How To Disinfect a Water Well

How To Disinfect a Water Well. Dee Nofziger Danberry Realtor in Wood County Ohio.

I'm involved in a transaction that required a health department inspction of the well and septic system. Unfortunately the well test came backpositive for bacteria. Not a biggie, as many factors influence test results, but as a public service I thought Id share with you how to disinfect (chlorinate) a well for a re-test. This information comes from the Wood County Health Department.

How To Disinfect a Water Well.

1. Remove the well cap or the vent pipe or plug if the well isd equipped with a sanitary well seal.
2. Pour one gallon of household bleach (5.25% chlorine) directly into the well.
3. Connect a hose to a house spigot and run water directly into the well until chlorine odor is present in the water. Run the water this way for 15 minutes.
4. Sut off water supply to hose and proceed to systematically open each water fixture in the house. Let water run through each fixture until chlorine odor is present. Include both cold and hot water valves.
5. Close all valves and pour another one gallon of bleach directly into the well. Recap the well or replace the vent pipe or plug. Leave all valves closed for a period of 12 hours or longer (toilets may be flushed if needed.)
6. Open the hose spigot and discharge water to ground surface or drainage ditch until chlorine odor disappears. Open every household fixture and let water run until the chlorine odor is gone.
7. The well should now be properly disinfected. Request your local Health Department to collect a sample of your water before using it. The phone number will usually be found listed under the city or county government offices in the white pages of your telephone directory.