It’s a given that you shouldn’t install your well near septic tanks or chemical storage. But how much thought have you put into protecting the area around your well?

A big part of well maintenance is being vigilant in preventing exposure to hazardous materials. You should keep the space around your water well system clear of anything that could damage the well or affect the quality of your water.

Hazardous chemicals or materials like paint, pesticides/herbicides and motor oil should be stored at least 50 feet away from your well. Proper storage is essential, too – a leaking pesticide container could result in widespread pollution if left unnoticed.

You should also be careful when treating around your well. Pesticides and herbicides could soak into the ground and end up in your well’s aquifer.