Who is in charge of testing well water?
There is really no person or group that regulates well water testing - it is usually left up to the well owner to test their water. For this reason, especially, well water is not tested as frequently as city water - most homeowners do not think of well maintenance very often.

But, isn't well water better than "city" water?
Although many people believe well water tastes and smells better, the truth is that it has the potential to harbor more contaminants since it is not tested as often or as strictly as the water in municipal water supplies.

Do I need a permit to have my well drilled?
Possibly. There are some counties in Wisconsin that do require a permit. For example, Dane County requires a permit before drilling a well. When you select Sam's, we will apply for the permit. What we need from you is a drawing showing the location of the well, septic tank, drainage field, or sewer main and lateral, the legal description, property owners name and current mailing address. We can help you obtain this inforamtion if you don't already have it, and we can have someone come and take a look at your property if need be. Sam's is also experienced in applying for high capacity permits and various types of variances as applicable.

How far in advance should I schedule to have my well drilled?
Normally, we like to put you on the list as soon as possible. If you are in need of a replacement well, we will try to schedule you as a priority. If you are building a home, you can notify us for scheduling once the basement is in and backfilled. Following these guidelines will assure that your well is drilled in a timely manner.

How long does it take to drill a well?
Most private wells are drilled in less than one day, depending on the depth, rock formation, and providing there are no unforeseen events.

What should I do if I have a well on my property that isn't being used?
Unused wells can be a safety hazard and can act as a conducit for groundwater contamination. They should be properly abandoned following the code requirements; normally, cement or bentonite chips are used to seal the well. A Well Abandonment Report form must be completed and sent to the DNR once the well is properly abandoned. If you have further questions about abandoning an old well, give Sam's a call.

Can you drill in the winter?
Yes. Sam's has the equipment to drill year round. If you are involved in new construction being built during the winter, we recommend laying straw over the area where the water line will enter the house, especially when temperatures drip below freezing.

How often should I test my well water?
It is recommended that you test your water at least once a year - and more frequent testing is recommneded for shallow wells or in areas where agricultural or lawn care chemicals are used. Give Sam's a call for further information.

I have a brand new well. I can go ahead and start using it now, right?
Although the well is working, and water comes out of it, the water may not be entirely safe. Before you drink any water from a new well, you should have the water tested for contaminants.

What kinds of things should I test my water for?
Private wells should be tested for a variety of natural and synthetic contaminants. A good test kit includes tests for coliform bacteria, nitrates, volatile organic chemicals, mineral content, and lead. Copper, cadmium, and radon should also be tested for.

Who should I contact to have my water tested?
For a fee, you can obatain a testing kit from one of the many testing laboratories throughout the area and do the test yourself. However, it is recommended that you contact Sam's, a licensed well driller, who can do the testing for you.

How do I disinfect my well?
Although you can obtain kits to do the well disinfection yourself, it is recommended that you contact a licensed well driller, like Sam's. A licensed well driller will be knowledgeable and experienced, and will be able to do the best job of eliminating contaminants safely.