There are many homes with well water in Putnam and Westchester, and lovely as it is to not have to pay for water, there are a few things homeowners and potential buyers should know; there is the “Private Well Water Testing Law” in place, and further below are recommendations for the private well water homeowner.
Firstly, if you are considering selling or buying a home with a well, you need to know about Westchester’s Local Law #7, “Private Well Water Testing Law”. As of On November 7th, 2007, a new law regarding private wells was enacted in Westchester County (as well as Fishkill, Dutchess County, as of yet, Putnam does not have this law in place, though it probably is a matter of time. Please check with your municipality.). The burden of compliance falls into the hands of the homeowner; within ten days of a signed contract of sale, the seller must conduct a water test (or provide confirmation that one has been ordered) which will identify any primary contaminants. The seller is required to pay for the cost of testing. Within 5 days of the receipt of the water test results from a certified lab, the seller is required to deliver these results to the buyer. Additionally, The County Health Department must receive a copy of the test results directly from the certified lab. Also, all new wells must be tested prior to first use. And any well not in use for a period of five years must also be tested. Homeowners and landlords must have samples taken by a laboratory technician who is certified by the Westchester County Health Department; sellers, buyers, Realtors, or any third party cannot submit water samples. Average costs range from $400 to $450, and the seller is required to pay.
As for the low maintenance of having a private well, there are a few things you should know about:
Well maintenance is low, but could be costly when you neglect what needs to be done in the first place. Maintaining wells is for your health and the value of your home.
Most well waters are safe; Mother Nature has its own filtering system. But, do your due diligence and have it tested yearly. Annual water testing is recommended for having safe water, testing for contamination is insurance for you and your family. The EPA does not have any jurisdiction over private wells that serve less than 25 people; it is up to the owner and the owner alone to make sure the water is safe. Per the EPA website, EPA
“Well water should be tested every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for germs and once every two or three years for harmful chemicals. You should also have your well water tested after repairs, after serious storms or flooding, any time there is a change in the water. Laboratories will test well water for the same impurities and health standards as public water supply.”
Also, make sure it is tested for Radon, which can also get into your water. Commit to testing your water every spring. Please have the water tested by a professional, home kits are not worth the risk.<p>
Do not use any chemicals, including lawn products and pesticides near your well.
Walk around you’re the area of your well several times a year, make sure the cap is on tight, and do a quick inspection.
You probably know well water is typically hard, meaning it has many minerals in it. There are several ways to remove the hardness, such as the use of a salt pellet system, also there systems that use potassium which doesn’t appear to be as bad for the environment, plants, and water treatment facilities. Also, there is an ion exchange softener that removes hardness (calcium and magnesium), by running water through resin beads that are saturated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride salts.
If you need any other info feel free to contact me. As for the Westchester Law in place, often times once a municipality or county has such a law, it is likely the surrounding areas will follow along, please check with your county or municipality laws outside of Westchester.
Westchester Homes Blogger 