Any home supplied by water from a well or spring will always be at risk for microbial contamination. In fact, the Vermont State Health Department recommends testing private wells for coliform and e. coli bacteria at least once a year. The presence of either of these bacteria can lead to serious health concerns, especially for young children and immunocompromised people.

What causes bacteria contamination?

There are many possible causes to a contaminated well:
– Damage to the well cap or casing
– Nearby septic system contamination
– Rising and falling water levels from rainfall, flooding, and snow thawing
– Nearby runoff from manure or animal waste

What are the treatment options?

There are two main treatment options: chemical treatment using chlorine and chemical-free treatment using an ultraviolet disinfection system. Shock chlorination can be a temporary, unreliable, “quick fix,” and can leave chemicals lingering in your home’s water supply. Once a well is shocked you will need to retest for bacteria, but even if you get a clear result then you might need to repeat the process in the future.

How does UV treatment work?

To ensure that you, your family, or your business never have to worry about the harmful effects of drinking contaminated water we recommend UV treatment systems. As the water enters your home it passes through ultraviolet light to disinfect it, eliminating the DNA that causes the bacteria. We will design a system, including any necessary pretreatment, based on your water chemistry and the needs of your family or business.

Once the system is installed, we will continue to work to ensure that your water is safe by reminding you when it’s time for yearly maintenance services.