Instructions for Disinfecting Your Well
If you receive a positive Coliform Bacteria test, the next step is to sanitize
the well with bleach. This will often solve the problem. After completing the
disinfection procedure, be sure to repeat the coliform test again. If a repeat
test results in another positive (failure), the water source (and not the well
itself) may be the problem.
1. Mix 1/2 gallon
of bleach into 10 gallons of water. Pour the solution into the well. Turn on
each tap in the house until a chlorine odor is present at all taps. Recirculate
the water back into the well, if possible, by attaching a hose from an outside
tap and emptying it into the well.
2. Mix another 1/2
gallon of bleach into another 10 gallons of water and pour into the well.
3. Allow the well
to stand undisturbed (don't use the water) for at least 8 hours, and preferable
24 hours.
4. Empty the well
(via a hose from an outside tap) away from grass and shrubbery, until the
chlorine odor is no longer present.
5. Use the water
in the house for a few days to allow the well to recharge several times.
6. Collect another
sample for coliform and submit to the laboratory.
The above procedure is a modification of the information contained in a document titled "Rural Water Supply" (10NYCRR Appendix 5-8) from the New York State Department of Health.
For more information, please contact your local health
department