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Newsletter · Issue 001 · 2026-10-19

The 4 Tests Your Well Needs Once a Year

Hi. This is Save My Well. On a well, nobody tests your water for you. The EPA says well owners must protect their own water.[1] So this first email is about one thing. The yearly test.

The CDC says to test your well at least once a year. Ask the lab for these 4 tests by name:[2]

  1. Total coliform. This is a germ test.[2]
  2. Nitrates.[2]
  3. Total dissolved solids.[2]
  4. pH.[2]

The CDC also says to test again when:[3]

  • There is a flood near your well.[3]
  • You fix or replace any part of the well.[3]
  • Your water tastes, looks or smells different.[3]
  • Someone in your home is going to have a baby.[3]
  • A child comes to live with you.[3]
  • You hear about well problems near you.[3]

Your one job this month

Call a state-certified lab. Ask for the 4 tests by name.[4][2] When the result comes back, your local health department can help you read it.[5] Then put the same date on next year's calendar.

Did the germ test come back positive? Here is what to do next.

Sources

Each number on this page points here. We read each source on the date shown.

  1. [1] EPA: Potential Well Water Contaminants and Their Impacts“Well owner's are responsible for protecting their drinking water.” Checked 2026-10-19.
  2. [2] CDC: Guidelines for Testing Well Water“Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level.” Checked 2026-10-19.
  3. [3] CDC: Guidelines for Testing Well Water“You should also have your well water tested if: You are notified that there are problems with well water in your area, There are problems near your well, such as flooding, land disturbances, or nearby waste disposal sites, You replace or repair any part of your well system, You notice a change in your water's taste, color, or smell, You or someone you live with becomes pregnant, A child starts living with you” Checked 2026-10-19.
  4. [4] CDC: Guidelines for Testing Well Water“Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water.” Checked 2026-10-19.
  5. [5] CDC: Guidelines for Testing Well Water“Contact your local health or environmental department. They can help you understand the test results and what to do next ...” Checked 2026-10-19.

Well test reminders, by email

What is in well water this season, and when to test. One topic, one thing to do, with the sources linked.

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