What's Wrong with My Water?

You wonder if something's wrong with the water coming from your private well. It smells, tastes, or looks different; or it stains your laundry or bathroom fixtures. Confirm the cause of your water complaints before attempting to fix them.

Get the Right Diagnosis

Use our diagnostic information to get to the bottom of your water concern. Start by taking stock of your complaints -- similar to your doctor asking you to describe your symptoms and ordering tests before giving you a diagnosis.

Identify Your Water's Symptoms

Get Tested

Test your water annually for coliform bacteria and at least once for other a few other contaminants. Even if your water looks, tastes and smells good, it can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.

Test Your Private Well Water Annually

Get the Right Fix

Weigh the possible solutions listed for each diagnosed water problem. They are listed from easiest and/or least expensive solution to hardest and/or most expensive.

Recognize that water treatment units that work for one problem don't necessarily work well for others. If treatment is a good option for your problem, follow these steps to make sure you get the right device.

• Use a certified laboratory to test your water first to know for certain what the contaminant is and how much is in the water.
• Install a device approved by the Department of Commerce plumbing program.
• Maintain the device so it works properly and doesn't create other problems.

Contact Information

We welcome your feedback, please contact:

Dorie Turpin