The only way to know for sure is to have your well water tested. And since the government does not regulate private wells, you are on your own. So what should you test for?
Don’t drive yourself crazy testing for every known possible contamination. It’s not practical and would get very expensive. But if you live in CT, here is what you should test for:
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BACTERIAL
- Coliform
- E. coli
PHYSICAL
- pH
- turbidity
- color
- odor
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CHEMICAL
- fluoride
- chloride
- nitrates
- nitrites
- sulfates
- calcium
- magnesium
- hardness
- sodium
- copper
- iron
- manganese
- radon
If you bring the samples to a certified lab, it usually costs about $100-$150. Add a processing/pickup fee if you have a lab or water treatment company collect the sample for you. It takes a few days to get the results. Once you get the results, your local and trusted water treatment company can explain the results and offer any treatment recommendations you may need. Not a bad investment for your peace of mind.
Find a certified Connecticut lab at www.ct.gov
Most labs will offer a Basic Test or Standard Analysis that includes almost all of the above listed. You would just need to add radon, fluoride, and/or copper.