Shock Chlorination Process

1. Pour the proper amount of chlorine bleach or powdered chlorine dissolved in a small amount of water directly into the well.
   

2. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well.
   

3. Open each faucet one by one and let the water run until a strong odor of chlorine is detected. If strong odor is not detected, add more chlorine to the well.

4. Let the water stand in the water system for at least 12 to 24 hours.

5. Flush the system of remaining chlorine. Start by turning on outside faucets and letting them run until the chlorine smell dissipates. Letting the water run on the ground will reduce the load on your septic system. Finally, run the indoor faucets until the system is completely flushed.

Most water treatment equipment, such as water softeners, iron filters and sand filters, should also be shock chlorinated. Check the manufactures' literature before chlorinating treatment equipment and pressure tank to prevent damage from strong chlorine solutions. Do not chlorinate carbon or charcoal filters because it will use up their capacity.

Be careful when handling concentrated chlorine solutions. wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a protective apron when handling chlorine solutions. If it accidentally gets on your skin, flush immediately with clean water.

Never mix chlorine solutions with other cleaning agents or ammonia, because toxic gases are formed.

Do not use "fresh scent" bleach or other special laundry products to disinfect wells. The plain and usually least expensive laundry bleach should be used for disinfecting water.

Wait 1 to 2 weeks and retest your water for bacteria. If shock chlorination does not eliminate a bacteria problem, continuous disinfection may be necessary.