Millions of Americans May Be Poisoning Themselves by Not Testing Private Wells, Experts Warn
Allison Roderick, the environmental health officer for Webster County in north-central Iowa, is warning rural residents that their private well water could be unsafe—and the government has resources to help ensure it’s clean. Experts say over 43M Americans using private wells may face hidden contamination risks, urging regular testing and state-funded repairs. Tony Leys/KFF Health News In this county, home to a few thousand people scattered among expansive corn and soybean fields, many residents draw water from private wells. Unlike public systems, these wells are largely exempt from federal testing and purity regulations. Roderick works to make sure residents understand that this exemption does not mean the water is free of risk. Across the United States, more than 43 million people depend on private wells, which are regulated inconsistently through varying state and local rules. Most states require standards for new wells, but older wells can often remain in u...
