Issue: Many well owners do not know how to maintain their well to ensure clean drinking water, nor are they aware of the danger of drinking contaminated water
Outcome: RCAC offers free well assessments, water quality testing and education for well owners
More than a half-million Californians rely on private wells for their drinking water. Individual well owners are responsible for their private well system’s maintenance and water quality monitoring. Many, however, do not know how to properly care for their well to ensure the safety of their drinking water source, nor are they aware of the danger of drinking contaminated water.
Since 2016, RCAC has provided education and training to well owners in the rural West, including on Tribal lands, to help them maintain their wells. RCAC participates in the program through a grant to Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), RCAC’s national affiliate.
At each assessment, an RCAC geologist inspected the well for potential vulnerabilities, contamination sources, and determined if the well was constructed properly and in accordance to state standards. The geologist also tested each well for nitrate contamination.
Well owners received instruction on water quality, contamination, water treatment options and additional resources to ensure their drinking water stays safe. The assessments include septic system maintenance and drinking water contamination issues related to the septic system. Owners also received a completed well assessment report with recommendations for possible needed repairs.
In 2017, RCAC staff conducted 32 well assessments in California. Staff also conducted well assessment workshops in West Sacramento.
