The EPA recommends the following steps to protect groundwater supplies: periodically inspect exposed parts of the wells to determine any cracking or corrosion or damage to the well casing or cap, and look for settling or cracking of surface seals; slope the area around the well to drain surface runoff away from the well; install a well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized entry to the well; disinfect drinking water wells once a year with bleach or hypochlorite granules; keep records of any maintenance, such as disinfection or sediment removal, that may require the use of chemicals; hire certified well drillers for any new construction, modification, or abandonment of wells; avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and other pollutants near wells; do not dispose of wastes in abandoned wells; do not cut the well casing below the land surface; pump and inspect septic systems routinely; and never dispose of hazardous materials in septic systems.