Private Wells

Private Wells 101: Bacterial Contamination and Shock Chlorination

Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk

Household Drinking Water Testing for Public and Private Water Supplies

Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby

Drinking water comes from a variety of sources including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. While public water systems are monitored under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about home water testing. It also serves as a guideline for well owners to understand household drinking water testing and what tests would be appropriate for the situation.

Private Well 101: Drinking Water Standards

Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby

Drinking water comes from a variety of sources, including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. While public water systems are monitored under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells and water quality. This publication of the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about drinking water standards. It also serves as a reference for well owners to understand their drinking water quality. Major revision by Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby; 10 pages.

Septic System Overload: How Heavy Rainfall Affects Your System and What to Do

Yilin

When heavy rainfall or hurricanes hit, many homeowners with septic systems face a common problem: system overload. Excessive water can saturate the soil around the drainfield, leading to backups, slow drains, or even sewage contamination in your home. Understanding how rainfall affects your septic system and what steps to take can help prevent costly damage […]

What Homeowners Should Do if Public Wastewater Treatment Plants Are Disrupted After a Hurricane

Yilin

Hurricanes can disrupt critical infrastructure, including public wastewater treatment plants. When these facilities fail, homeowners must be aware of the health and environmental hazards and take actions to protect themselves. Here is a guide to what homeowners should do and be aware of when wastewater treatment plants stop functioning.   1. Limit Water Use at […]

Private Well and Septic System Care Before and After Storms: Essential Resources for Homeowners

Yilin

Florida’s frequent storms and hurricanes can have significant impacts on private wells and septic systems. Homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their water quality and ensure their systems function safely before and after severe weather. This article provides essential resources and guidance to help Floridians prepare for and recover from storms, protecting both their […]