How to ensure your well's drinking water is safe

Safe drinking water is a must and when you own your own well, the responsibility lies with you, writes Kya deLongchamps

Have your well serviced regularly. File picture

Safe healthy water is a must, and when you have your own well, that’s on you. Speaking from experience, having your own well is a blessing and a bother in equal measure. On the upside, it offers independence from the mains living in a shaggy rural spot. Tested and filtered, the water is often cool, fresh, clear and delicious carrying minute amounts of minerals that make it special to your home place. My water makes the best tea in Ireland — bar none.

A well-designed well system, in an appropriate situation on your land is the first step, but it’s not the last step. Wells require maintenance and monitoring — annually. If you have bought a home with a well already in place or you are preparing to sink a new one, use the Protect your Well application on erc.epa.ie/water/wells to assess the risks posed by your water supply.