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Disinfecting Your Well
Image used by permission of the
Tacoma-Pierce
County Health Department, Washington State
Disclaimer
This procedure is designed for the typical four-inch diameter well with a submersible pump. If you have an above-ground jet pump with a closed system, you will need to contact a well driller to disinfect the system.
Shut off power to pump and drain water from the pressure tank, all tanks in the system, and all water lines, including indoor water lines at faucets.
Obtain one of the following:
Two to three (2 to 3) pounds of calcium hypochlorite. This may be purchased anywhere pool chemicals are sold. This is the best type to use. You will need to mix this dry chlorine powder with approximately five gallons of water.
Four (4) gallons of liquid pool chlorine (10 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite).
The bigger your water distribution system, the more chlorine solution you will need for effective disinfection.
Remove one-half inch (1/2")access plug from top of casing (see diagram above) and pour chlorine solution into well through opening. Follow with two gallons of plain water. Replace plug.
Turn power on, start pump, and fill the pressure tank. Open all faucets, one at a time, until bleach odor of the chlorine is recognized, then close spigots.
Do not use any water from the system for ten to 12 hours - water will have a high concentration of chlorine and may irritate sensitive tissues. Allow power to remain on to maintain pressure in tank.
After ten to 12 hours, thoroughly drain and flush all lines and pressure tank, allowing water to run from faucets until no odor of chlorine bleach is present.
After another eight hours, samples may be submitted to a laboratory for testing.
If you have any questions regarding the above procedures, please contact the Columbia County Health Department, Environmental Health Section at (386) 758-1058.
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