Comprehensive Consumer Information Guide About Water Wells

If you're a well owner or a prospective well owner of a private water well, here's your quick guide to everything you need to know about the laws regulating well services in Iowa. Download the complete consumer information booklet right away!

Well Cleaning And Frequently Asked Questions

Have bacteria in your well water? No need to worry. There's no denying that bacteria have a bad reputation and that they're responsible for various diseases, but it's also true that not all bacteria are harmful.

Check out some frequently asked questions about the bacteria residing in your water well. We're sure you'll find what you're looking for.

Q. If my well tests positive for bacteria, is that cause for alarm?

A. No.

Q. Is it cause for concern?

A. Yes. There are some bacteria that can cause health problems. However, most bacteria that might be found in a well are harmless.

Q. What bacteria should I worry about?

A. If the E. Coli bacteria type is identified, there could be other more serious disease- causing problems in your water.

Q. Could there be bacteria in any well?

A. Yes, but drilled wells that are constructed properly are much less likely to be affected than shallow larger diameter wells.

Q. Does a positive bacteria test mean the water is contaminated?

A. The word contamination should not really be used for harmless bacteria that occur naturally in soils and rock formations. However, get your well fixed! The ideal situation is to have a bacteria-free water well.

Q. Can a well with bacteria be fixed?

A. Usually a well can be disinfected to remove all bacteria provided the cause is related to an isolated event, for example, a flood that brought dirty surface water at the top of the well. If the problem persists, and the bacteria type indicates the chance of harmful contamination, then you should seek advice from a licensed well contractor or the health department.

Q. What To Do When Your Water Well Gets Flooded?

A. The state of Iowa might or might not face floods this year. But if it does, we want to make sure that private well owners have the right information to resolve their water system issues. If you're a private well owner, here's your quick information guide.

What You Need to Know About Arsenic

The use of arsenic as a poison is widely documented. As a result, many people are alarmed to hear that the drinking water they consume, either from a public or private water system, may contain a small amount of arsenic. What do you do if your water contains arsenic? And, how can it be removed? Click here to find the answer to all these questions and more.

Stay aware by learning more about the contaminants of concern.