Bacterial contamination is common in private well water but typically not a cause for alarm. Often, the contamination source cannot be identified, and the most effective remedy is just to treat it. This will ensure the water is safe to drink, regardless of the contamination source.
For a home well-water system, shock chlorination is your go-to for addressing bacterial contamination. This process disinfects your entire well system, including the well and plumbing supply lines, using liquid chlorine bleach or similar products.
What is Chlorination?
Chlorination is a fundamental process in water treatment and ensures the safety and purity of your water supply. In a nutshell, the potent disinfectant properties of chlorine eliminate harmful bacteria and microbes that cause unpleasant odors, sludge, and other undesirable elements to your water supply.
It is meticulously regulated and tested to ensure the process effectively removes all harmful pathogens without compromising the water quality. Chlorination is a crucial component of modern water treatment and has significantly improved our ability to provide communities with a healthy source of drinking water.
Consulting a professional is the best way to determine if your well water contains bacteria and needs chlorination. Although some bacteria are harmless, the presence of coliform bacteria in a well suggests the possible presence of dangerous microbes like E. coli.
Benefits of Well Chlorination
Shock chlorination is a proactive and efficient method to guarantee well water safety. It is widely used due to numerous benefits:
- Elimination of Bacteria and Viruses: The well chlorination process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in well water.
- Prevention of Waterborne Diseases: Chlorination acts as a disinfectant, ensuring a safe and potable water supply for households.
- Improved Taste and Odor: Chlorination contributes to the removal of unpleasant tastes and odors, enhancing the overall water quality.
Steps for Well Chlorination
Ensuring the purity of well water is a responsibility that homeowners should take seriously — Here are some helpful tips to properly chlorinate your well and maintain a reliable water source:
1. Cleaning Up the Well
Start by assessing the condition of your well. Be sure to remove any sediment, debris, and other materials to provide a better environment for the chlorine solution to disperse evenly.
2. Calculating the Appropriate Amount
An accurate dosage is important for effective well chlorination. Calculate the correct amount of chlorine bleach based on your well’s specifications, considering factors like depth and diameter.
3. Distribution and Flushing
Once the chlorine solution is prepared, pour it into the well and recirculate the water using a garden hose. Run the water through the system, including faucets and hose bibs, until you smell chlorine to verify the water distribution system is thoroughly treated.
4. Flushing and Testing the Water
After allowing the chlorinated water to sit in the well and plumbing system for 12 to 24 hours, it’s time to test the water. Use water testing kits to check for residual chlorine and microbial content and flush the entire system again until the chlorine odor is no longer detectable.
By following these steps diligently, you can rest assured that your well water is free from contaminants. However, it’s important to note that it is best to have a professional evaluate whether shock chlorination is necessary and perform the treatment.
Maintenance & Well Water Testing After Chlorination
Well water should be tested ten to fourteen after shock chlorination to determine if bacterial combination remains an issue. If bacteria are detected, it may be necessary to conduct more tests and inspections to identify contamination sources. Continuous well water disinfection may also be required to maintain the water quality and prevent further contamination.
At Greco & Haines, water is our only business. From initial and follow-up water-quality tests to well chlorination, our team is here to help you with all your well water treatment needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services!