for the same contaminants because some are naturally occurring and concentra- tions do not change over time. All annual tests should
include levels for total coli- form bacteria, nitrates and TDS. Bacteria and nitrates
Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns
your groundwater may inform your decisions on what contaminants to test for, and on what schedule. Talk to your neighbors; if other
well owners are having problems with particular contaminants or quality issues, you may want to keep an eye on your wells for the same problems. The TWON recommends follow-
ing a schedule for testing well water. If you don’t have a historic record of contaminants from a well’s ini- tial testing, have it tested as soon as possible to create a benchmark for all future tests. For baseline water quality test-
ing, analyze for arsenic, chloride, fl uoride, hardness, iron, manganese, nitrate, pH, radionuclides, sodium, sulfate, total coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids (TDS), and ura- nium. In aquifers with elevated TDS, consider adding boron and selenium. Testing should be done annually
after setting your benchmark. The annual test may not require analysis
78 The Cattleman May 2015
are among the most com- mon contaminants result- ing from human activity. Their source is usually leaking sewer lines, sep- tic systems or improperly protected wellheads. Bac- teria, viruses and other pathogens can fi nd their way through the soil and into the groundwater, so the leak doesn’t have to be
near your property to contaminate your well. Other man-made contaminants
can include solvents, industrial chemicals and pollutants, that leach into the soil from roadways, indus- trial areas and other unidentifi ed sources that could be miles away. TWON also recommends water
testing in areas with oil and gas exploration or development. While aquifers may already contain con- taminants occurring naturally in normal geologic processes, or that seep up from reservoirs deep under- ground, establishing a benchmark for these concentrations will help determine changes that may develop. Observe your water monthly for
any changes in cloudiness, color, odor and taste. Also, if people or animals that drink the water ex- perience any changes in health, including stomach-related illnesses that don’t resolve, have your water tested. Trust your gut — nobody knows your water better than you and your family.
To fi nd a laboratory for water
testing, contact your county’s health department or visit the Texas Com- mission on Environmental Quality’s website at
tceq.texas.gov for a list of accredited laboratories. Further questions about drink-
ing water quality may be directed to the EPA’s Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
Well maintenance Make sure your septic system,
wellhead, and any fi ltration sys- tems are properly maintained and problem-free in order to prevent contamination. Inspect your well- head and system monthly so prob- lems can be addressed before they become emergencies. Have a registered well driller or
pump installer inspect your system if you suspect a failure. Older wells made with iron or steel can cor- rode and break. If you notice fl ood- ing around the wellhead, a drop in well yield, the pump’s cycle time or sound changes, it needs a closer look to determine the nature of the problem. A change in groundwater level due to drought or seasonal change could result in overworking your pump and causing damage.
Be “Well Informed” The Texas Well Owner Network
offers “Well Informed” education sessions and “Well Educated” 1-day training workshops that allow par- ticipants to bring water well sam- ples for testing. Visit TWON online at twon.tamu.
edu for the latest schedule of class- es, screenings and a wealth of fact sheets and resources. The Texas Water Resources Institute at twri.
tamu.edu also provides information, resources and programs focused on water and natural resources science and management issues.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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