GAPP WATER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR
Packing Sheds, Field Pack, and Worker Hygiene
The Georgia Good Agricultural Practices Program requires that all water used in packing
sheds, field pack operations and worker hygiene-both field and shed-will be tested and must
meet the current drinking water standard of no total Coliform or E. coli. Test must be
conducted by the University of Georgia Feed and Environmental Water Testing laboratory.
All water samples will be collected by a Georgia Crop Improvement Association Inspector
or the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association field representative using the
University of Georgia Water Testing Laboratory protocol.
The GAPP recommends the use of the “Water Well Standards Act of 1985 as
Modified 1995” and Georgia Farm *A* SYST “Improving Drinking Water Well Condition”
publication as resource guides to improving well safety. Both publications are found in the
resource section of the GAPP Manual.
Water testing is an annual requirement.
Should the well not meet the standard the following steps must be used and documented
before retesting: (use attached form for documentation)
• Review recent history:
• Has there been a recent plumbing problem or repairs on the system that may have
introduced bacteria?
• Have there been recent heavy rains or flooding that may have contributed to bacteria
being introduced into the well?
• Inspect system for broken pipes, holes, cracks, loose caulking, etc. Is there a concrete
curbing around the well at least 4 inches thick extending at least 2 feet in all
directions sloping away from the well? Has a well assessment been conducted
through the GEORGIA FARM *A* SYST program? See resource section of GAPP
Manual for contact information.
• Are back flow preventers installed and working?
• Follow disinfection of Wells Guidelines.
• Retest well.
3/18/2003
GUIDELINES FOR DISINFECTION OF WELLS
Drilled, Bored, Hand Dug
The method of disinfecting a well consists of a commonly used piping system
that introduces a chlorine solution into the well casing and circulating the
solution in the system. Ordinary laundry bleaches, which have approximately
5% available chlorine, are satisfactory for making the disinfecting solution.
DRILLED WELLS
The quantity of chlorine needed to disinfect a well is based on 50 parts of
chlorine per million parts of water. This is about the same as 1.25 pints of 5%
chlorine solution (laundry bleach) for each 100 ft. of water in a 4 inch to 6 inch
drilled well. For smaller casing sizes, use about .25 pints of laundry bleach for
each 25 feet of water in the well. The chlorine solution should be diluted with
about 6 gallons of water. Pour the solution into the casing and not into the
pump.
DUG AND BORED WELLS
Dug and bored wells which have become contaminated should be pumped
down as far as possible and cleaned. Then, allow the well to fill with water and
disinfect. Use 5% chlorine solution (laundry bleach) at the rate of .5 pints for
each foot of water in a 1-3 foot diameter well, 1 pint for 4 ft. diameters, 1.5
pints for five ft., 2 pints for 6 ft., 3.5 pints for 8 ft., and 5 pints for 10 feet.
After the chlorine disinfection solution has been added to the well, run water
from each tap until the chlorine odor is noticeable. Then, do not pump for 24
hours. After this standing period, run water through the system until the
chlorine odor is gone.
These are only guidelines, owner may wish to contact county extension agents
or well company for additional procedures.
3/18/2003
RETESTING OF WELL WATER
Documentation and retesting of well water that failed GAPP minimum requirements
Review recent history:
Has there been a recent plumbing problem or repairs on the system
that may have introduced bacteria?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Have there been recent heavy rains or flooding that may have contributed to bacteria
being introduced into the well?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Inspect system for broken pipes, holes, cracks, loose caulking, etc. Is there a concrete
curbing around the well at least 4 inches thick extending at least 2 feet in all
directions sloping away from the well? Has a well assessment been conducted
through the GEORGIA FARM *A* SYST program?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Are back flow preventers installed and working?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Follow disinfection of Wells Guidelines in the GAPP Resource Handbook.
Retest taken and submitted________________
Date
Evaluations, inspections, corrective actions and retest by ______________________
Person Responsible
3/18/2003
