Keeping an Eye on Well Water Levels
Measuring water level in a water supply well. USGS photo.
In partnership with the United States Geological Survey, Wake County established a county-wide groundwater level monitoring network in 2019. The USGS is currently measuring water levels around the clock using automated equipment at 15 monitoring wells throughout Wake County. This information will help us plan for a sustainable supply of groundwater for Wake County.

In order to fill in gaps between these widely-spaced wells, we need volunteers to let the USGS measure water levels in their wells two times over the next eight months. The additional measurement points from private wells will produce a more complete picture of groundwater conditions.

Checking the water level in your well takes just a few minutes and would not disrupt your use of your well. Click here if you would like to volunteer to be a part of this network.


Back to School for Private Wells
Want to learn more about the water in your well, well testing and maintenance, or how to pay for repairs? The Private Well Class can help! The Private Well Class is a collaboration between the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and the Illinois State Water Survey and offers free online classes to well users and others interested in learning more about wells.

The next online class, "Funding/Financing Options for Private Well Owners," is October 13, 2020. Visit http://privatewellclass.org/calendar to sign up for this class and others, or to view recordings of past classes.
“Be Well Informed” About Your Well Test Results
You’ve had your well tested and now you’re wondering what all those numbers mean. Due to COVID-19, we have suspended our monthly well water technical assistance meetings, but you can still get help by using the online Wake County Be Well Informed tool. Simply type in your test results, and it will tell you whether there are issues you may want to address. The tool will even suggest options for fixing any areas of concern.
Top 10 Septic Maintenance Tips
Get pumped for SepticSmart Week, which is coming up from Sept. 14-18!

If you have a septic system, you’re basically your own utility company, which means it’s up to you to monitor your septic system and set aside money for maintenance.

Here are ten simple things you can do to take care of your septic system:

  1. Pump out your tank every three to five years, depending on how much water you use.
  2. Clean your septic tank filter at least once a year
  3. Monitor your water use to avoid overloading your system. For every bedroom in your house, the septic system is designed to accommodate 120 gallons a day. For a three-bedroom, that’s 360 gallons a day. As a rule of thumb, stay under about 80% of your total capacity.
  4. Spread laundry out. Doing several loads in one day can overwhelm your septic system.
  5. Keep vehicles off your drain field. Don’t drive or park on the system.
  6. Don’t install sprinkler systems or underground utilities on top of the septic system.
  7. In the home, only use products marked safe for septic systems and avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials down the drain.
  8. Prune and maintain any plants that grow on and around your drain field. Overgrowth can damage your system.
  9. Route gutters and drains to divert stormwater away from your drain field.
  10. Don’t pour kitchen greases – such as cooking oil and bacon grease – down drains or toilets. Instead, allow greases to cool and scrape them into an old jar or can that can be thrown away. When that gets full, toss it in the garbage.

That’s all there is to it! As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to your septic system, spending a few bucks today could save you thousands in repairs. 

Don’t skimp on routine maintenance. Take care of your septic system, and it will take care of your household’s wastewater for years to come.