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How Do I Clorox My Well?

If your well water tests positive for bacterial contamination, take immediate action to safeguard the health of anyone tapping into your water supply. One option is to add unscented Clorox, which is chlorine bleach, to your well to disinfect it. If the contamination persists, your well has a flaw that's allowing sewage in. You will know that's the case if the Clorox treatment doesn't work.

  1. Clorox Dosage

    • The Sonoma County Department of Health Services explains that the amount of Clorox you need depends on the diameter of your well casing. It gives you the following guidelines for wells 100 feet deep:

      For a 4-inch well casing, apply 2 ½ cups of Clorox; if your well is 6 inches around, you'll need 5 cups of Clorox; for an 8-inch diameter, use 7 ½ cups; and if you have a large 12-inch well, apply 20 cups of Clorox to it.

      If your well is more shallow or deeper than 100 feet, contact your local health department for help adjusting these measurements.

    Clorox Application

    • If the contamination is so severe the water looks murky, pump your well first. Then, with the pump turned off, pour the correct amount of Clorox into the well. Go back into the house and turn all faucets on. When you smell chlorine at the tap that's farthest from the well, you can turn all the faucets off.

      Bleach kills bacteria over time, so let the water-chlorine mixture sit in your well for a full 24 hours after initially running all the faucets. Since you won't be able to use your faucets during this time, prepare ahead. Buy several gallons of water to get through the day and plan on not being able to take a shower, wash hands under the faucet or wash dishes.

    Clorox Removal

    • For your water to be safe to drink and cook with, you have to flush your well to get rid of the chlorine. Connect your garden hose to an outside faucet and turn it on. The Clorox coming through will kill your grass and any other plants, so aim your hose away from your garden.

      It may be a few minutes before you begin to smell the chlorine. Let the water run until it becomes odor-free again. Now you can turn your faucet off and begin to use your well water again.

      In a week or so, retest the water. If it's contaminated, your well either has a structural problem or is in a poor location. You should repair or replace it or look into installing a permanent water sterilization system.

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