Can a septic system contaminate water wells?
Is your home equipped with a septic tank or a well? Although many homes have both a septic tank and well water, if you don’t take care of your septic tank it could contaminate the water supply to your well. It doesn’t matter how well your well or septic tank is set up, it’s important to test the well water every so often to make sure it is safe.
Here are some ways to lower the risk of contamination if you have an existing well or septic system.
5 ways you can keep your septic tank and well water clean
- Distance
If your well is located farther away from the septic tank, the risk of contamination is lower. If your septic tank is located closer to your well, groundwater could be emitted from it more easily.
For information on distance requirements in your state, contact your state department for health.
- Soil and depth
There is less chance of contamination if your well is extremely deep or is located in clay, silt, or bedrock. However, if your well is located in porous soil, at a lower depth, there are more chances for septic tank contamination.
- Maintenance
Regular inspections and pumping will ensure that your well water is not contaminated. The possibility of contamination could be increased by any type of problems or cracks in your septic system, or prolonged periods between pumps.
- Regular water testing
Regular testing is one of the best methods to make sure your well water is safe. It is recommended that you test your well water at least once a year. However, if your well and septic tank are located close together, it may be more frequent.
- Installation by professionals
This is the best and easiest way to make sure your tank doesn’t affect your water. To ensure that your septic tank and well water are safe, hire a professional to install your septic tank. It is best to set up a system once and not have to worry about it again.
- Don’t damage your system
Septic tanks are resilient to a lot of pressure, but they can also be damaged. Toilet paper, water, and organic matter should not be flushed. Any other substance can cause serious problems and clog your system.
Do you have a question about septic systems?
We are available to answer any questions you may have about your system, such as pump-outs and repairs. Central Oregon’s most trusted septic company!
How to detect possible septic tank and well water contamination
Contact a professional to access the tank if:
- There is something unusual in your yard
- Water is backing up from your sinks, toilets, and drains into your home or draining slowly.
- The drain field is covered with very green grass and plants
- Standing water in your yard, especially over the drain field
We can help you if your septic system is having problems. Although it is rare for a septic system to fail, the risks of having problems increase if your system is not regularly inspected. We can help you if there are any unusual smells or problems with your drinking water. Although it is unlikely that your septic tank will explode they could leak. This should answer the question: Is your septic tank and well water contaminated?
Contact Greenbar Excavation
Greenbar Excavation has been providing quality excavation services to central Oregon for over ten years. We understand the importance of knowing your project. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look any further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! We offer a multitude of services which include:
- Septic pumping
- Drainage Services
- Landscape prep
- Site grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete/ prep finish
- Utility trenching
- Driveways
- Septic tank replacement
- Complete septic system replacement
Call us today with any questions about our septic services and check out our 5-star reviews!