[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”5em||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Alabama Private Well Program” button_one_url=”#” module_class=”hero1-btn au-brand-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” background_color=”#0B2341″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|#0b2341 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-white-right-arrow-hover-overlay-glare.png” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”on” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”20px” button_one_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_one_font=”|700||on|||||” button_one_icon=”||fa||900″ button_one_icon_color=”#E86100″ custom_button_two=”on” button_two_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_two_font=”|700||on|||||” button_two_icon=”||fa||900″ button_two_icon_color=”#E86100″ height=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”7em||7em||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”5em||5em||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”4em||4em|1.5em|true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” title_font_size_tablet=”4em” title_font_size_phone=”3em” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_header_container=”max-width:1440px;” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”gradient-background” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-white-arrow-hover-overlay-glare2.png” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”3em||3em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ max_width=”1440px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” module_class=”coa-list au-brand-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_font=”|700|||||||” ul_font_size=”1.1em” ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#e86100″ header_3_font_size=”24px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|1.5em||1.5em|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|1em||1em|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#00A597″ border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_line_height__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Water Resources Center<\/a>\u00a0\/<\/span>Extension & Outreach<\/a><\/em> \/<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/APWP-Banner2.png” alt=”Alabama private well program” title_text=”APWP Banner2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” module_class=”coa-list au-brand-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_font=”|700|||||||” ul_font_size=”1.1em” ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#e86100″ header_3_font_size=”24px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|1.5em||1.5em|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|1em||1em|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#00A597″ border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_line_height__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n The Alabama Private Well Program increases\u00a0access\u00a0to private well resources to empower, engage, and equip well users with the resources needed to protect their water systems.<\/span><\/p>\n CORE VALUES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”header-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-Branding-Texture-small.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_right” background_repeat=”repeat-x” height=”28px” custom_margin=”||1.5rem||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”text-align:center;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”coa-list” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#f1560e” header_3_font_size=”24px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-Blue-Bar-Pillars-center-web-1280×72-1.png” background_size=”custom” background_image_width=”110%” background_position=”top_right” custom_margin=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”0.75em|1em|0.25rem|1em|false|true” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”left” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_size_tablet=”cover” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#489fad” border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ max_width=”1440px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” module_class=”au-brand-title coa-list” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_font=”|700|||||||” ul_font_size=”1.2em” ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#f1560e” header_3_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|1.5em||1.5em|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|1em||1em|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1.5em|1.5em|1.5em|1.5em|false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”left” animation_delay=”100ms” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#489fad” border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Thousands of Alabama residents rely on private water systems for water used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In fact, The Alabama Office of Water Resources reported that 11 percent of the population in Alabama relied on private wells in 2015.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With well ownership comes a specific set of responsibilities, as private well owners are responsible for the maintenance, testing, and treatment of their own water system. Wells can become contaminated through improper construction practices, failed maintenance, or poor stewardship practices around the well. Carefully monitoring and keeping a detailed record of the well can help in preventing future problems from occurring, while continuous testing can help assure safe drinking water quality for household utilizing the private well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read more about private wells and the aquifers you can find in Alabama<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/rAZ8Npgrm40″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ max_width=”1440px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” padding_phone=”|0px|15px|” padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_toggle title=”HOW TO TEST YOUR WELL WATER” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Water should be tested regularly for contamination. Even if a well appears clean and has no irregular smells, invisible microorganisms can be present and pose major health risks to those using the water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that well owners check for mechanical issues each spring and perform a water quality test at least once a year. In addition to ensuring that the water is safe for drinking, a regular testing schedule helps establish a water quality record for the well.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Do you need to get your well water tested?\u00a0<\/p>\n We have a few different options in Alabama.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”MORE INFORMATION” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Additional resources can be found on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System website. Visit aub.ie\/wellwater\u00a0for more information about well water\u00a0maintenance, testing, and treatment recommendations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Water Testing Decision Diagram (well owners, pond owners, ag water testing):\u00a0Access here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Owning a Well in Alabama Handbook:\u00a0Access here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n What is an Aquifer?<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Groundwater of Alabama<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Water Well Construction Standards<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Basics of Testing Well Water<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Common Contaminants Found in Well Water<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n EPA Drinking Water Guidelines<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Decommissioning Unused or Abandoned Wells<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Where to Get Your Well Water Tested<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Specific Treatment Options for Water Well Owners<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n General Treatment Options for Wells<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Problems With Water Yield in Private Water Wells<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Protecting Well Water<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Flooded Wells: Shock Chlorination<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n How to Take a Well Water Sample<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Water Well Placement \u2013 Why Does it Matter?<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Where to Find Information About a Private Water Well<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Contact Us” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Find more resources at\u00a0aub.ie\/wellwater<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Questions?<\/span><\/p>\n Contact Jessie Curl, ACES Water Program Project Coordinator<\/span>\u00a0 [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text module_class=”header-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-Blue-Bar-Orange-Pillars-web.png” background_position=”top_right” background_repeat=”repeat-x” height=”28px” custom_margin=”||1.5rem||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”text-align:center;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ max_width=”1440px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” module_class=”coa-list au-brand-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_font=”|700|||||||” ul_font_size=”1.1em” ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#e86100″ header_3_font_size=”24px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|1.5em||1.5em|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|1em||1em|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||1em||false|false” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#00A597″ border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_line_height__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Why does my well water have a bad smell?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Does your water smell like rotten eggs?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n That is the most common complaint we hear about bad-smelling well water.\u00a0 If so, the odor is due to hydrogen sulfide and is naturally occurring. There are some actions that can reduce the odor once you identify the source.<\/span><\/p>\n If you notice the odor from your hot water tap (but not from the cold water)<\/strong>, the source is your water heater.\u00a0 The hot water heater allows the bacteria that generates the gas to survive, but also the anode (which is usually made of magnesium) generates the energy to form the sulfide gas.\u00a0 If the odor is in the hot water, you may want to contact a plumber to replace the anode in your water heater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0If the odor is throughout your water system,<\/strong>\u00a0it may be due to residual bacteria in your well or storage tank \u2013 if so, contact a licensed pump installer or well driller to shock-chlorinate your well.\u00a0 Know that this is not a permanent solution because the bacteria and the source of sulfide are naturally occurring, and the odor will return.\u00a0\u00a0You may also install a water treatment system to eliminate the odor.\u00a0 An activated carbon filter will remove low concentrations of the hydrogen sulfide gas.\u00a0\u00a0Higher concentrations of odor-causing gas can be treated with manganese greensand filters or oxidation filtration systems for hydrogen sulfide gas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I have lived on this property my whole life and have never tested the well water. Should I?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n The short answer is\u00a0YES!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The average American consumes 1 to 2 liters of drinking water per day, making water quality a top priority for human health and safety.\u00a0Although a well may not appear to have any issues, well water quality can change over time because of natural or human-induced contaminants. Private well water quality is not federally or state-regulated, so it is crucial for private well owners to test their water regularly to ensure that their drinking water is safe.<\/span><\/p>\n Well water testing is not a regulated public service offered by municipalities in the same sense as public water systems. If people want their water tested, it is their responsibility to reach out to the health department or private testing lab to obtain a sampling kit.\u00a0Private well owners should check their water quality regularly for bacterial contamination. Even if a well appears clean and has no irregular smells, invisible microorganisms can still be present and pose major health risks to those using the water.\u00a0In addition to ensuring that the water is safe for drinking, a regular testing schedule helps establish a water quality record for a well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How can I reduce lead exposure in my drinking water?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n If you have reason to believe lead is present in your water, flush the cold water faucet by allowing the water to run until you can feel that the water has become cold. This will eliminate the use of water that has been standing in the piping and plumbing. Never cook with or consume water from the hot water tap. Hot water dissolves copper more quickly than cold water. If you are served by a community water system, contact responsible personnel and ask whether or not the water is corrosive. If it is corrosive, ask what steps the system is taking to deal with the problem of copper contamination. If you are served by a private water system, have it checked for corrosiveness. Purchase a home water treatment unit that is designed to reduce the corrosiveness of your water or one to remove lead and copper from drinking water. Use bottled water that is lead and copper-free for drinking and cooking until you have eliminated your problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I have bacteria present in my water. What should I do?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n If water quality test results show bacterial contamination, the source of contamination should be determined\u00a0and remediated as soon as possible. This eliminates the risk of continued contamination by this source. An immediate remedy for bacterial contamination of a well is to disinfect or shock-chlorinate the well with chlorine bleach. Shock chlorination is a temporary measure,\u00a0and bacteria will likely return if the source of the contamination is not addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n Shock chlorination<\/strong>\u00a0can be used to disinfect a well by introducing a high concentration of chlorine to water\u00a0for at least 12 to 24 hours. Concentrated chlorine solutions can be dangerous, so wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and a protective apron) when handling them. The bleach solution is mixed based on the volume of water present in the water system, so check the depth, diameter, and water level of the well. To reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and to protect the well components, a licensed well driller or pump installer should disinfect the well.<\/span><\/p>\n See the Alabama Department of Environmental Management website for a list of licensed well drillers in Alabama.<\/span><\/p>\n Well owners wishing to conduct shock chlorination may refer to either the Water Systems Council information sheets or instructions in the Alabama Extension publication \u201cFlooded Wells: Shock Chlorination\u201d (ANR- 2512). For recurring bacteria problems, identify the source and implement continuous disinfection.<\/span><\/p>\n Continuous chlorination<\/strong>\u00a0systems can be attached after the well head pump. These will inject a chlorine solution or dry powder into the water ahead of the storage tank. Sediment filters are recommended with these systems.<\/span><\/p>\n The effectiveness of chlorination depends on many factors:<\/span><\/p>\n Ultraviolet (UV) light<\/strong>\u00a0is effective in treating bacterial contamination in well water systems. Unlike chlorination, UV radiation treatment can be fast without adding anything to the water or causing additional taste or odor. Water is exposed through UV radiation as it flows over\u00a0a glass sleeve encasing a UV light bulb. Because the pathogens need to be exposed to UV light, suspended particles in the untreated water may interfere with treatment. Therefore, UV treatment is often paired with a filtration method and should be the last treatment used in a sequence. Water with high amounts of calcium and magnesium may also coat the glass sleeve with a scale, so the unit should be routinely cleaned. Manufacturers should provide information on cleaning the system and replacing bulbs.<\/span><\/p>\n Ozone<\/strong>\u00a0is a highly reactive gas commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and some viruses. This method of treatment is relatively expensive and may\u00a0be useful where multiple water quality problems must be addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n Boiling<\/strong>\u00a0water for about 1 minute kills most bacteria. This method can be used during emergencies and can only treat small amounts of water at a time. It is not a long- term or continuous option for water supply disinfection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How can I tell if my water has iron bacteria?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Water containing iron bacteria will often have a reddish color and may have an objectionable odor. However, that is not always the case, so a good indicator is pink, reddish or orange-colored and stringy or slimy-looking growth near the water line in the holding tank for your toilet. If bleach is added to the tank, the bacteria will disintegrate, and the iron will fall to the bottom of the tank. To treat this type of problem, the bacteria must be killed. Chlorine bleach is frequently used to kill bacteria. Disinfection of the entire water distribution system, including the well, may successfully treat this problem without recurrence. If the bacteria recolonize, continuous disinfection and physical filtration will be required to eliminate the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How should I treat my water?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Before you decide to implement treatment, it is good practice to follow these steps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Have the water tested<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Review the lab results to determine if any problems exist<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Contact the Alabama Private Well Program for help in understanding test results<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Implement treatment if necessary<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Do store bought filters remove all contaminants in water?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n These filters, while effective, usually are activated carbon and remove some heavy metals, chlorine, and some tastes and odors.\u00a0 Check the filter box to find out what is actually removed.\u00a0 These filters must be changed according to directions or may actually become a source of contamination (they \u201cfill up\u201d and become totally covered with contaminants, which can then slough off into the water).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text module_class=”header-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-Blue-Bar-Orange-Pillars-web.png” background_position=”top_right” background_repeat=”repeat-x” height=”28px” custom_margin=”||3em||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”text-align:center;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ max_width=”1440px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”1.25rem” module_class=”coa-list au-brand-title” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ ul_font=”|700|||||||” ul_font_size=”1.1em” ul_line_height=”1.5rem” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#e86100″ header_3_font_size=”24px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|1.5em||1.5em|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|1em||1em|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||1em||false|false” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.1rem” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.2rem” header_3_text_shadow_color=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom=”#00A597″ border_style_bottom=”dotted” global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_line_height__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Where should I drill a well?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n The\u00a0Water Well Standards Act of 1988<\/a>\u00a0outlines the following location recommendations for water well placement on properties:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Where can I find information about a private water well?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Because private well water systems are not federally regulated, it is crucial for private well owners to stay informed about the status of their well and the quality of the water from the well. In some states, records of water wells are available for public viewing. In Alabama, some well construction information can be found on the Geological Survey of Alabama\u2019s (GSA) website. However, these may not be the most up-to-date records for private well owners. Records of private wells are combined with both industrial and irrigation well records.<\/span><\/p>\n The GSA has accrued an estimated 100,000+ hardcopy well records since being designated a repository for well data. Information in the records is derived from the ADEM Form 060 submitted by well drillers\/owners, historic records from the US Geological Survey, and other official sources. In 2014, the GSA partnered with the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) to create a database for this information at\u00a0www.gsa.state.al.us\/gsa\/groundwater\/wellrecords<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n To search for well records in your area, click on the county of interest. This will generate a new map with a series of green dots each corresponding to a well location. View some of the records on file in your county to get a general understanding of typical well depths and diameters in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I have an old well on my property. Can I rehabilitate it?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n It is best practice to have a licensed well driller visit the property to assess the well and make sure the integrity of the system is in tact. They may be able to perform a pump test or yield test, as well as check on the well casing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Can you recommend a local treatment professional or well driller?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n For well drillers, it is strongly recommended to work with a certified well driller. For work on your well, look for someone with a\u00a0National Ground Water Association<\/a>\u00a0certification. For water treatment specialists, look for those who have a\u00a0Water Quality Association certification.<\/a>\u00a0The best way to find reputable local people is to talk to friends and neighbors about their personal experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is shock chlorination and how does it work?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n Shock chlorination is a process of mixing a chlorine solution through the well and home plumbing to kill bacteria and some other microorganisms that are present.\u00a0 We recommend calling a water well systems provider (licensed well driller) to have them shock chlorinate the well for you, as you need some special equipment and need to know some important details about the well such as diameter, depth and static water level to determine the correct amount and concentration of chlorine to use.\u00a0 The cost for shock chlorination can vary depending on the driller and distance of your home from their company. \u00a0For more information about shock chlorination, see the ACES Publication \u201cFlooded Wells: Shock Chlorination<\/a>\u201d\u00a0or this helpful video from Montana State University: http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=MZJ6FxK6cwk<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I have low pH (less than 6.5). What treatment devices will work?” open_toggle_text_color=”#f1560e” open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#efefef” icon_color=”#f26522″ open_icon_color=”#f26522″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ title_text_color=”#007399″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|800||on|||||” body_ul_item_indent=”1em” body_link_text_color=”#007faa” body_link_font_size=”18px” body_ul_font=”|600|||||||” body_ul_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”700ms” custom_css_toggle_icon=”color:#f1560E!important;” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#63b1bd” border_style_bottom=”dotted” border_color_left=”#f26522″ icon_color__hover=”#007faa” icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” icon_font_size__hover=”18px” icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” global_colors_info=”{}” closed_toggle_background_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” closed_toggle_background_color__hover=”#ffffff” border_color_bottom__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_bottom__hover=”#f26522″ title_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” title_text_color__hover=”#f1560e” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_width_left__hover=”5px” body_link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” body_link_text_color__hover=”#f26522″ custom_css_toggle_icon__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_toggle_icon__hover=”color:#007399!important;” open_icon_color__hover=”#007faa” open_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” open_icon_font_size__hover=”18px” open_icon_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|hover” border_radii__hover=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”]<\/p>\n For low pH, particularly if you have copper or other metal pipes and these metals levels showed up higher than recommended in your first draw or flushed samples, you will want to consider installing an acid neutralizing filter. These work by passing water through calcite (calcium carbonate; similar chemically to limestone) or a combination of calcite and magox (magnesium oxide) to increase pH. Even with plastic pipes, there are likely metal fittings and fixtures throughout your system that can be a source of lead, copper, nickel, zinc or other metals. Note that low pH isn\u2019t the only driver of corrosion. Signs of corrosive water can include pitting, pinhole links, metallic taste, or blue-green staining and may indicate higher risk of high levels of lead, copper, and other metals present in plumbing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text module_class=”header-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/AU-Blue-Bar-Orange-Pillars-web.png” background_position=”top_right” background_repeat=”repeat-x” height=”28px” custom_margin=”||1.5rem||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1.5em||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”text-align:center;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0Water Resources Center\u00a0\/Extension & Outreach \/The Alabama Private Well Program increases\u00a0access\u00a0to private well resources to empower, engage, and equip well users with the resources needed to protect their water systems. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9022","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9022"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68966,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9022\/revisions\/68966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
WELL WATER IN ALABAMA<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/span>Email:\u00a0<\/span>jcurl@auburn.edu<\/span><\/a>\u00a0
<\/span>Phone: 334.844.3809<\/span><\/p>\nWell Water Contamination FAQ<\/h2>\n
\n
Well Installation & Maintenance\u00a0FAQ<\/h2>\n
\n