Drinking Water From Private Wells and Risks to Children
Alan D. Woolf, Bryan Stierman, Elizabeth D. Barnett, Lori G. Byron, Alan D. Woolf, Bryan Stierman, Elizabeth D. Barnett, Lori G. Byron, Aparna Bole, Sophie J. Balk, Lori G. Byron, Gredia Maria Huerta-Montañez, Philip J. Landrigan, Steven M. Marcus, Abby L. Nerlinger, Lisa H. Patel, Rebecca Philipsborn, Alan D. Woolf, Lauren Zajac, Kimberly A. Gray, Jeanne Briskin, Nathaniel G. DeNicola, CDR Matt Karwowski, Aaron Briggs, Mary H. Ward, Paul Spire, Yvonne Maldonado, Sean T. O’Leary, Monica I. Ardura, Ritu Banerjee, Kristina A. Bryant, James D. Campbell, Mary T. Caserta, Chandy C. John, Jeffrey S. Gerber, Athena P. Kourtis, Adam J. Ratner, José R. Romero, Samir S. Shah, Kenneth M. Zangwill, David W. Kimberlin, Elizabeth D. Barnett, Ruth Lynfield, Mark H. Sawyer, Henry H. Bernstein, Karen M. Farizo, Lisa M. Kafer, David Kim, Eduardo López‐Medina, Denee Moore, Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, Laura Sauvé, Neil S. Silverman, Jeffrey R. Starke, Kay M. Tomashek, Melinda Wharton, Jennifer M. Frantz
Abstract
Drinking water for >23 million US households is obtained from private wells. These wells can become contaminated by chemicals, naturally occurring toxic substances, or pathogenic organisms that can cause illness in children. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency and most states offer some guidance for the construction, maintenance, and testing of private wells, most states only regulate the construction of new private water wells. With few exceptions, well owners are responsible for their own wells after the initial construction. Children may also drink well water at childcare or when traveling. This policy statement provides recommendations for the inspection, testing, and remediation of private wells to provide safe drinking water for children.