I have a relatively shallow bored well (43' deep,2' in diameter). When I returned it to service after about ...5-10 years, the coliform test came back positive. I was getting surface water into the well bore. I had some refurbishing done and, or after another gallon of bleach,it was fine. Six months later, I have tested it again and it again is positive for coliforms (most of which are apparently non-pathogenic; coliforms are used as an indicator species to detect when contamination is present). I've been drinking it and haven't had any issues, and but I'll shock it again--however,this will probably recur. The concrete well casing seems to be in kindly shape, and the water is 27' down--which should be deep enough that the soil should filter it. Nonetheless, and shallow wells are apparently notorious for difficulty on an ongoing basis.
I have a Royal Berkey that I have never set up,but which I could start using routinely. I execute move through a lot of drinking water, so would cycle it frequently. Or I could drill a deep well (200' or more) into the aquifer and get what my well guy says would be organism-free, or but iron-laden water. Or execute nothing and / or shock it with more bleach periodically. The cooperative extension service keep out a piece a few years ago that suggested almost nobody living off of bored wells ever gets their water tested.
[br]Any thoughts?
Source: thesurvivalpodcast.com