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water. This can be difficult and expensive to <br />treat, and it is more a problem of appearance <br />than health. <br />How does well and septic <br />construction affect water <br />quality? <br />Well construction can affect water quality in <br />several ways. Wells that are improperly <br />sealed at or below the surface, or older wells <br />with leaking casing can allow surface <br />contamination or shallow contaminated <br />ground water to enter the well. Wells can <br />also be constructed to tap aquifers or parts of <br />aquifers with high quality water while sealing <br />off an aquifer with poorer quality water. <br />Proper well construction may improve <br />overall water quality. Septic system <br />construction and maintenance of the system <br />can prevent untreated or improperly treated <br />sewage from entering the ground water. <br />What are the "Best Management <br />Practices" for water quality <br />protection? <br />Best management practices for the protection <br />of a wellhead are preventive in nature. They <br />are based on awareness and common sense. <br />Examples include: <br />• conducting an inventory of contaminant <br />sources around the well, <br />• removing dangerous chemicals from the <br />vicinity of the well, <br />• not using or mixing chemicals near the <br />well, <br />• inspecting and maintaining the well head, <br />cap and seals, and <br />• testing water quality periodically. <br />The following three actions will assist in <br />safeguarding the quality of ground water and <br />well water: 1) maintain your septic system, 2) <br />do not site your well in an enclosed pasture <br />or corral, and 3) do not store or stockpile <br />manure, fertilizers, road salts, or other <br />potential contaminants close to the well head. <br />How does a laboratory know that <br />a water sample is from a given <br />address? <br />Laboratories have a "chain of custody" <br />procedure that is designed to keep track of a <br />water sample. Of course, water samples <br />could be switched before they get to the <br />laboratory. If someone knowingly provides a <br />false water sample, though hard to prove, the <br />individual would be liable. <br />What are the "Best Management <br />Practices" for septic systems? <br />Faulty septic systems are one of the most <br />common sources of water contamination. <br />Best management practices include regular <br />maintenance of the system (i.e., regular <br />inspection and tank pumping), protecting the <br />system from harmful chemicals and wastes, <br />and avoiding overload. <br />A septic system is only designed to treat <br />household wastewater. Although typical <br />household soaps and cleaners should not <br />cause a problem, paints, paint thinners, <br />solvents, drain cleaners, pesticides, <br />antifreeze, photographic chemicals, or large <br />quantities of chlorine bleach should never be <br />poured down the drain. Also, the following <br />items should never enter the septic system: <br />bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, cigarette <br />butts, condoms, feminine hygiene products <br />and grease - one of the worst enemies of your <br />septic system. These can interrupt the natural <br />digestion processes in your system, and <br />pollute the ground water. <br />Unlike a public sewer, your septic system is <br />designed to accept less volume. Space your <br />water use over time to prevent overloading <br />the system. This will help prevent sluggish <br />drains, sewage backups, or waste surfacing <br />on the leach field. <br />