No, I’m not referring to your evening cocktail!  I’m talking about water.  More specifically, water from a private well.   Many of us just assume when we turn on the faucet, the water is safe to drink – especially if it is from a drilled well.  The reality is many wells have unhealthy levels of naturally occurring arsenic, radon, or other contaminants that have been linked to cancer and toxicity.  DES estimates that 20% of private wells in NH have more arsenic than is allowed in public water systems.  Many contaminants have no taste, odor, or color so testing is the only way to detect them. The good news is that if you sample your well and find contaminants, treatment systems are available.  While there is no state requirement, DES recommends that well owners test their water every 3-5 years.  To get more information on testing recommendations and a list of accredited labs, visit www.des.nh.gov.   If you are selling, it is in your best interest to test your well water and know ahead of time if there are any issues.  Almost every buyer will have an inspection done and will want to know how safe the drinking water really is.  Bottom line, whether buying, selling, or just staying put, it makes good sense to get your water tested!   If you are buying or selling, contact me and put my 20 years of experience to work for you.  donna@donnaforest.com, www.donnaforest.com, 603-526-4116.

Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.