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1. When should I watch our well water consumption so as not to run dry?

Yes! You should conserve water as much as possible throughout the year especially in the drier months. 

2. We had a salesperson come to our home and performed an onsite water test and told us our water was unsafe to drink is this accurate?

No one can tell you that your water is unsafe with an onsite test only.  Only a certified laboratory can perform the tests to determine the safety of your water supply.  Never purchase water systems from a non-certified or pushy salesperson.  The Water Systems Council recommends having your water tested by a certified laboratory and then getting a second opinion from a certified water treatment professional before making a decision.  

3. How far should my septic system be from my water well system?

For residential properties the separation from Well and Septic should be 70 Feet Radius.  Please contact the Lake County Health Department with questions 847-377-8020. 

4. Where is my well located?

Locate the wellhead in your yard.  This is the top of your well.  There should be a cap or seal on the top of the casing (pipe) that should extend at least twelve inches above the ground to keep contaminants from entering the system.  Soil should slope away from the wellhead so surface water doesn't puddle.

5. When do you disinfect a well?

Disinfection is only used when a new well is drilled, flooding occurs, after a well is serviced, if harmful bacterias are found, and if the well has been sitting without use for an extended period of time.  The Water System Council recommends that you have a licensed well contractor make any repairs to your well and disinfect it afterward.  You can also disinfect your well, but before you do, you should read this information sheet.

6. How do I get my water tested?

Well water test kits are available at the Village Office Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.  You will receive a sterilized bottle and a form with instructions on how to take the water sample.  The sample and paperwork must be returned to the Lake County Environmental Laboratory 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 847-377-8020.  Payment of $15-$20 is due to Lake County at the time you drop off the sample and paperwork.   Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) usually holds a well water testing event once a year and they offer a reduced testing rate and a local drop off location.  These events are publicized on the Village website and Facebook page.

7. How do I remove the contaminant(s) from my water?

There are different treatment systems for different contaminants, consult a certified water treatment professional and be sure that the treatment system is certified.  

8. I have low water pressure and the water has a surging and subsiding pressure variation through the pipes what can I do?

Your well pump system can be adjusted to give you a service pressure that will meet your expectations.  The surging of your water coming from your faucets is a sign that the air change in your water tank is out of balance with your pressure switch or the diaphragm in the tank is torn.  Your water tank may need to be replaced.  The surging will eventually lead to pump failure.  Contact a licensed well contractor to inspect your system for this problem.