Private Wells
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
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
- Radon
- Uranium
- Hardness
- Iron
- Lead
- Manganese
- Nitrate/Nitrite
- Perchlorates (See Perchlorate Monitoring Area in the regulation)
- 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)
- Perchlorate Map Appendix A