Sunday, July 12, 2020

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2020 15 JAMAICA WELLS AND SERVICES 50TH ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL WATER WELL CHECK-UP Wells tapping groundwater re- sources can provide drinking water of the highest quality. Owning a pri- vate water well allows control of your own water supply. Ownership also comes with the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order. WHY IS A CHECK-UP IMPORTANT? A properly constructed andmain- tained well will provide you with many years of quality service. The National GroundWater Association recommends routine annual main- tenance checks to ensure the proper operation of the well and prolong its years of service, as well as monitor the water quality. WHAT DOES A CHECK-UP INVOLVE? A certified water well contractor should conduct your routine well check-up. Your check-up should include: • A flow test to determine sys- tem output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), and pressure tank and pressure switch contact. • An inspection of well equip- ment to assure that it is sanitary and meets WRA requirements. • A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and any- thing else of local concern. Other typical additional tests are those for iron, manganese, water hard- ness, sulphides, and other water constituents that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water ap- pearance, and odour. Changes in these constituents also may indi- cate changes in your well or local groundwater. Additional tests may be recommended if water appears cloudy or oily, if bacterial growth is visible on fixtures, or water-treat- ment devices are not working as they should. Check with your water well contractor for information on local water-quality issues. • A concise, clear, written re- port should be delivered to you following the check-up that explains results and recommendations, and includes all laboratory and other test results. OTHER STEPS TOMAINTAIN YOUR WATER WELL: • Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertiliser, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, andmaintain a‘clean’zone of at least 50 feet (15.24 metres) between your well and any kennels or livestock operations. Also, always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas. • Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and se- curely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents. – WellOwner.org Annual check-up 40 Second Street, Port Bustamante, P.O. Box 22, Kingston 11, Jamaica, West Indies Tel: (876) 923-8728-9-0 • Cable Address: MARILAND • Fax: (876) 923-5077/8695 Email: operations@mariland.net • Website: www.mtsjamaica.com Maritime & Transport Services Ltd. AWORLD OF SERVICES Congratulations on achieving from 50 years