Water Well Treatment Procedure

We recommend the following procedure for well disinfection:

First

Make sure your well is properly located (no septic tanks located with 50 feet or sewer lines within 150 feet) and constructed (watertight covering to exclude surface drainage, dust, insects, small animals and other foreign materials).

Second

Know the depth of your well. The amount of chlorine you use to disinfect your well will depend on the amount of water in it. Figure the amount of chlorine (Clorox or Purex, etc,) to be added to your well using the chart below: CHLORINE BLEACH DOSAGE TABLE FOR WELL DISINFECTION:

WELL DEPTH

GALLONS OF BLEACH

Less than 100 ft.

½ to 1 gallon

100 to 200 ft.

1 to 1 ½ gallons

200 to 300 ft.

2 gallons

300 and above

2 ½ gallons or more

These dosages are approximate. Greater amounts are recommended for excessively cloudy water or for hand-dug wells.

Third

Gain access to the inside of the well to add the chlorine. Add the chlorine, then using a hose from the nearest faucet, allow water to run into the well two to three hours to circulate the chlorinated well water.

Fourth

Discontinue using the water hose. Water should be pumped throughout the system until the chlorine odor is noticed at ALL outlets of the system. The water should then be allowed to remain in the well and system as long as possible, preferably 24 hours during this time it is recommended that the water not be used for drinking or cooking.

Fifth

After disinfecting the well, flush all faucets until the bleach odor disappears.

Sixth

Resubmit another sample, keeping in mind that a single disinfection may not be sufficient and periodic testing is suggested.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT NORTHEAST TEXAS PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT AT (903)-535-0091