Private wells draw water from underground aquifers and are not regulated by municipal water agencies or the EPA.

Homeowners are responsible for testing and maintaining their wells.

Key points about private wells:

• Risk of contamination from natural sources (arsenic, radon, uranium) or human activities (agriculture, industrial runoff).
• No automatic testing — owners must arrange regular water testing themselves.
• Common risks include bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and pesticide residues.

Important takeaway:

If you have a private well, testing at least once per year is essential — and you may need multi-stage filtration to ensure safety.