Private wells offer many advantages, and they are often the only option available to rural homeowners. If you are new to owning a home with a well, then you may be confused about some aspects of its maintenance. While most residential wells are relatively trouble-free, there are a few items worth your attention. Water quality is chief among them.

One of the most substantial advantages offered by wells is the natural filtering ability of the surrounding land. The soil naturally purifies water as it makes its way deeper into the Earth, leaving you with clean and safe drinking water. At least, that's the theory. In practice, here are three things that you need to know about your well's water quality.

1. Groundwater Is Not the Only Source of Contamination

Soil may be a natural and highly-effective filter, but groundwater is not the only potential source of contamination. Your water may also be contaminated by sources closer to the well itself, which may be able to leach into the water through damaged or a poorly fitting cap. Old, degraded plumbing running from the well to your house is another potential source of contamination.

Remember that local conditions can change and you may not always be aware of environmental problems in your area. Regular testing can help to catch issues that would otherwise go unnoticed before they present a health hazard to you and your family.

2. Well Water Quality Is Often a Community Concern

Pulling your home's water from a well may seem like a solitary pursuit, but multiple homes in an area often share the same underlying water source. Have your neighbors had water quality issues in the past? Are there any known sources of contamination in the area? These questions can help you to understand your own well better.

You should also bear in mind that your actions can affect the well water of those around you, and the reverse is true, as well. This community-mindedness can be especially important in rural areas where animal waste or agricultural runoff is a concern. You should always be aware of the proximity of these potential sources of contamination to your well.

3. Testing Is an Annual Affair

Because conditions around your well can change so quickly, you should always test your well water at least once per year. Typical water quality tests check for the presence of common bacteria as well as nitrates that may indicate an external contamination source. Annual testing allows you to catch these problems promptly so you can identify the underlying cause of your water quality issue.

For more information about water wells, contact a company like Uni Tech Drilling Company Inc.