Sanitize Well System
Why It Matters
Bacteria in well water cause gastrointestinal illness. Annual sanitization ensures your water supply stays safe for your family.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Bucket, Garden hose. Materials required: Unscented liquid chlorine bleach.
- 2
Perform the sanitize well system
Shock chlorinate your well to eliminate bacteria and reset the system if water test shows contamination. Safety note: Do not drink water during chlorination.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if bacteria persists after treatment, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Bucket
- Garden hose
Materials
- Unscented liquid chlorine bleach
Community Tips
Never exceed 200 ppm (parts per million) chlorine concentration during well sanitization, as excessive bleach can damage well components and create health hazards; most residential wells require only 50-100 ppm for effective pathogen elimination.
Run the chlorinated water through every faucet, toilet, and fixture for at least 15 minutes each to ensure the sanitizer reaches all dead zones in the plumbing system where bacteria colonies thrive. Clorox Germicidal Bleach ($3-5 per gallon) is unscented and specifically formulated for water treatment without adding flavor or odor compounds that complicate post-flush testing.
A basic water testing kit like the Hach Total Chlorine Test Strips ($15-25) is essential after sanitization to confirm residual chlorine levels have dropped below 0.2 ppm before resuming normal water use, preventing damage to appliances and eliminating taste issues that trigger unnecessary service calls. ---