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Well-water testing urged in Geauga County
(by Joan Demirjian - March 24, 2010)
Well-water testing urged in Geauga County
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging Geauga County residents to schedule water-well checkups.
To mark Ground Water Awareness Week in March, the district noted that an annual checkup is the best way to ensure there are no problems and that the well is producing quality water, according to soil and water district representative Gail Doyle.
The incident in Bainbridge where well water was contaminated by methane gas from an oil and gas well on English Drive has brought to the forefront the need to protect the major source of drinking water in Geauga County, according to the district.
The soil and water district is host of this year's Area II Envirothon. The theme is "Protection of Ground Water through Urban Agricultural and Environmental Planning."
Preventative maintenance is usually less costly than emergency maintenance, and good water-well maintenance can prolong the life of the well and equipment, Ms. Doyle said.
Water tests are recommended whenever there is a change in taste, odor or appearance or when the system is served.
Most of Geauga County relies on ground water through water wells as the primary source of drinking water, according to a study by Martha Jagucki and Robert A. Darner, of the U.S. Geological Survey in Columbus. The status of ground water in the county was reviewed in 1999.
They said, of the 31 wells tested, eight indicated that they are in some way affected by human activity.
Water from 16 of the 31 samples exceeded the Geauga County General Health District's standard for total coliform bacteria.
The soil and water district recommends an annual water-well checkup by a qualified water-well contractor that could include a flow test to determine system output along with a check of the water level before and during pumping and pump motor performance.
Recommended is testing of the water for coliform bacteria and nitrates and anything else of local concern, according to the soil and water district.
Tests are advised for iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance and odor.
Michael Tucek, of the Geauga County Health District, said, on private wells with no potential sources nearby of pollution, the assumption is made they are usually unpolluted.
The health district offers well testing for $50, in which its personnel go out and take the sample. It is for coliform bacteria and not a test for chemicals, Mr. Tucek said.
The Geauga County Department of Water Resources also will do the same testing for $15. The well owner obtains a water-sample bottle and takes the it to the department.
The state is changing its standards and allowing up to four organisms. A few coliform bacteria are normal, Mr. Tucek said.
There are lots of minerals in the well water, he said. "All our wells have varying amounts of minerals, sulfides and even arsenic."
When plumbing is being changed, it would be a good time to chlorinate the well, Mr. Tucek said. Cutting into the plumbing can introduce bacteria. After chlorination, the well water could be sampled.
Doug Bowen, director of the Geauga County Department of Water Resources, said the department tests for bacteria and other substances.
Testing for restaurants, camps and churches in the county that must obtain permits are conducted by the department of water resources. Testing for bacteria make up 95 percent of the tests conducted for residents, Mr. Bowen said.
On some occasions, the testing is done before and after gas wells are drilled in neighborhood.
The bacteria tests cost $15 and a resident can pick up a water-sample bottle and return it with the sample to the department for testing.
Tests other than for coliform bacteria include ammonia, nitrates, oil and grease and heavy metals. The costs range from $5 to $120 for groups of metals.
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District recommends that water-well owners keep hazardous chemicals such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides and motor oil far away from the well and to maintain a zone of at least 50 feet between the well and kennels and livestock operations.
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