​Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions 

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​Question: My sample results indicate the presence of Total Coliform and E. coli. What does this mean and what should I do?

​Answer:  A positive coliform test means possible contamination of your water supply and risk of waterborne disease. A positive E. coli test indicates the well may be contaminated by human or animal feces. Repairs to or modifications of your water system may be required; WAI can recommend qualified companies to assist with well remediation. Drinking water and water used for brushing teeth must be of safe water quality. For these purposes, use bottled water, water secured from a safe source, or water that has been boiled for at least one minute until your well is assessed by a qualified company and testing shows that bacteria are no longer present. 
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​Question:   How often should I test my drinking water supply?

​Answer:   The Environmental Protection Agency suggests testing well water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH levels, especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps, or the well casing. Other factors that can prompt a test of your water supply include: preparing to have a new baby or nursing mother in the household, observing taste, odor or staining issues, having a chemical or fuel spill or leak near your water supply, and experiencing unexplained illnesses in the family. 
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​Question: I am seeing blue/green or red/orange/brown discoloration in my sink, tub and/or toilet. What might this mean? 

​Answer: Discoloration can indicate the presence of metals, including copper, iron and others in the water. Well water which presents staining, odor or taste issues should be tested.
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​Question: What type of container should I use to collect a water sample?

​Answer: WAI has free sample collection containers at our office in Forest which can be picked up any time during normal business hours. 
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​Question: Do I need to refrigerate my sample after it is collected, and how much time can elapse between when I collect a water sample and when I bring it to the office for testing?

​Answer: Samples must be brought to the WAI laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Samples held overnight in your home should be refrigerated. Samples should be kept in a cooler for transportation to the lab during warm weather. 
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Question: Where are the WAI office and laboratory located?

Answer: The WAI office and laboratory are located in Forest, Virginia, on the corner of Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Route 811) and Forest Road (Route 221) beside the Forest Public Library.

Guidance on Collecting Water Samples

1. Prior to collecting the water sample, ensure you have the correct sampling kit or container. Make note of the location along with the time of collection. 
2. Some sampling containers contain preservatives; do not dispose of the preservative! 
3. Wearing protective glovewear is recommended; our bodies, hands and fingertips harbor various germs that can contaminate the sample.
4. Collect from an area that is free of excessive debris and other sources of contamination. Remove any strainers or aerators attached to your faucet.
5. Wipe the inside and tip of the faucet with am alcohol pad.
6. Collect water from the faucet or other source without touching the mouth of the sampling container with your hands​.

EPA Sample Collection Guidelines

Well Water Chlorination
​ Shocking Instructions

1. Use household bleach (no additives or scents) - at least a quart and no more than a gallon. 
   
2. Pour half of the contents straight down the well. Using the other half, try to make contact with the inside casing (walls) of the well.  Depending on the type of well, this may or may not be possible. If necessary, simply pour the bleach straight down the well. It will make contact with the inside walls on the way down.
3. If the well can be reached by a hose, put the end of the hose into the well, turn the water on and allow water to flow for about 10-15 minutes down the well. If a hose cannot reach the well, fill the bleach container with water and pour it down the well, repeating 5 to 6 times. This allows the bleach and water to mix.
4. Let the bleach sit in the well for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, or overnight if necessary.                            
5. Begin flushing the lines. Turn on the faucets inside - you may want to do this in intervals so you are not using so much water all at once. Try to use as many faucets as possible, inside and outside the dwelling.
6. Once you begin to smell bleach coming through the lines inside, turn off the faucets. Let the bleach sit in the lines for about 30 minutes.
7. Turning all faucets on again, completely flush the lines. 
8.  You can sample once you no longer smell bleach.  

Learn More About Drinking Water Safety

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Links: 
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Virginia's Drinking Water Rules & Regulations
Virginia's Drinking Water Rules and Regulations - Drinking Water  

About Wells ABOUT WELLS 
Environmental Health (virginia.gov)  

Guidance on Testing Private Well Water
Guidance on testing your private well water - Environmental Health (virginia.gov) 

Quick Guide To Drinking Water Sample Collection
Guidance on drinking water sample collection- Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)

Get Informed: What are Nitrates/Nitrites?
Introduction to nitrate and Nitrites - Water Research Center (knowyourh20.com)

Ground Water & Drinking Water: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)

Lead and Copper & Drinking Water
Guidance on Lead and cooper & drinking water - Drinking water (vdh.virginia.gov)
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