Well water can be contaminated but still look, smell and taste fine. One in 10 Maine wells contains highs levels of arsenic.
Test private well water:
— Every year for bacteria, nitrates and nitrites.
— Every three to five years for arsenic, radon, uranium, lead and fluoride.
Also test if:
— You’re expecting a baby.
— Your water changes in color, taste or smell.
— Test for bacteria if you introduce new parts, such as a new pump, pipes or water softener, or a well runs dry and comes back.
— You put in a water treatment system to address a problem. Test the treated water each year for that problem.
If elevated levels of arsenic are detected, use bottled water for drinking and cooking, or install a water filtration system.
For information, visit wellwater.maine.gov or call 866-292-3474.
For a list of labs certified to test private well water in Maine, visit www.informe.org/hetl.
Source: Maine CDC