If your answer to any of the questions below is Yes, we would advise you to get your water tested, please contact us to find out more information.

  • Is your Tap Water Discolored or Staining your home?
  • Do you have your own Private Well?
  • Is it more than 12 months since you had your Last Water Test?
  • Find out more at the EPA’s website. The Geological Survey of Ireland has mapped Groundwater Vulnerability in Ireland; see their interactive GIS groundwater viewer.

Well water

Risks

If your well is in an area of high groundwater vulnerability and is poorly constructed there is a risk of contamination even for deep wells. The EPA recommends that if you suspect that your water may be contaminated it is advisable to boil your water before drinking, washing teeth, or cleaning food until you have had your well water tested. The EPA advise that you get your well water tested annually.

Contamination

Contamination (microbiological or chemical) may occur from waste from septic tanks, fertilizer or surface runoff. Discoloration and/or Odour may be an indication of contamination but contaminants can be present, and the water may not be discolored. Contamination can make anyone who consumes the water ill, but just because householders are not getting sick, is no guarantee that the well is safe.

The EPA has more information related to well water testing, contamination methods of disinfection, and grant availability in these FAQs.

The HSE has published information on the risks of illness from well water (pdf)

The Geological Survey of Ireland has mapped Groundwater Vulnerability in Ireland; see their interactive GIS groundwater viewer

The National Federation of Group Water Schemes has also published a plain English guide “What’s in Your Water?” (pdf)