Well Water Frequently Asked Questions

Groundwater is a component of the hydrologic cycle. In simple terms, water or one of its forms-water vapor and ice-can be found at the earth's surface, in the atmosphere, or beneath the earth's surface. The hydrologic cycle has no beginning or ending location; however, it is often thought of as beginning in the oceans.

• Groundwater Basics
  Source: California Department of Water Resources.

Simply stated, a well is a hole drilled into the earth to obtain water. A slotted plastic or metal well casing is placed in the hole and a pump is installed to pump the water out.

Because improperly constructed wells, including hand-dug wells and some older wells, may allow contaminants to enter the well, laws are in place to govern the construction, modification, destruction or abandonment of wells in Sonoma County.

Permits for new wells, modifications to existing wells, or destruction of existing wells must be obtained from the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department. A C-57 licensed contractor must perform work on wells in California. Be sure to check with any potential contractor to make sure they have this license.

• Well and Septic Systems
  Source: Sonoma County Permit and Resources Management Department
• California Laws for Wwells
  Source: California Department of Water Resources.

Groundwater will normally look clear and clean because the ground naturally filters out particulate matter. But, natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in groundwater.

• Signs of Well Water Contamination
• Contaminants Found in Groundwater
  Source: U.S. Geological Survey.
• Getting Up to Speed: Groundwater Contamination
  Source: Environmental Protection Agency.

Maintaining your well is essential to ensuring it is not contaminated. Routine maintenance and inspection of water wells can help protect water quality, ensure your well is operating properly, and prolong the useful life of the well system.

• Well Owner Maintenance Practices
  Source: National Groundwater Association.
• Well Owner Website
  Source: National Groundwater Association.

Many substances that contaminate water can be noticed without chemical testing. Below are some of the most easily observed water conditions.

• Signs of Well Water Contamination

Although your water may taste and smell fine, the only way to know your water is safe is by testing it. Harmful bacteria or chemical that you cannot see, smell or taste could be present. A laboratory certified for bacteriological and/or chemical analysis can perform tests on your well water to determine its water quality.

• Water Testing

If water from a well is found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria, it may be possible to eliminate the contamination by disinfecting the well.

• Well Disinfection for Bacterial Contamination

• Well Water Treatment for Non-bacterial Contamination