Frequently Asked Questions

By North Carolina General Statute definition, a private drinking water well means any excavation that is cored, bored, drill , jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed to obtain groundwater for human consumption. These wells are intended to serve 14 or fewer service connections or 24 or fewer individuals. This includes wells that supply water directly to private homes and small businesses.

The local health department will advise you in the treatment of your well if bacterial contamination is present after the initial chlorination. The well will need to be re-chlorinated and re-sampled. If this does not eliminate bacterial contamination, the state can be consulted.

After construction is complete, a sample for nutrient content will be sent to the State Lab for analysis. The nutrients screened include: pH, arsenic, lead, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, and fluoride.
Many of these contaminants are not hazardous to human health in low doses. Knowing the nutrient content that occurs naturally in your water can help when deciding whether or not water treatment is necessary, and if so, what water treatment equipment best suits your needs. Knowing what nutrients are found in your water can also help you and your medical care provider determine whether or not supplements to your diet are needed. If a hazardous contaminant, such as lead or arsenic, is found at levels unsafe for human consumption, the state may be consulted.