Your Annual Well Water Check-Up

Your Annual Well Water Check-Up

PA-based Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment just dropped a homeowner's guide to annual well water check-ups, breaking down what's quickly becoming the industry standard three-part inspection process. The article outlines how these yearly check-ups should include water quality testing for contaminants (bacteria, nitrates, minerals), a full system inspection of equipment like pumps and storage tanks, and detailed recommendations for any necessary treatments or repairs. The team points out that unlike city water, private wells don't get that sweet government monitoring, which makes check-ups crucial for both safety and compliance. Dierolf also mentions that they’re keeping internal service records to streamline the renewal process, saving customers from digging up old well documentation.

Water Company Plans for PFAS

California's Atascadero Mutual Water Company is tackling its PFAS problem head-on, unveiling plans for a $35-40M treatment facility that'll use granular activated carbon filtration. The water company, which serves 11,200 connections across 34 square miles, currently manages PFAS levels by blending water from its 13 affected wells with cleaner sources. While current levels are safe (the highest concentration is 38 parts per trillion), the EPA's upcoming shift from a 40 ppt limit to 4 ppt is driving the upgrade. What’s interesting is that unlike typical PFAS cases linked to airports or industrial sites, Atascadero's contamination likely comes from everyday consumer products like popcorn bags and stain treatments.

Choosing a Water Treatment Company

A new guide from Alamo Water Softeners outlines what they say are the six key factors for evaluating water treatment companies: local presence, experience level, certifications, insurance coverage, work guarantees, and customer reviews. The article emphasizes that local companies often have better understanding of regional water issues and stronger community accountability than national chains. It points to the Certified Water Technologist credential as a key qualification, along with system-specific certifications from the Water Quality Association (WQA). The guide stresses the importance of proper insurance coverage to protect against installation mishaps and recommends looking for companies offering long-term service guarantees. The team has an infographic and video to match included in the article.

Washington Dairies to Test Wells

A federal judge just handed down a ruling in Washington's dairy industry, requiring three major dairies to test local wells and provide alternative drinking water sources to residents. The order follows a June DOJ lawsuit alleging these dairies failed to control nitrate contamination in groundwater. Under the ruling, the dairies must test wells up to 3.5 miles downstream within 60 days and provide either reverse osmosis systems or bottled water to homes where nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/L. The dairies, which have had oversight issues since a 2013 EPA agreement, must also conduct immediate groundwater monitoring and test their lined lagoons for leaks.

What else is happening:

• Phoenix is using AI technology to monitor what goes into the city’s sewer system

• Five Michigan school systems will share $50 million in EGLE grants for lead water filters

• Colorado researchers have developed a new photocatalytic system that uses blue LED lights to break down PFAS into harmless compounds

• Atlantic Coast Water Clinic writes about the various germs that can contaminate tap water