Domestic water

The quality of the water obtained from the well largely depends on the quality of the groundwater, which can vary greatly locally. Variations in the amount of groundwater may also change the quality of well water. In addition to this, the location, structure and condition of the well and the sources of pollution in the vicinity of the well play an important role in the quality of the well water. The well owner is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the well, the use of well water and quality monitoring.

The well water should always be examined if its colour, taste or smell has changed significantly or if the water is suspected to cause health symptoms. Water quality should be tested regularly at least every three years, as not all factors affecting quality are noticeable when water is used. Water may look clear and taste good even if it contains harmful substances. In addition, the quality of well water should also be tested when a child is about to be born in the family. It is also necessary to carry out the testing before commissioning a new well, when buying and selling the property, and when acquiring water treatment equipment.

When inspecting the well, specific attention must be paid to the permeability of the well, so that surface waters and small animals cannot contaminate the quality of the well water through gaps. It is recommended to schedule the inspection and maintenance of the well of a holiday cottage or campsite for the spring, before the well is taken into use. A contaminated well can often be repaired by servicing and cleaning so that the well can continue to be used. However, these measures will not help if the soil around the well is contaminated with wastewater, for example. Usually, in such a situation, the only effective solutions for arranging water services are either the construction of a new well in clean soil and sufficiently far away from potential sources of pollution or the connection to organised water services.

You should ask the health protection authority for expert advice on the quality of well water. The website of the environmental administration (eng link coming) contains instructions on the planning, construction, restoration and cleaning of wells.

Quality and monitoring of well water

If domestic water is taken from a well located on a property, the property owner or holder is responsible for monitoring the water quality. The health protection authority may order an individual well to be tested if there is reason to suspect that the water causes a health hazard.

You should ask the health protection authority for expert advice on the quality of well water.