914 Private Well Water in Westchester: Testing and Treatment Basics
Most Westchester residents get water from a public supplier, but about 6% are served by private wells, according to the Westchester County Health Department. If you are on a well, you are responsible for testing and treating your own water, and the right equipment depends on what a lab finds.
Quick diagnosis checklist
- Know whether you are on a well. If you do not receive a water bill from a supplier, you may be on a private well. Public suppliers test their water and report results to the health department; private wells are the owner's responsibility.
- Know when testing is required. The county says private wells must be tested when a property is sold, for leased property (at least once every five years), and before using water from a new well. The tests cover bacteria (total coliform), chloride, nitrate, pH, some heavy metals and organics.
- Test periodically anyway. The county says testing is not required otherwise, but advises periodic testing and notes EPA recommends testing private supplies annually for nitrate and coliform bacteria, or more often if you suspect a problem.
- Match treatment to the result. The CDC says home treatment systems usually filter, distill or disinfect, that no single type protects against every problem, and that you should check a system removes the specific germ or chemical you are concerned about.
- If contamination is found. The CDC says not to drink well water that contains harmful germs or chemicals until it is treated, and to test again afterward to make sure the treatment worked. Contact your health department for advice.
- Consider radon in water. EPA says radon is a concern in water from underground sources such as wells, and recommends private well owners test for it. For high levels, EPA describes point-of-entry treatment with granular activated carbon filters or aeration devices.
- Ask who does the plumbing. Plumbers are licensed through the county's separate trade license search. Ask who does the plumbing connections, ask for the license number, and look it up.
DIY or call a pro?
Collecting samples and reading results is a job for a certified lab. Choosing and installing whole-house equipment is usually a job for a water treatment company or plumber. This site is a directory, not a health authority; contact the Westchester County Health Department with questions about your water.
Frequently asked questions
How common are private wells in Westchester?
The county health department says approximately 6% of Westchester County residents are served by private wells.
Do I have to test my well?
The county requires testing on sale, for leased property and before first use of a new well. Otherwise testing is not required by law, but is advised.
What does it cost to treat well water?
HomeGuide cites about $800 to $4,000 installed nationally for a well-water filtration system. See our cost page for the details.
Sources
Who to call
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