“National Groundwater Awareness Week” occurs every year during March. Since each home in Skyline West relies on an individual, private well for water, the SWNA Safety Committee uses the week to provide information to residents on well operation and maintenance, wellhead protection and water testing. The information provided below will allow you to start learning now about your well and general well water safety.
Groundwater vs Surface Water
No matter the source, water always has safety issues. Surface water piped by the City from the Rock Creek watershed and the Willamette River is filtered and chlorinated to ensure its safety before distribution to Corvallis households. Late in the summer, when most of that water comes from the Willamette River, people on City water may detect off-flavor.
Groundwater is generally considered higher quality than surface water, because it is typically not as exposed to the environment and human activity, and it is naturally filtered through soil and rock layers that remove sediment and bacteria. However, groundwater can be polluted by improper use of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals.
Groundwater Facts (National Groundwater Association):
- Groundwater is the water that fills cracks and other openings in beds of rocks, soil and sand able to retain water, much like a sponge holds water.
- Each drop of rain that soaks into the soils moves downward to the water table, which is the water level in the groundwater reservoir, sometimes referred to as the aquifer.
- Groundwater is tapped through wells placed in water-bearing soils and rocks beneath the surface of the earth.
- Private household wells constitute the largest share of all water wells in the United States — more than 13.1 million year-round occupied households have their own well.
Adequate time is needed to allow replenishment of underlying groundwater reservoirs (aquifers).
Well-Water Safety
Follow this link for information from the OSU Well Water Program:
https://wellwater.oregonstate.edu/
Although well water is generally cleaner than surface water, it can still be contaminated by bacteria in upper layers of soil, nitrate from farms and gardens, and arsenic in certain rock formations.
Bacteria found in well water can indicate surface water entering the well through a compromise in the well system. This could occur from a crack in the well casing, a poorly sealed well cap, or a break in the pipe carrying water from the well to the home. Note: A well located in a depression that collects surface water can be especially vulnerable to such contamination.
Coliform bacteria are often used as an indicator in testing water for bacteria. They don’t usually cause illness, but their presence can indicate that disease-causing organisms can get into a well. E-coli can also be measured, since it is also an indicator of contamination. You may refer to this document for more information: When Coliform Bacteria Are Present
Nitrate leaches very easily through the soil to groundwater from sources such as nearby farms, gardens, animals and manures. Nitrate can also indicate that other surface contaminants have the potential to contaminate the well water. Nitrate present in well water can also indicate a compromise in the well system, as mentioned above for contamination by bacteria.
Arsenic presence is a problem for well water in some areas of the Willamette Valley. It is generally not thought to be a problem for groundwater in our area. But some experts warn that it can be carried by water movement from other areas.
Well-Water Testing
The OSU Well-Water Program suggests the following:
Test for coliform bacteria:
• At least once a year
• Whenever you notice a change in taste or color of the water
• After work on the well
• If you notice the well cap is not secure
• If you notice surface water standing around the base of the well head
Test for nitrate:
• If you expect to have a pregnant woman or newborn baby drink the water
• Once a year:
– if you live near fertilized fields, pastures, gardens or pens with animals;
– If you have had a nitrate level in the past – then test once a year & record
Edge Analytical (in Corvallis) has in the past offered a discount to Skyline West residents for tests of their well-water for Coliform/E-coli Bacteria, Nitrate and/or Arsenic. Check in advance to find out the current cost. You will need to pick up kits containing sample bottles and directions for collecting water samples and return the sample(s) to the Edge Analytical Lab (they are on the former HP campus on Circle Blvd).
Instructions on sampling water, including a video, can be found at this link:
https://edgeanalytical.com/environmental-testing-company-instructions/
OSU Benton County Extension provides free Nitrate Screening at its office located at 4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis, M-F, 8-5. Take 1/2 cup of well water in a clean container labeled with your contact information.