Well in Garden

[Ric.ror]

Jamie has unblocked the well in his garden that has been there for hundreds of years - he has had a look at the water which is crystal clear and tastes fresh - he spat it out.
Are there any testing kits he can get to tell him if it is suitable for drinking?

[murraymints]

think I would want environmental health to check it out first...phone and ask..there will most likely be a charge but better to be safe...

[jomifl]

It may be potable now but when you draw water on a regular basis you could start getting contaminated water from elsewhere, so any tests would be meaningless until you have established a regular pattern of abstraction. Use a submersible pump and water the garden regularly before getting it tested.

[jomifl]

However if this is a homework question then the above answer will have been incorrect.

[boxtops]

Who's Jamie?

[jomifl]

The family retainer in 'Monarch of the glen' at a guess

[Ric.ror]

Actually your not far wrong there Jomifl - about Jamie that is
He is a family retainer not of monarch of the glen though
And no its not a homework question - we did not get homework when I was at school as we only went half days

[jomifl]

If the well is not downhill of human habitation there shouldn't be any contamination by human faecal bacteria, however if there are igneous rocks or old mine workings uphill then contamination by heavy metals could be a problem. Your local water supplier would be aware of local problems and would be your first resort,

[Ric.ror]

Thank you all for your answers
Jamie has made contact with someone who will be able to make the necessary tests
TBH - I think he is hoping to make some money out of this

[JonnyBoy12]

Why did the Irishman try to drink his telly set?

Because it was a potable T.V.!