Well Disinfection

An estimated one third of all wells contains bacteria.  One of the biggest misunderstood concepts involving bacteria is well disinfection.  Disinfecting a well is often referred to as "shocking" a well.  The process involves literally pouring chlorine into a well casing or the well itself.  While this process may eliminate bacteria in a well and may even produce a negative Coliform bacteria test result it does not sanitize the distribution system or assure that the bacteria will not return.

A more thorough process involves "shocking" the well with chlorine and then distributing the chlorine throughout the entire distribution system.  The water should remain undisturbed for twelve hours and then flushed.

While this method is more effective it also does not guarantee that the bacteria will not return.  To ensure the elimination and prevention of bacteria, viruses, mold, and etc. an ongoing disinfection system involving chlorination or ultraviolet light needs to be employed.