You must bear the cost of the testing yourself and if your supply is contaminated, you must organise and pay for any treatment that is needed. You may be eligible for a well grant for upgrading your water supply and/or installing water treatment systems from Meath County Council. Further information on grants for private water supply by visiting the Well Grants section.
The HSE publishes detailed information on the risk of illness from well water. It recommends that wells should be tested at least once a year for microbial contamination, and at least once every 3 years for chemical contamination.
To get your supply checked for a fee you can arrange to have a sample tested using a private laboratory. It is not recommended that you take a water sample yourself as equipment has to be sterile. As noted above, the HSE also publishes advice and guidance on the dangers to human health caused by poor water quality.
The EPA has published extensive information for householders on protecting private wells, including an online tool for assessing whether your well is at risk.
The EPA also provide "Advice for Private Well Owners Affected by Flooding" http://www.epa.ie/newsandevents/incidents/recent/name,58775,en.html
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government has also published a leaflet outlining the risk to your well water being affected by your septic tank (see leaflet below).
Meath County Council can also provide information on
- How to protect your water supply.
- Where to get your water supply tested and what parameters to test for.
- General Information on Drinking Water Quality.
You can find out more about this by calling or emailing Meath County Council Environment and Water Services.