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Private Well Protection Tips

Test your drinking water annually for bacteria, nitrates, and sodium. Test whenever you notice a change in taste, odor, color, or any other characteristics. Work with a state licensed lab.

Check for and repair any cracks in the well casing.

Prevent surface runoff from collecting and ponding around the well.

Keep the area around the well free of debris and brush.

Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. Do not pour motor oil, household chemicals, and pesticides down the drain, in the yard, or on the street. Contact the RI Resource Recovery Corporation Eco-Depot at (401) 942-1430 ext. 241 for more information.

When using fertilizer or pesticides on your lawn or garden, follow product label directions carefully. Base fertilizer applications on soil test recommendations and use alternative pest controls when possible. Contact the URI CE Master Gardener Hotline, 1-800-448-1011, Monday-Thursday, 9-2, and the URI CE Greenshare Program, for assistance with proper nutrient and pest management techniques.

Pick up after your pets! Remove solid pet waste from your yard and dispose in the garbage. Do not locate dog runs or kennels near a private well.

Maintain your yard in a good vegetative cover to prevent "bare spots", soil erosion, and to reduce surface runoff.

Install backflow prevention.

The EPA site on private drinking water well. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/pwells1.html

EPA Brochure: Drinking Water from Household Wells