Groundwater Awareness Week

March 6 – 12 is Groundwater Awareness Week!

Did you that private wells, which are common throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, could contain arsenic? The levels of arsenic in private wells throughout New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine can vary greatly and are dependent on the geology of the area and the amount of arsenic in bedrock.

If you get your drinking water from a private well, you should have your water tested for arsenic. EPA regulations and required testing only apply to public water sources not private wells.

Source: http://arsenic.dali.dartmouth.edu

Practice Groundwater Awareness Week in your home by using the following tips:

1. Schedule your annual checkup! This includes testing your groundwater for contaminants especially if you get your water from a private well

1. Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a “clean” zone of at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) between your well and any kennels or livestock operations

Source: https://wellowner.org/2022/02/save-the-date-national-groundwater-awareness-week-2022/#:~:text=National%20Groundwater%20Awareness%20Week%2C%20an,treat%20their%20private%20water%20systems.