The clean water your well delivers is a vital domestic necessity. Every day over 18,000 homes and businesses in Fairfax County alone rely upon groundwater for this purpose. Groundwater is water beneath the earth's surface and is the earth's largest freshwater supply. Because we use groundwater every day, protection of this resource is vital. Here is some information on wells, groundwater, and potential sources of contamination. Click on one of these links to take you to section you desire:
We will inspect your well to determine if it is adequately protected from contamination. We will advise you if you have a problem with your well or well water and how to correct the problem. We will sample your protected well for bacteriological water quality and conduct a chemical analysis for certain substances.
Call SeptiClean at (540) 428-3986 or email us at Info@septiclean.com. We will come out to your property and inspect your well to determine if it meets the minimum protection standards as set forth in the county and state regulations. If it does, we will also test your well water for bacteriological analysis. If not, we will advise you on corrective action. Return to top
A permit is required prior to making repairs or installing conditioning equipment to your well. This is for your protection. SeptiClean will assure the work is needed, it is done properly and we will test your well water for bacteriological quality after the work is completed. We are licensed and bonded with the Health Departments of Fairfax County, Prince William County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Stafford County, Culpeper County, Spotsylvania, Louisa, and King George Counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Return to top
SeptiClean recommends you have your well water tested on a yearly basis; after any repairs are made to your well, OR if you notice a change in the taste, color, or odor of your well water. The laboratory we use can test your well for bacteriological quality and conduct chemical analysis for certain substances such as iron, acidity, or hardness. Return to top
If we find problems with your well water, there are a few courses of action you can take. If a high level of bacteria is found in your water, we suggest that you have us chlorinate your well.
What is chlorination?
Chlorination is a process in which we flush your water pipes clean of all bacteria by introducing Chlorine into your well, and then running it through the water system. We will then take another water sample, and have it tested for the same bacteria. Return to top
Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides used improperly around your home and on your lawn constitute a major threat to the groundwater your well relies on. Many of these substances are not filtered out through the soil as is commonly believed. Underground Storage Tanks used for home heating purposes can corrode and allow oil to leak into the groundwater. One quart of oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water. Improper disposal of motor oil, solid waste, paint solvents, and other chemicals we use every day can have the same impact. Septic tank systems, if not properly maintained, may also be a threat. Contact us for more information and advice. Return to top
Do not store toxic or hazardous substances near your well. Have your well inspected and sampled by SeptiClean to assure it's properly protected. Call (540) 428-3986 Do not overuse or abuse pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Follow the package directions carefully. Do not flush toxic or hazardous substances down the toilet or pour into home drains, storm drains or onto the ground surface. Call your local Health Department for advice on proper disposal.
Bored wells are constructed using an earth auger to remove the earth down to the water bearing formation. The method is practical only to depths less than 100 feet, hence, they rely on a more shallow source of water. The well casings are constructed of concrete rings that are parged with concrete. A cement grout further protects the well from surface water intrusion. Bored wells were installed extensively until around 1970, when the drilling method became predominant. Return to top
Drilled wells can be constructed not only through earth, but also through rock. Therefore, drilled wells can go deeper than bored wells, reaching water bearing formations less susceptible to contamination. The steel well casing is sealed in a cement grout protecting the well from surface water contamination. Return to top
Myth - All groundwater occurs as large underground lakes and rivers. Fact - Groundwater is water contained in soil and rock pores. Myth - Groundwater pollution cannot occur because it is so far underground. Fact - Pollution can occur as contaminants move through the soil and filter down into the groundwater. Myth - Groundwater is easily cleaned as it moves through the earth. Fact - Few contaminants can be filtered out in the soil before it reaches the groundwater. Groundwater may only move 2" - 3" per year. Myth - There is no relationship between surface water and groundwater. Fact - There is a very important relationship. A certain amount of rainfall, lakes and rivers replenish our groundwater supply. What we put in our lakes and rivers may end up in our groundwater. Myth - Groundwater will last forever Fact - Although groundwater supplies are plentiful, misuse, overuse or contamination can render groundwater unusable. Contaminated groundwater may remain unusable for generations.
The majority of information on this particular page was taken from a brochure put out by the Fairfax County Health Department called "Wells and Groundwater." If you would like to contact the Fairfax County Health Department, call (703) 246-2201.
