How do we know if a well is approved for its intended use?

• A. EPA approved
• B. NSF and AWWA and/or ASTM
• C. State health department approval
• D. Local zoning board approval

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a well is considered approved for potable use when its components and installation meet established, widely recognized standards. Organizations like NSF, AWWA, and ASTM develop and publish standards for drinking-water equipment and systems, and products can be certified or tested to those standards. When a well’s parts and installation carry NSF/ANSI certifications or are built to AWWA/ASTM specifications, regulators know they meet safety, material quality, and performance criteria appropriate for drinking water. This certification provides a reliable, independent endorsement that the well is suitable for its intended use.

Why this matters compared with other options: EPA sets national drinking-water quality requirements, but it doesn’t certify individual well components for a single well. State health departments may oversee licensing and inspections, but the concrete assurance often comes from product standards and certifications. Local zoning governs land use, not the technical adequacy of a well for drinking water. Therefore, relying on NSF and AWWA and/or ASTM standards best signals that a well is approved for potable use.