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Wells and groundwater

Test, plan and protect a private well. 4 items.

Wells and groundwaterHow often to test your well water in Sonoma CountyTest for bacteria twice a year and after any flood. Test nitrates every five years. Use a state certified lab.Updated Oct 11, 2026

Wells and groundwaterWell test planner: what is due on your wellTell us when you last tested. We show what is due now, using Sonoma County Environmental Health's schedule.Wells and groundwaterCan your yard recharge groundwater?Yes, a little. Rain that soaks in stays in the ground. Paving and fast drainage send it away instead.Wells and groundwaterRural water systems: wells, tanks, pumps and pressureA rural water system gets water legally, stores it, moves it and pressurizes it. In Sonoma County the state sets water rights and Permit Sonoma controls wells. Most homes use a well pump with a pressure tank, or a pump that fills a high tank so gravity does the rest.