Home Inspection Business from A to Z

• 5. Talk With Local Experts

Good sources of information and advice can be found close to home. The list below tells about some "local experts":

• The local health department's registered "sanitarian" is a health specialist. He or she likely knows the most about any problems with private wells.

• Local water-well contractors can tell you about well drilling and construction. They are also familiar with local geology and water conditions. Look in the yellow pages of your phone book or contact the agency in your State that licenses water well contractors. Call the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 5517379 to find NGWA-certified water well contractors in your area. Officials at the nearest public water system may explain any threats to local drinking water and may be developing plans to address potential threats. They may advise you on taking samples and understanding tests done on your water. Ask the local health department or look in your phone book for the name and address of the closest system. Local county extension agents will know about local farming and forestry activities that can affect your water. They may also have information about water testing.

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) replaced the old U.S. Soil Conservation Service. It is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The NRCS and the U.S. Geological Survey have information about local soils and ground water. They can tell you where a local water supply is located and how it is recharged or replenished. They would know of any pollution threats and if radon is a problem in the area. Look for both in the blue pages of your local phone book. Local or county planning commissions can be good sources. They know about past and present land uses in your area that affect water. Your public library may also have records and maps that can provide useful information. Nearby colleges and universities have research arms that can provide facts and expertise. They may also have a testing lab.

• 6. Fix Problems Immediately

If you find that your well water is polluted, fix the problem as soon as possible. You may need to disinfect your water, have a new well drilled, re-plumb or repair your system. Consider hooking into a nearby community water system (if one is available). If you have a new well drilled or connect to a community water system, the old well must be closed properly. Consult "local experts" for help. You might consider installing a water treatment device to remove impurities. Information about treatment devices can be obtained from the following sources:

• Water Quality Association
  P.O. Box 606
  4151 Naperville Road
  Lisle, IL 60532
  www.wqa.org   

• National Sanitation Foundation
  P.O. Box 130140
  789 N Dixboro Road
  Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140
  (734) 769-8010, (800) NSF-MARK
  www.nsf.org

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (to visit in person)

• Office of Water Resource Center
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Ariel Rios Building
  Washington, DC 20460
  Phone: (202) 260-7786
  Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, 8:30AM - 4:30PM ET
  E-mail:  

      There are many home water treatment devices. Different types remove different pollutants or impurities. No one device does it all. Also, you must carefully maintain your home treatment device so your water stays safe.

(See Drinking Water Glossary at end of book)