What should be done if contamination is suspected in a well?

Conducting water quality testing immediately is critical when contamination is suspected in a well. This action allows for the identification of specific contaminants present in the water supply, enabling effective remediation strategies to be developed. Prompt testing can help determine if the water is safe for use and can guide any necessary corrective measures to prevent health issues.

Waiting for symptoms to develop would put consumers at risk as it can take time for health problems to manifest, while the contaminated water may already be causing harm. Increasing the pumping rate isn't a solution to contamination; in fact, it could exacerbate the issue by drawing more contaminants into the water supply or spreading it further. Closing the well until further notice certainly prevents immediate exposure to contaminated water, but it delays the crucial step of assessing the water quality and determining the appropriate actions. Immediate testing is a proactive and necessary course of action when contamination is suspected.