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Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some very brief answers to common questions. Consult our publications to get more detailed answers.
Drinking WaterPond Management
Drought
Watersheds
How many private wells are there in Pennsylvania?
There are over 1 million private water wells in Pennsylvania serving about 3.5 million people in rural areas. Approximately 15,000 new wells are drilled each year.
Are there required construction standards for water wells in Pennsylvania?
Other than a few county or local ordinances, there are no statewide construction standards for private water wells in Pennsylvania.
How should a well be constructed?
A drinking water well should have a casing that extends above the ground surface. The well should be cased underground to the beginning of bedrock to prevent loose soil and rock from filling the borehole. A grout seal should be filled around the casing to prevent surface water contamination. The top of the casing should be fitted with a sanitary well cap that seals the well to the outside to prevent insects and animals from gaining entry to the well.
How deep are most wells in Pennsylvania?
Wells in Pennsylvania can range from less than 10 feet to more than 1000 feet deep. The average well is usually between 100 and 200 feet.
How can I find out information about my well?
State law requires well drillers to complete a well log for every well in the state. If you do not have a copy of your well log, you may be able to obtain a copy from your well driller or from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey at 717-702-2074.
Are water quality problems common in wells in Pennsylvania?
The majority of private water wells have at least one water quality problem. Some of these problems cause nuisance stains while others are legitimate health concerns. The most common health-related problems are coliform bacteria, lead, nitrates and man-made organic pollutants. The most common nuisance problems are corrosivity, hardness, iron, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor).
What are coliform bacteria?
Coliform bacteria include a large group of common bacteria. Some of these bacteria are harmful but many are harmless. They are used as an "indicator" to determine whether a pathway exists for dangerous bacteria to enter your water supply. Their presence does not guarantee that your water is unsafe to drink but it does indicate that harmful bacteria could enter your water at any time. Coliform bacteria occur in about half of the private wells and springs in Pennsylvania.
What are drinking water standards?
Drinking water standards give the acceptable level of a pollutant in drinking water. There are two types of standards: primary and secondary. Primary standards apply to pollutants that cause health problems like coliform bacteria, nitrate or lead. Secondary pollutants apply to pollutants that cause aesthetic problems (stains, odors, tastes) like iron, manganese, or chloride. There are over 100 pollutants with a drinking water standard.
How do I know what to test my water for?
Look at the land-use activities around your home. Pollutants that enter water wells can often be linked to activities on the land surface (mining, agriculture, industry, houses, etc.). Also, note any symptoms of your water (tastes, stains, odors). These too can be used to guide water testing. In general, you should test your water annually for coliform bacteria. Every three years, get your water tested for pH and total dissolved solids.
How close does an activity need to be to my home to cause a problem for my well?
Land use activities that affect a well or spring can usually be seen from the home or are in close proximity to the home. Activities that are several miles from your home are unlikely to affect your groundwater quality.
Where can I get my water tested?
There are numerous state certified water testing labs throughout Pennsylvania. You can also get your water tested for coliform bacteria at your local Department of Environmental Protection office.
How much will water testing cost?
Individual tests can range from just a few dollars to over $100. Total coliform bacteria usually costs $15 to $25.
Is water treatment the only solution to water quality problems?
No, there are usually several alternatives to a water quality problem. Simple maintenance of your water supply, like sealing a spring box, may resolve bacteria problems. Removal of the source of the pollution problem may also be used. In some cases, development of a new well or spring or connection to a public water supply may be possible to avoid the problem.
Is there one type of water treatment device that will solve all water quality problems?
Despite claims to the contrary, there is not one single water treatment device the will efficiently remove all contaminants. Many devices can remove multiple pollutants.
How should I buy water treatment equipment?
Use a certified commercial testing laboratory to determine the exact water quality problem and the level of the pollutant. Do not rely on in-home testing by water treatment vendors. Be very careful since this will probably be a major purchase. Visit with as many local vendors as possible and compare prices, service, and warranties. Ask for references and check with reputable companies that will be around to service your equipment if needed. Finally, get everything in writing!
POND MANAGEMENT
Do I need a permit to build a pond?
Maybe. This will depend on the size of the dam, drainage area of the pond and the source of the pond water supply.
How much will a pond cost to build?
Costs for a one-acre pond can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars depending on the amount of excavation necessary and the availability of local clay.
How can I fix a leaking pond?
Leaking ponds usually must be drained and a sealer (clay, bentonite, plastic) must be applied to the leaking area.
What kinds of water quality problems can occur in ponds?
The water quality concerns for a pond will depend on the use. Temperature and dissolved oxygen are most important for fish. Bacteria levels are the biggest concern for livestock or swimming. Hardness levels are important if you are applying an aquatic herbicide.
How can I get rid of overabundant plants or algae?
Plants and algae are best controlled by reducing nutrient loads (nitrogen and phosphorous) to the pond. Otherwise, you can use physical, chemical or biological methods to kill or remove unwanted plants and algae.
Do I need a permit to use an aquatic herbicide?
YES! Any application of an herbicide to a private pond requires a state permit. The permit application is simple (two pages) and is usually processed within two weeks.
What are grass carp?
Grass carp are non-native fish that eat some types of aquatic plants. Sterile grass carp can be stocked in your pond to control unwanted aquatic plant growth but you must obtain a state permit and purchase sterile grass carp from an approved hatchery.
What causes a pond to look muddy?
Muddy ponds can come from many sources. Bottom feeding fish (catfish, carp), muskrats, wave action, waterfowl and livestock can all muddy a pond. Sometimes, excessive growth of small plankton may make the water look muddy. You can determine the cause of muddy water by filling a glass jar with pond water and holding it to a strong light. Plankton can be observed moving erratically. Sediment will usually settle to the bottom of the jar in a day or so.
What kinds of fish are best for Pennsylvania ponds?
A combination of largemouth bass and bluegill has the greatest success in Pennsylvania ponds. Other fish species may work under certain conditions but often produce unsatisfactory results.
Can I stock trout in my pond?
Most Pennsylvania ponds cannot support trout during the entire year. Most ponds get too warm to support trout during the summer. Trout may be stocked during spring or fall and fished out of the pond. Year-round trout ponds require a deep pond or a pond with a cold source of water. Trout prefer water temperatures less than 70 degrees.
How can I discourage Canada Geese from my pond?
Barriers like rip-rap, fishing line, or vegetation that will inhibit their movement to and from the water may be effective. Geese like to feed on vegetation around the pond. Planting undesirable vegetation around the pond may deter geese from staying for prolonged periods.
Should I regulate the number and kinds of fish that are harvested from my pond?
YES! Most ponds are poorly managed for fisheries. Often, too many large bass are removed from the pond. Encourage release of bass or only occasional harvesting of bass. Also encourage harvesting of bluegill.
PA Fish and Boat Commission Frequently Asked Pond Questions
DROUGHT
How frequently do droughts occur in Pennsylvania?
Extremely serious droughts have occurred in Pennsylvania at approximately 30 year intervals. Minor droughts occur much more frequently. Pennsylvania has experienced significant droughts in 5 of the last 7 years.
How are drought stages determined?
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection monitors precipitation, stream flow, groundwater levels, reservoir storage and the Palmer Drought Index. When enough of these indicators reach pre-determined triggers, a drought watch, drought warning, or drought emergency is declared on a county basis.
Will there be enough water in Pennsylvania for the future?
Pennsylvania is a water-rich state but certain areas of the state are developing at a rate that has exceeded existing or future water supplies. Proposed legislation would attempt to better manage Pennsylvania's existing water resources.
If I have my own well or spring, does a ban on non-essential water use during a drought emergency apply to me?
Yes, even homeowners with private water supplies must eliminate non-essential water use (lawn watering, garden watering, car washing, etc.) during a drought emergency.
How do I know if my well is going to go dry during a drought?
Consult with local experts, like well drillers, to determine the general groundwater conditions in your area. A well with low water will normally first lose water during a peak use time. If you greatly reduce your water use, you may be able to continue to use the well at a reduced level during the dry weather.
What if my well goes dry?
In some cases, the submersible pump can be lowered in the existing well to re-access groundwater. Otherwise, the existing well must be deepened or a new, deeper well must be drilled.
Do I own the water under my home?
No, you have the right to use the water in a reasonable way but you do not own the water. As long as water is being used reasonably, the landowner with the deepest well and biggest pump will access the water first.
Can I use water from a stream on my property?
Yes, as long as you use the water reasonably and use it on the land the adjoins the stream.
How can I conserve water?
Water conservation can be achieved through changes in habit or through installation of water-saving fixtures and appliances. Habit changes would include shorter showers, less frequent toilet flushing and only washing full loads of clothes and dishes. The installation of low-flow toilets, front-loading washers and low-flow showerheads and faucets can easily reduce your household water use by 30 percent.
WATERSHEDS
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the land area that drains into a stream. Some watersheds are very small (less than one acre) while large watersheds, like the Susquehanna River watershed, may cover thousands of square miles. Any place that you stand is part of many watersheds of varying sizes.
How many watersheds are there in Pennsylvania?
There are thousands of small watersheds that drain into progressively larger watersheds. Pennsylvania has six major watersheds including the Ohio River, Susquehanna River, Delaware River, Potomac River, Lake Erie, and the Genesee River.
Where does the water come from that is in a stream?
Water in a stream during dry weather comes from groundwater beneath the surface. During a rainstorm, water running over the ground surface or through shallow soil will contribute to the increasing amount of stream water.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water stored underneath the surface in layers of rock. The water may be stored in the pores of the rock or in cracks and fractures in the rock. Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not ususally exist in large underground lakes or streams.
What affects the water quality of a stream?
The natural characteristics of stream water are mostly determined by the soils and bedrock geology of the watershed. Watersheds with limestone geology tend to have streams with a higher pH and more dissolved minerals. Watersheds with sandstone or shale geology usually have a lower pH and few dissolved minerals. Land use and man's activities within the watershed will further affect the stream water quality.