Individual Water Systems

An individual water system is a private well that provides drinking water to a single-family home or two homes on the same parcel.  It is the private well owner’s responsibility to ensure their water is safe to drink.  After initial water quality testing associated with a building permit, water quality testing is not required but regular testing is strongly recommended to protect the health of the consumers.  


 It is recommended that a private well owner test yearly for:

  • Coliform bacteria
  • Nitrate

 Other recommended testing includes:

  • Chloride and conductivity
  • Arsenic

 In addition to testing, private well owners should keep the area around the well free from pollutants, such as animal waste, fertilizers, fuels, etc.   See Source Protection for more information.

Resources