Madison County Health Dept. finds 3 of 10 residential water supplies studied at risk

The Madison County Health Department has determined that a number of residential water systems may be at risk of contamination.

Following nearly a year’s worth of research and study in which the department analyzed the private wells and on-site water systems at nearly 100 Madison County residences, the health department found 3 out of 10 private wells or other on-site water systems may be vulnerable to contamination and not safe for drinking.

“If you haven’t tested your well water in over a year, give us a call,” said Director of Environmental Health Geoffrey Snyder.

Through a grant provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Madison County Health Department is providing free testing of residential wells, and other self-supplied water sources (also called individual on-site water systems) to Madison County residents.

“As we near the end of the first year of our program, we have sampled close to 100 private water systems,” said Snyder. “The most common problem observed is the well cap is either missing, broken or does not provide a sanitary seal, making the well vulnerable to contamination from insects, rodents, and surface water runoff.”

The contamination risk of a well depends on a variety of factors, including its construction, location, depth, water source protection, and treatment system performance. The type of soil, rock or other environmental conditions in an area may also affect the quality of private drinking water systems. Local activities including industrial, agricultural, and human activities in an area, could potentially impact the quality and safety of the water you drink.

Madison County Health Department recommends testing individual water systems yearly for total coliform bacteria and nitrate or:

• Whenever you notice a change in taste or color of the water;

• After work on the water system;

• If you notice the well cap is not secure;

• If you notice standing water around your well

Primary funding for this free water testing program is provided through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Madison County Department of Health.

To learn more about this free testing service for eligible Madison County residents, call Madison County Health Department at 366-2526 or learn more online at healthymadisoncounty.org.