How we research

Our guides deal with your family's drinking water and with repairs that can cost thousands. These are the rules we follow for every one of them.

1. Official sources first

We build guides on, in this order:

• Federal agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• State health and environment departments.
• University extension services, which publish practical, peer-reviewed advice for homeowners.
• For prices only: dated cost guides and published laboratory price lists, presented as estimates.

We don't use product sellers' blogs as sources for facts.

2. Every claim is checked and cited

Each guide lists its sources with a number. The small numbered tags in the text point to them, so you can check any claim yourself. We open every source, confirm it says what we cite it for, and record the date we checked it. If a source can't be confirmed, the claim doesn't go in.

3. When experts disagree, we say so

Agencies don't always agree: on how strong a well disinfection should be, how long to wait before retesting, or how often to pump a septic tank. Instead of picking one number and hiding the rest, we show the range, explain why it exists, and tell you to follow your state or county when it gives a specific figure.

4. Calculators show their working

Each calculator page explains the formula or table it uses and where it comes from, and states its limits. They run entirely in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us.

5. How guides are written

Guides are researched and drafted with the help of AI tools, then checked line by line against the sources cited before they're published. No guide claims a personal experience, a professional credential or an expert review that didn't happen.

6. Updates and corrections

Every guide shows when it was last reviewed. We revisit guides when an agency changes its advice, when prices move, and at least once a year. If you find an error, write to hello@wellandfield.com. We fix confirmed mistakes promptly and note significant changes at the end of the guide.

7. Independence

We don't sell water treatment, testing, well or septic services. If the site shows ads or affiliate links in the future, they will be labeled, and they will never influence what a guide recommends.