Characterizing Private Well Water User Perceptions of Risk, Testing, and Treatment to Support Workshop and Resource Development

Vollständiger Abstract

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Approximately 14% of the U.S. population relies on private wells for drinking water. Little is known about well stewardship, well water contaminants and their health impacts, ideal water testing frequency, and preferred water treatment. Our mixed-methods study focused on identifying well stewardship practices and beliefs in Colorado. We contacted septic permit holders and enrolled them in this study if they met eligibility criteria. Although annual testing is recommended, only 8.2% of study participants had tested their water in the past year, and 45.5% of participants reported treating their water. Differences in practices and beliefs were observed based on income and education levels. Identified gaps in knowledge, testing, and treatment suggest that public–private partnerships and increased development of resources, annual reminders, and better access to testing might improve stewardship and the overall health of well users. Well users could benefit from increased access to resources about well stewardship—specifically testing and treating well water—to improve drinking water safety.