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- Additional Resources for Municipal and Private Well Owners
Additional Resources for Municipal and Private Well Owners
Water Testing
It is important that private well owners test their drinking water regularly to make sure it does not exceed safe limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). In addition to bacteria or man-made chemicals that might enter a well externally, Bow's natural geology makes it more likely that private wells will contain contaminants such as arsenic or radon. Testing is the first step in protecting you and your family’s health.
Water test kits are available inside the Town Clerk’s office
- Arsenic, Lead, and Radon in Bow well water
- Arsenic and You: Information about Arsenic in Food, Water, and other Sources
- Water Testing Explained by NH Public Health Laboratories (Video)
- Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program - Private Wells and Human Health
- Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program - Arsenic in Private Wells in NH (PDF)
- NHDES - Accredited Labs Providing Water Quality Testing (PDF)
Groundwater and Source Water Protection
Groundwater and source water protection efforts are intended to conserve sources of drinking water and prevent the contamination of these resources.
Some helpful tips to protect the groundwater of your area include:
- Bring household hazardous waste and electronics (television sets, computers, paints, thinners, oils, etc.) to the town's Household Electronics and Hazardous Waste Day
- Bring old prescription medications to Bow Police Department during normal business hours.
- Properly dispose of medications and household chemicals.
- Regularly inspect and pump your septic system.
- Contact the Bow Recycling and Solid Waste Committee for further information.
- Town of Bow Water System Report on Water Quality
- Groundwater Protection: What Can Municipalities Do? (PDF)
- Model Groundwater Protection Ordinance (PDF)
- New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission - Source Water Protection for Municipalities
- NHDES - Drinking Water and Ground Water Bureau
- NHDES - Publications
- NHDES - Source Water Protection
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Source Water Protection Database
- United States Geological Survey: New Hampshire Groundwater Resources - Stratified Drift Aquifers (PDF)
- NHDES - Septic System Maintenance (VIDEO)
- Self-Inspection Checklist for Basement and Outdoor Home Heating Oil Tanks (PDF)
- NHDES - A Homeowners Guide to Septic System Maintenance (PDF)
Water Conservation
There are many different demands on Bow’s water resources. By using water more efficiently and preventing leaks, we can ensure there is enough water to meet everyone’s needs.
Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainable landscaping emphasizes plant health, soil conditions, water quality, and water and energy conservation. You can save money and help prevent groundwater contamination by embracing sustainable landscaping techniques at your home or place of business.