This document provides information on evaluating private well water for real estate transactions. It discusses factors like well location, construction, and water quality testing. Key points include:
- The well should be properly constructed at least 12 inches above ground, 100 feet from septic, and not near vegetation or low areas.
- Nearby land use like farms, industry, or gas stations within a few miles could impact water quality.
- Water testing is recommended if any issues are observed by the homeowner or if the well is in a problematic location.
- A thorough test like the Health Scan evaluates bacteria, chemicals, and radiological components.
- Inspections of the well interior can identify problems, and minor fixes like
3.
Terry Barter
Kelly Barnard
Administration and Customer Service
George Gauthier
Administrative Manager and Customer Service
Elaine Brenn
General Manager and Owner
Shipping & Receiving and Customer Service
Greg Aldrich
Director, Sales and Marketing
4. Background
In Leominster since 1995
Research and Develop solutions
Business
Individuals
Chemical & biochemical analysis
Locations
Whitney Fields
1995-2002
Fuller Street
2002-2011
Elm Hill Ave since 2011
5.
Private Drinking Water Analysis
Radon In Air Testing
Research & Development Solutions for Industry
9.
The Issue
What is radon
Measuring for property sale
How
Where
Which testing is recommended
10.
What is the Issue
Many experts have concluded that
Radon in Air is an issue
Some Controversy about health issues
NO controversy about financial impact
11.
Experts says: Radon a health issue.
Many folks are concern.
Buyers see financial issues if Radon present.
Affects property value.
Radon in Air is an financial issue!
12.
Radon is a gas
It is heavier than air
Comes from the breakdown of uranium
Uranium is present in may types of rock
formations
EPA Standard say 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter)
13. Most practical and cost Affective method for
measuring radon:
Charcoal Canister
Most popular method
Reasonably price
Easiest to manage
14.
EPA is one of the primary advocates of Radon
in Air issues
Therefore EPA standards are considered by
many as the basis for measuring Radon
15. “EPA recommends that measurements made for a real
estate transaction be performed in the lowest level of
the home which is currently suitable for occupancy. This
means the lowest level that is currently lived-in, or a
lower level that is not currently used (such as a
basement, which a buyer could use for living space
without renovations). Measurements should be made in a
room that is used regularly, such as a living room,
playroom, den, or bedroom. This includes a basement
that can be used as a recreation room, bedroom, or
playroom. This provides the buyer with the option of
using a lower level of the home as part of the living
area, with the knowledge that it has been tested for
radon.”
16.
Conduct the radon test for minimum of 48 hours.
In homes with an active radon reduction system, check that the
fan is running at least 24 hours before starting a short-term test
lasting less than four days.
EPA recommends that short-term radon testing be done under
closed-building conditions.
Single Sample
Two Simultaneous Samples –
same location and time frame
4 inches apart
Multiple Samples?
Complete list of guidelines Page 9
17.
How concerned is the buyer?
Radon measurements are typically higher at lower on lower
floors of the house. Not always:
Upper levels less ventilated than lower levels.
Granite counter tops can emit radon.
How many places in the home should be measured?
Closed house?
18.
Measure in environment as people live
For average client who is has little or limited
concern
Single or double canister - side by side
Meets fiduciary responsibility
For moderate to very concerned client
They may want to place multiple double canister
tests
19.
Radon is a heavy gas
Concerns by many about health Affects
Measure with charcoal canister
Location
Duration
Consult with ETR when issues arise
20.
21.
The financial impact private water wells have
on real estate. We will review:
Location
Construction
Other Factors
Quality of the water
Solutions
Expectation of your laboratory
24.
Where is the well
First you must find it!
EPA Guidelines, Massachusetts Law:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.)
25.
Where is the well
First you must find it!
In MA must meet Title V:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.)
Are there any plants growing so that they touch or
hang over the well?
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31. Are there any plants growing so that they touch or
hang over the well?
32.
Where is the well
First you must find it!
In MA must meet Title V:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.)
Are there any plants growing so that they touch or
hang over the well?
Is the well elevated or in a depression?
42.
Additional research with homeowner or local
authorities (Board of Health or similar)
Age of well?
Who installed it?
Depth of well?
Jaswell seal?
Does the water have bad:
Odors
Color
tastes
45.
Well pump
In the Basement (Can be elsewhere, generally above ground
level)
Jet pump
Two Pipes
Suction Pump
One Pipe
In the well
Submersible Pump
46. Why is this important to you?
Buyers – Affects:
Their family health
Lifestyle
Future expenses
Sellers: Effects property value
Lenders: Effects value of their security
47. The more you understand about water
quality, the more effective you will be at
evaluating the real financial impact on
your deals
48. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
49. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Taste odor, smell, other.
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
50. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
Industrial facilities
51. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
Industrial facilities
Gas Stations
52. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
Industrial facilities
Gas Stations
Dry cleaning
establishments
53. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
Industrial facilities
Gas Stations
Dry cleaning
establishments
Underground heating oil
Then thorough testing is
important to understanding
the water quality.
54.
Many buyers are going to want to have the
water tested
Because “for warned is for armed,” you/your
seller clients may want to consider a
preliminary test to avoid surprises
Information is power
If any of the items mentioned previously . . . . .
55. If the well is:
12 inches or less above the
ground
Has an inferior or damaged
well cap
In a depression
Current homeowner
observes issues
Less than 100 feet septic
Proximity to roads or
wetlands
If the well is less than
several miles from:
Active farmlands
Industrial facilities
Gas Stations
Dry cleaning
establishments
Then thorough testing is
important to understanding
the water quality.
57. Consideration:
Long after your client has forgotten the exact
test that was done they will remember the
test said the water was OK
Liability &/or reputation
Recommending the right test protects you AND
your client
58.
A word about the “so called” Potability Test
If “potability” means fit for drinking, a Coliform/ E.coli P/A
test does NOT do that
Liability
Standard Scan – Meets all FHA, HUD, etc.
requirements
For most wells our Health Scan is the ideal test
If there is no odor or surface water contamination
issues, Comprehensive Scan can be acceptable
59.
This series of tests was designed to ensure
complete information about all of the
parameters we see routinely in Private Well
Water
We very rarely see any contamination which is
not tested for in the Health Scan
60.
Microbiological
Coliform and E. Coli (present/absent)
Microanalysis to identify all micro organisms to
genus and species
Inorganics – metals, wet chemistry
Radiological
Organics
61.
Most wells provide great water
Some need minor modifications
Modifying landscaping
Clear away from well head.
Add berm to cause water to drain away from well
Often replacing well cap will solve issues
Extension to 12 or more inches above ground
ETR Water Well Disinfection Kit
Well Inspection
Some may need filtration/treatment systems added or
modified
Only use an installer who requires extensive water quality testing
62.
Thorough review inside and out
A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of the
pump or beyond.
63.
Thorough review inside and out
Examine all the parameters of location and construction discussed
earlier
A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of the
pump or beyond.
64.
65.
Thorough review inside and out
Examine all the parameters of location and construction discussed
earlier.
A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of the
pump or beyond.
When to have a well inspection.
When water has bad odor
Well does not meet standards
Construction
Location
Water testing points towards ground water accessing the well
Bacteria
Elevated salts components – calcium, chloride, potassium, etc.
Elevated nitrogen compounds . . . . particularly ammonia
66.
A new well is likely to cost upwards of $10-15k
Water testing - what most folks needs is less
than three hundred dollars
Well inspection is $590 plus travel
67.
Pick up kits and drop off samples 24/7
Kits easy to mail
Results are fast – 2 business days from receipt
No rejected samples
No “Failed” comment on the report
Confidential to those specified on Request form
Consult with your client after the test to know
the exact situation and how to resolve
68.
Well location and
construction.
Sealed well cap
100 + feet from septic
Roads and wetlands
On a knoll or raised above
surrounding area
Casing 12 or more inches
above ground
No vegetation growing near
the well head
69.
Well location and construction.
General vicinity within several miles
Underground petroleum tank
Gas Station
Heating oil
Farms
Industrial
Dry cleaning
70.
Check the well location and construction
General vicinity
Check the water quality
Consult with ETR on issues raised by the above
Have confidence that your clients interests
are protected
71. We are honored to serve you and your clients.
We hope you will encourage your clients to
contact us with any questions or concerns
regarding private well water
Or radon.
Questions?