Is your well water safe?

Kildare County Council is reminding homeowners who get water from wells to make sure they are regularly checked, writes Brian Byrne.

The Council is highlighting the SystemSafe programme aimed at improving awareness of proper positioning and ongoing maintenance of private wells.

According to SystemSafe — supported by the EPA, Geological Survey, and the HSE among other agencies — a fifth of all people in Ireland get their water from a private supply.

But a recent study found that E coli, which can cause serious illnesses, is present in 29pc of private wells.

Well water should be tested at least once a year, and if found not to be up to standard, the well should be upgraded.

Grants are available for improvement work, and for drilling a new well.

More information is available from the EPA.