How to keep well water safe and clean

Keeping your well water clean is very important, as wells can easily become contaminated by dirty buckets, ropes, and hands. The best way to avoid contamination is to attach one clean bucket to the well and use this bucket only for drawing water. Instead of lowering different buckets, use this single clean bucket to fill other containers. Make sure to hang the bucket on the windlass handle when it’s not in use. This helps prevent dirt and germs from getting into the well.

It’s also helpful to have a way to wash hands near the well. Washing hands before collecting water helps stop germs from entering the well. Remember to always keep the well cover in place. This cover keeps out dust, dirt, and any other contamination from the outside.

To make sure the well stays safe over time, keep the platform around the well and the runoff channel clean. The runoff channel is the small ditch or path that carries away any spilled water. When water spills and creates puddles, it can attract mosquitoes that lay eggs in still water. These mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria. A well-maintained runoff channel will help the water drain away, preventing it from collecting in puddles around the well.

You can even make good use of the runoff water by planting a tree or a vegetable garden where the water drains. This way, the excess water nourishes plants instead of creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If planting isn’t possible, another option is to dig a small hollow in the ground and fill it with stones, gravel, or sand. This hollow, called a soakaway pit, allows the water to seep safely into the ground.

To keep the well equipment in good working order, make sure to grease the handle bearing of the windlass often. This makes it easier to turn, helping to keep the well easy to use. Avoid letting children play around the well or pump, as they may accidentally contaminate the water or damage the equipment.

Building a fence around the well area is another effective step. This fence keeps animals away, reducing the risk of contamination. Finally, it can be helpful to assign a caretaker for the well-someone responsible for making sure it stays clean, the cover is secure, and the equipment is well-maintained.

By following these simple practices, you help ensure that your well water remains safe and clean for everyone in the community.

Sources

• Audiopedia ID: En3134