Wyoming DEQ Promotes "Know Your Well Day" for Private Well Owners

deq.wyoming.gov

Published March 13th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is promoting "Know Your Well Day" on March 13, 2026, to educate private well owners on the importance of testing, tending, and treating their water systems. This initiative highlights the owner's responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water, as private wells are not regulated by state or federal government.

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What changed

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) has designated March 13, 2026, as "Know Your Well Day" to raise awareness among private well owners about their responsibility for water quality. The initiative, coinciding with National Groundwater Awareness Week, emphasizes the "test, tend, and treat" principles for maintaining safe drinking water, as private wells are not subject to state or federal regulation.

Private well owners are advised to test their water annually for bacteria and nitrates, inspect their well components regularly, and seek professional treatment if contaminants are detected. The WDEQ provides resources and guidance on its website to assist residents in managing their well systems and protecting their health and the environment. This is an informational campaign with no new regulatory requirements or deadlines for compliance.

What to do next

Review WDEQ "Know Your Well" resources on their website.
Consider annual water testing for private wells.
Inspect well components for security and potential contamination sources.

Source document (simplified)

March 13, 2026 - In Know Your Well ‚ Water Quality By kguille 0

Wyoming DEQ Encourages Residents to “Know Your Well” on March 13th

CHEYENNE, WYOMING – In conjunction with National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is highlighting Friday, March 13, 2026, as “Know Your Well Day.” This initiative aims to educate the thousands of Wyoming residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water that it’s important to “ test, tend, and treat ” their water systems.

Unlike the water quality in public water systems, the water quality in private wells is not regulated by the state or federal government. It is the responsibility of the individual well owner to ensure their water is safe for consumption.

“Because private well owners are responsible for their own water quality, routine testing is the most reliable way to ensure a safe water supply,” said Wylee Rizzitello, WDEQ Groundwater Section Program Coordinator for the Know Your Well Program. “Our goal is to provide the guidance and technical resources necessary for effective well management. Helping Wyoming residents protect their health and our state’s environment is the most rewarding part of my work, and I encourage anyone with questions to visit our website, knowyourwell.org, for more information.”

WDEQ recommends that private well owners follow these primary principles:

Test: Homeowners should test their well water at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates. Additional testing may be necessary if there are changes in the water’s taste, odor, or appearance, or after significant flooding or repairs to the system.
Tend: Inspect the physical components of the well regularly. Ensure the well cap is secure and that the area around the wellhead is clear of hazardous materials, such as fertilizers, pesticides, or motor oil.
Treat: If a water test reveals contaminants, homeowners should work with a certified professional to install and maintain an appropriate treatment system. To support these efforts, WDEQ offers a variety of resources, including instructional videos on how to collect a water sample and various fact sheets for protecting your well.

For more information on how to protect your groundwater and ensure your well is operating safely, please visit the WDEQ “Know Your Well” website at: knowyourwell.org.

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