For a home in Mercer County or elsewhere in western Pennsylvania, a water test is the starting point for choosing treatment. These answers explain what to check and what a treatment system can and cannot establish about your private well water.
What should Pennsylvania private well owners test for?
Pennsylvania DEP recommends annual testing for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. Ask a state-certified laboratory or your local health department which additional tests suit your property and nearby land uses. An annual panel does not test for every possible contaminant.
Pennsylvania DEP: private well water testing.
How do I know if my well water needs treatment?
Start with water testing instead of choosing equipment from a stain, odor or taste alone. Changes in your water are a reason to investigate, but appearance cannot tell you everything a laboratory test can. Share the results and any changes you have noticed with a water treatment professional before selecting a system.
What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A softener reduces hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium; most softeners do not remove germs. Filters target different substances depending on their design. Check the specific product label against your test results rather than assuming any filter or softener makes all well water safe to drink.
CDC: home water treatment systems.
When should I test beyond the annual check?
CDC recommends additional testing when the well has been repaired, flooding or another disturbance has occurred nearby, or the water changes in taste, color or smell. Tell the laboratory what changed so it can advise on appropriate sampling and tests. Do not assume the routine annual panel covers a new concern.
How should I plan water treatment maintenance?
Use the instructions for your exact equipment model and keep its manual with your test reports and service records. Before arranging service, note the model, installation date if known, any alarms and changes in water quality or flow. Ask which maintenance tasks apply to your system rather than relying on a universal filter or lamp replacement interval.
What should I have ready when I contact Chatfield Drilling & Water Systems?
Have your property location, recent water test report, existing treatment equipment details and a description of the problem ready. Chatfield Drilling & Water Systems provides water testing and water treatment services from its Greenville, Pennsylvania and Cortland, Ohio locations. Ask the team which assessment fits your property and whether laboratory testing is needed.
Discuss your water treatment needs
Contact Chatfield Drilling & Water Systems at (724) 588-2652 or request service. You can also learn about water testing, water treatment and water softeners before contacting the team.
