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. By having your water inspected and tested at least once a year, you can detect any potential issues early on and take steps to address them.

Delaware Licensed, Certified RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Building INSPECTORS #H4-0010181

The Different Types Of Water Inspections Available In Delaware

There are a few different options for well inspections in Delaware. One option is to do the testing yourself using a free well water testing kit provided by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). These kits contain instructions for collecting a water sample, which you can then return to a DPH office for testing. Alternatively, you can hire a certified water testing laboratory to test your well water for a fee. These laboratories are approved by the DPH and can provide detailed analyses of your water quality. A third option is to hire a licensed contractor who can not only test your water but also perform a water inspection of your system to identify any potential issues.

How To Obtain A Well Water Testing Kit From The Delaware Division of Public Health

If you choose to test your well water yourself, you can request a free water testing kit from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). To obtain a kit, visit the DPH website or call the DPH's Private Well Program at (302) 744-4546. You can pick up a kit at one of the DPH offices or have it mailed to you. Once you have the kit, follow the instructions to collect a water sample and then return the sample to a DPH office for testing. Results are usually available within a few weeks.

Steps To Take If Your Water Inspection Fails

If your water fails the inspection, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will notify you and provide guidance on how to address the issue. Depending on the nature of the contamination, you may need to treat the water before it is safe to drink. This could involve installing a water filtration or treatment system, such as reverse osmosis or ultraviolet light disinfection. If the contamination is severe or the water inspection reveals damage, you may need to drill a new well. In some cases, the DPH may recommend that you connect to a public water supply. It is important to take action as soon as possible if your water fails an inspection to protect the health and well-being of you and your family.

Licenses & Certifications

The Potential Health Risks of Contaminated Water 

Contaminated water can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Depending on the specific contaminants present in the water, it can cause a variety of health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Some contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses, can cause acute illness, while others, such as lead and arsenic, can have long-term health effects. Therefore, it is important to regularly test your well water to ensure it is safe to drink and use.

The DPH Recommends Inspecting Your Water Once A Year

The frequency of water inspections recommended by the Delaware Division of Public Health: The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) recommends that well owners in Delaware have their water tested at least once a year. This is especially important if you have a new well or if you have yet to have your water tested in the past.

Delaware State Licensed Contractor #2016600660

When selecting a contractor, it is important to choose one who is licensed in Delaware and has experience working with water inspections. Delmarva Building Inspections is a Delaware State Licensed Contractor #2016600660 with the water inspection experience you need. 

We have state-of-the-art equipment along with the knowledge and skills to inspect and test your well properly. 

In Delaware, private wells must meet the same drinking water standards as public water supplies. These standards get set by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and are based on the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

 

What You Can Expect From Water Inspections In Delaware

A water inspection will typically test for a range of contaminants that could affect your water supply's safety and quality. These contaminants can be chemical, physical, or biological in nature and can come from various sources, such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or naturally occurring minerals.

Some of the contaminants that a well water inspection may test for include:

  • Bacteria: Bacterial contamination can cause acute illness, such as stomach flu or dysentery.
  • Nitrates: Nitrates can come from agricultural fertilizers and can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
  • Le¸AQad: Lead can leach into water from pipes or other plumbing materials and can cause developmental delays and other health problems.
  • Arsenic: Arsenic can occur naturally in some areas and can cause cancer and other serious health issues.
  • Pesticides: Pesticides can contaminate well water through agricultural runoff or improper disposal.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs can come from industrial discharges or fuel storage and can cause a variety of health problems.

Other contaminants that may be tested include pH, total dissolved solids, and hardness. The specific contaminants tested for will depend on the intended use of the water.

Your Well Must Meet The Well Water Standards In Delaware

If your well water does not meet the drinking water standards, you will need to take steps to address the issue. This could involve treating the water with a filtration or treatment system, drilling a new well, or connecting to a public water supply. It is important to act promptly to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply.

To ensure that your well water meets the drinking water standards in Delaware, it recommends having your water tested at least once a year. The DPH provides free well water testing kits to Delaware residents, or you can hire a certified water testing laboratory to perform the test for a fee. You can also hire a licensed well contractor to test your water and fully inspect your system.

Schedule A Water Inspection Today

In conclusion, water inspections are an important part of maintaining the safety and quality of your water supply in Delaware. By regularly testing your water and addressing any issues that arise, you can protect the health and well-being of you and your family. Delmarva Building Inspections is a licensed contractor in Delaware that can provide comprehensive well water inspections and testing services. With their expertise and experience, you can have confidence that your water meets the necessary standards and is safe to drink and use. So make sure to schedule a water inspection before it's too late - contact Delmarva Building Inspections today to schedule a well water inspection.

Call Today!
We'll Exceed Your Expectations!

Licensed, Certified Residential & COMMERCIAL Building INSPECTORS