Jack Daniel warns private well owners about hidden water contamination

Retired soil scientist Jack Daniel appeared on CUTV News with Jim Masters on July 21 to explain why private well water can look and taste fine while still carrying bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants. His advice centers on testing, proper well construction and smart siting, especially for homeowners and buyers.

Why it matters: - Private well water can appear safe while still carrying bacteria, pesticides, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants that homeowners cannot detect by taste or smell. - Daniel’s message matters for homeowners, homebuyers and rural residents who rely on wells and may not realize how easily contamination can enter a poorly sealed system.

What happened: - Retired soil scientist and well inspector Jack Daniel appeared on a CUTV News podcast with Jim Masters on July 21. - The interview focused on groundwater safety and the risks facing private well owners. - Daniel also was featured by Close Up Radio in a July 21 interview at 4 p.m. Eastern.

The details: - Daniel said clean-looking, good-tasting water is not the same as safe water. - He said bacteria, pesticides and volatile organic compounds can be present at levels people cannot taste. - Daniel has tested wells with unsafe levels of volatile organic compounds that gave no warning through taste or smell. - Arsenic, nitrates, herbicides, insecticides, bacteria and viruses can all contaminate home water supplies. - Wells located too close to sewer lines can pick up contamination, which is why regulators require separation distances from pollution sources. - Daniel described one inspection in which he found a live frog swimming inside a well. - He said rodents are a bigger concern than frogs or snakes because mice can enter wells, die and introduce bacteria as they decay. - Daniel said groundwater tends to stay around 50 degrees, even in winter, which can attract animals seeking warmth. - Spring is the most critical season for private well testing, Daniel said, because snow melt can increase underground water volume and flush contaminants faster. - He said soil acts as a natural filter because it contains roughly half void space filled with air and water, which can be hostile to many disease-causing bacteria. - That filtration works best when there is enough soil between the surface and groundwater below. - When the soil layer is too thin, contaminants can reach a home’s water supply more easily. - Daniel advised homeowners to keep wells up to code, avoid placing animal pens and manure piles nearby and keep herbicide applications away from the well. - He said modern wells with submersible pumps and breather caps can pull in outside air, so airborne spray and fine dirt can enter when the pump turns on. - Daniel said well owners should maintain a tight well seal on a well that is at least 12 inches above grade. - For homebuyers, Daniel said the key question is whether the well is located where it should be and whether it meets current code. - Daniel said that question can carry consequences and expenses long after closing. - Jack Daniel is a retired soil scientist and public/private well inspector with field experience testing residential water supplies for chemical and biological contamination. - His work centered on groundwater safety, soil filtration science and practical steps homeowners can take to protect wells from contamination. - The story included links to listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, iHeart and Spotify. - More information about Jack Daniel is available here. - Close Up Radio also provided a Facebook page link for the program.