Failed Potability Inspection
Failed Potability Inspection
The laboratory examination of a water sample collected from your well system showed indications of contamination. This test result indicates that the water is not safe to use and remedial action is necessary.
Follow the chart below for parameters and instructions on how to proceed.
| Sample Type | Result | Action | ||
| Bacteriological | Absent Coliform | Satisfactory | ||
| Present Fecal/Total Coliform | Unsatisfactory - Disinfect the well. Instructions attached. | |||
| Nitrates | < 10 | Satisfactory | ||
| >10 | Unsatisfactory - Contact the well driller | |||
| Turbidity | < 10 | Satisfactory | ||
| >10 | Unsatisfactory - Run water out then retest. Contact the well driller | |||
| pH | 6.5-8.5 | Satisfactory | ||
| <6.5 or >8.5 | Unsatisfactory - Neutralizer. Contact the well driller. | |||
If this contamination is a result of bacteria of the coliform group, it can usually be removed by a thorough disinfection of the system as described in the well disinfection handout.
After disinfection of the system or other methods to correct the unsatisfactory conditions are made, this Department should be contacted to make arrangements for another bacteriological test of the water.
Requests for retesting or any other questions relating to repair and disinfection of the well should be directed to the Environmental Engineering/Policy Program at 301/883-7681, weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.