Drinking water in Glastonbury is sourced from the Metropolitan District Commission, the City of Manchester, community wells and private wells. The Connecticut Department of Public Health Drinking Water Section regulates municipal and community wells whereas the Town of Glastonbury Health Department regulates private residence drinking water wells. Regulations concerning the siting and construction of wells are found in Connecticut's Public Health Code.  Our office has records for wells that have been installed since 1971.

Taking Care of Your Well

Since January 12, 1971, all new wells have been required to have the well casing extend at least 6" above the final grade.  Prior to that date wells were typically buried.  Buried wells are at risk of being contaminated by rain/surface water entering via the well vent, power conduit or a faulty well sanitary seal.  If you are having intermittent water quality problems then you should have the water tested and the well brought up to current public health code standards by extending the casing to at least 6" above the final grade.

Other things you can do to safeguard your well is not to store or apply toxic materials near your well.  The well cap has vents that are screened to block the entry of insects but are otherwise open to the atmosphere, so lawn chemicals should not be applied in the vicinity of your well.  Download our Wellhead Protection document for more information.

Water Analysis

All newly installed wells are required to be tested for potability.  The sample shall be at a minimum analyzed for total coliform, nitrate, nitrite, sodium, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness, turbidity, pH, sulfate, apparent color and odor.  It is good practice to test your well water every 5 years or if you notice some kind of change in the quality or quantity of water.  Additional information on private well testing can be found here.  Test kits for sampling your own water are available at the Health Department in the town hall.

Click here for information on water contaminants and well water testing.

Videos

Why should I test my private drinking water well?

What chemicals should I test for?

My test results show elevated levels - what are my options?