WATER WELLS SHOULD BE TESTED FREQUENTLY
INDUSTRY NEWS, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR BUYERS, TIPS FOR SELLERS
January 22nd, 2009
Representatives from Basic Laboratory in Redding addressed Realtors regarding their water testing 
services. Real estate agents are concerned new statewide septic regulations that require private well owners test their wells regularly will create added expense and disclosure issues for sellers.
Basic Lab has several types of tests packaged for saving their customers money. They include:
- Total coliform and E. coli ($35)
- Private Well Toxicity Panel ($200) includes above along with turbidity and 14 other contaminants
- Drinking Water Testing ($550) all above plus more minerals and inorganic chemicals
The only way to know if your water is 100% safe is to spend nearly $2000 for every available test. For most situations, a bacteria test is the most common test and the more thorough test is reserved for areas that are known to have groundwater contamination.
The Igo-Ono area has a high incidence of sulfur and hydrogen sulfide in their groundwater-think rotten egg smell. Some areas of Trinity County have problems with contaminants from past mining activities. Siskiyou County has areas where high levels of arsenic are found in groundwater. High iron levels is also a problem for many wells in Northern California. All of these problems can be addressed with filtration treatment systems.
Only two local companies are recommended for well inspections/testing:
- CR Water Treatment (State certified for site inspections and water treatment) 238-2336
- J&J Pump (site inspections and pump services) 222-3393
Basic Laboratory also offers a service for an additional fee ($50-$75) to visit your property and take a water sample. Otherwise, property owners will need to pick up sterile water bottles and instructions at their Railroad Avenue location in Redding. Health department officials recommend property owners test their wells twice-a-year for bacteria.
New septic regulations (AB 885) that will be implemented in 2010 requires property owners thoroughly test their water well every 5 years and inspect their septic systems. The estimated cost is $350 each. Basic Laboratory does not know exactly what the required test will entail as regulations are under final review.
For further information, visit their website at www.basiclab.com
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
hey all, I used to be just checkin¡¯ out this blog and I actually admire the basis of the article, and don¡¯t have anything to do, so if anybody would like to to have an engrossing convo about it, please contact me on AIM, my name is heather smith
I don’t completely agree, but the principle is right, and you’re heart is in the right place.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info.