Florida Soft Water: Bacteria in Water Wells

Bacterial contamination of drinking water can cause serious human illness.
Bacterial slimes in irrigation wells may clog pumps and pipes.
Bacterial contamination can be controlled by well chlorination, proper septic system and well maintenance, and good sanitation practices.
Coliforms are a broad class of bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of humans and many animals.

Periodically inspect exposed parts of the well for problems such as:
- a cracked, corroded, or damaged well casing.
- a broken or missing well cap.
- settling and cracking of surface seals.
Slope the area around the well to drain surface runoff away from it.
Keep accurate records of well maintenance and water quality analysis.
Hire a licensed water well contractor for new well construction, modification, or abandonment and closure.
Avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers, fuels degreasers, and other pollutants near the well.
Do not dispose of wastes in dry wells, abandoned wells or sinkholes.
Do not cut off the well casing below 12 inches above the ground’s surface.
Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department.
Never dispose of hazardous materials in a septic system.
Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrate and other particles of concern

Ultraviolet radiation (UV)

uses UV light to kill microorganisms
lamp has 9- to 12-month lifetime
needs UV sensor to determine germicidal dose
effective for bacterial contaminants (viruses more difficult, cysts and worms unaffected)
advantage is that no chemicals are added to the water
disadvantage is that there is no residual disinfection; cloudy or turbid water decreases effectiveness

Florida Soft Water