I recently met some folks who moved to the area a few years ago, and were telling me about how they took part in a townwide survey-type project regarding well water testing. I don't know all of the details, but it sounded like they were invited to participate in a free testing as part of a research project regarding well water in their area. It sounded fairly simple; they had to collect some samples, send them off, and wait for the results to come back in a few weeks. 

One of my favorite parts of my house is that it has its own well and the water straight out of the tap tastes so good. I've never given much thought beyond how good it tastes, and never wondered why. But after talking to these people about their well water testing project, it got me thinking: I have never had my well water tested in the twelve years I've lived in my house. I know for sure when I bought it, there was some sort of disclosure regarding the well water testing and that the results didn't show anything abnormal, but I can't recall when that testing actually took place prior to me purchasing my house. 

After a quick Google search, I learned that it is recommended to have your well water tested once a year for certain contaminants such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, and a few other things. Other contaminants—like lead and arsenic—can be tested for every 3-5 years. I am way past due for a well water test of any kind, so I will be arranging a full panel test immediately. I am hopeful the results will come back normal and that I will learn that my water tastes so good just because it is so good, and not due to some scary foreign contaminant. Regardless, I will find out soon!  

Paige O. Roberts has a degree in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Henniker Review, Sidereal Magazine, Rejection Letters, and Cypress. She has been nominated for a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize. She lives in northern New Hampshire where she owns and operates a pet boutique called Tailswag.