What to Know When Buying a Home with a Well and Septic System in Virginia

In Virginia, about 1.6 million people rely on water supplied by a private water well. Unlike municipal water supplies, which are regularly tested and treated to remove contaminants, private water supplies are completely the responsibility of the owner.

A well can be an excellent source of safe drinking water for you and your family, and an important part of your property’s value, but you must take some important steps to ensure the water is safe for drinking, cooking and other uses in your household.

This video outlines important components of water wells and recommendations for testing water quality, and if needed, remediating problems. Basic septic system function, care and maintenance is also covered. Brought to you by the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Household Water Quality Program.

Helpful Links and Resources:
List of Water Labs in Virginia - http://bit.ly/vawaterlabs
Private Well Program - http://bit.ly/vaprivatewellprogram
Virginia Household Water Quality Program - https://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/

Jump to a section of the video using the timestamp links below:
0:46 Virginia well regulations
0:59 Virginia is a "buyer-beware" state
1:11 Key well components and construction
1:38 Possible sources of contamination
1:53 Well inspections
2:09 Water testing recommendations
2:32 Addressing water quality problems
2:50 Well records
3:24 Septic systems
3:44 Signs of septic system trouble

Видео What to Know When Buying a Home with a Well and Septic System in Virginia канала Virginia Department of Health