Article: How to Tell if Your Well Water Is Making You Sick

When you rely on a private well, you also rely on yourself to detect when something is wrong. Unlike city water systems, private wells are not continuously tested or monitored, leading contamination to go unnoticed until your household begins experiencing symptoms. Below are the clearest indicators that your well water may be contributing to illness and why immediate testing is essential.

1. You Notice Recurring Gastrointestinal Illness

If stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting show up repeatedly in your household, especially after drinking well water, this may signal coliform or E. coli contamination. These bacteria are common after heavy rains, septic issues, or well cap failures.

2. Your Water Has Changed Odor or Taste

A sudden earthy, metallic, sulfur, or musty smell can indicate microbial activity or organic contamination inside the well or plumbing system. Even subtle changes should be taken seriously.

3. Your Well Has Recently Flooded or Been Serviced

Any disturbance, such as storms, construction, drought recovery, pump replacement, can introduce bacteria into the well. Every major event should trigger a routine bacteria test.

4. Biofilm or Slime Is Forming in Plumbing or Fixtures

Slippery buildup around faucets, toilet tanks, or water filters often means bacteria are present upstream. If your plumbing is producing biofilm, the well may be the source.

5. You Haven’t Tested in Over a Year

The CDC recommends annual well water screening for coliform bacteria, even if nothing seems wrong. Most homeowners test far less frequently.

What to Do Next

If you suspect your water may be contributing to illness, use a rapid at-home screening kit to check for coliforms and E. coli. Kits like the Detekt Home Bacteria in Water Test provide quick, clear results and help you determine whether you need professional remediation or further lab analysis.

By Chris M., PhD