Private Wells

Owning a Private Well

Relying on well water comes with a unique set of responsibilities that are key to maintaining a healthy home.

In Sherborn, residents rely on private wells to supply their homes with water. There are several common well types: Drilled/Borehole Wells, Driven Wells, and Dug/Open Wells. It is important to know which type of well you have and where it is on your property to ensure that it stays in safe working order. 

If you are new to town or might not know where your well is and want to find out, contact the Board of Health who will help locate your well for you:
508-651-7852 | health@sherbornma.org

How do wells work?

Wells supply homes with water by taking water from the ground and pumping it up towards the home. 

What risks come with a well?

Groundwater can be contaminated with things like:

• Bacteria
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Aluminum, Magnesium, and Copper
• Chloride and Iron
• Sulfate and Zinc

All of which can make people very sick, however, private wells are not monitored by the state or the town, so it is every well-owner’s responsibility to test their wells for things that should not be there.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) certifies labs to conduct private drinking water testing which will tell you what is in your water. The DEP database is updated daily and can be found here: Online Searchable Laboratory Certification Listing.

Reduce the risk by keeping your well protected.

Well-owners are able to protect their water by keeping certain hazards away from their well such as:

• Automotive Fluids
• Motor Oil
• Cleaning Supplies
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Fertilizers

Also, it is important to keep your well separate from any pet enclosures, livestock yards, and waste systems to prevent potential contamination.