In Westford, roughly 40% of properties depend on obtaining water from an on-site, drinking water well. The term "private well" is typically used for a well that provides drinking water for a residence. This private water supply provides water for human consumption and consists of a system that has fewer than fifteen service connections and 1 serves fewer than twenty-five individuals 2 serves an average of twenty-five or more individuals daily for fewer than sixty days of the year. Private wells are regulated by the local Board of Health.

Types of Wells

• Artesian, Bedrock, and Drilled Wells (PDF)
• Dug/Shallow Wells (PDF)
• Point Driven Well (PDF)

New & Replacement Wells & Water Systems

• MA Licensed Well Drillers and Other Program Information
• Well and Water System Permits
• Westford's Well Water Regulations (PDF)

Well Water Testing & Frequency

Westford's Minimum Testing Requirements for Property Sales

The analysis for potable water wells drilled in bedrock must at minimum include:

• Arsenic
• Chloride
• Coliform Bacteria
• Copper
• Fluoride
• Gross Alpha Screen
• Hardness
• Iron
• Lead
• Manganese
• Nitrate/Nitrite
• Perchlorates
• pH
• Sodium

If the Gross Alpha Screen is elevated, a second water sample shall be collected and analyzed for Radon and Uranium. Based on advice from the well driller and/or laboratory, Radon and Uranium can be analyzed in water instead of Gross Alpha.

• MassDEP Certified Laboratories for Drinking Water
• Westford's Well Water Regulations (PDF)

State & Federal Recommended Testing Parameters & Frequency

• Common Well Water Quality Issues and Determanitive Testing
• Federal EPA Well Information
• Protect Your Family: A Guide To Water Quality Testing for Private Wells (PDF)