Well Maintenance

Most wells have a long service life of over 20 years. Follow these tips to ensure a safe supply of drinking water:

• Know the location of your well. 
  • If you aren't sure where your well is located, check our OnBase system, which has previous site plans and well, septic, building inspection, and soil erosion permits. For best results, only enter the street # and search: www.washtenaw.org/permitrecords
• Keep household chemicals, paint and motor oil away from your well. Dispose of these items properly by taking them to a recycling center or household hazardous waste collection site.
• Limit your use of pesticides and fertilizers, especially near the wellhead.
• Keep your well cap clear of leaves, mulch, dirt, snow and other materials. 
• Don't bury the wellhead. The top of the wellhead should be at least 12 inches above the ground. Make sure the ground slopes away from the wellhead.
• Do not plant shrubs and trees near the well.
• Use caution when mowing or plowing around your well so you don't damage the well casing.
• Be sure you can easily get to your wellhead for maintenance and/or for pump replacement. Never build a deck or porch over a wellhead. Buildings should be at least 3 feet from the wellhead.
• Keep dog kennels or animal holding areas at least 50 feet from your well.
• If your home has a septic system it’s important to maintain it. Poor maintenance can lead to contaminants getting into your drinking water.
• Practice water conservation in your home and install low-water-use appliances.
• Keep your well records (such as the well construction report, water test results, and maintenance records) in a safe place.
• Test your water yearly for bacteria, and routinely for other contaminants.
• See additional well maintenance recommendations from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy.