By Rachel Phillips
Many people feel content if their drinking water is supplied by a town or city, but they might have some hesitation about buying a home with a well.
Sandra Baldwin, president and founder of It Is Well Inspection Services Inc., understands the concerns about private wells and has set up a business to help.
It Is Well offers homeowners and homebuyers the option to get a more detailed report on the state of a well. While a traditional home inspector might do a flow test and assess certain aspects of the water supply on a particular property, Baldwin digs deeper.
“I give a very comprehensive report,” she said.
Baldwin’s services include inspecting the pump and the treatment system, determining its depth and taking water samples. She also looks into any records of the well, from either the well company, or the state Department of Environmental Conservation. She services not only residential properties, but commercial sites as well.
Baldwin said she had worked as an administrative assistant at a well drilling company for about five years and noticed that there were increased requests for well inspections, and not enough time for drilling companies to get them done quickly. In response, she decided to get certified so she could volunteer her services. Not only did she find she liked the work, but she realized she could start her own business.
In January she founded It Is Well Inspection Services and started working independently. She is based out of Middle Grove.
While many clients have requested her services as a precaution, she’s usually called when there’s a problem with the flow test during a traditional home inspection.
“There’s a lot to know about a well,” said Baldwin. “You can’t really do an accurate pump test out of the house.”
Baldwin is often compared to a home inspector, but she emphasized that her role is separate.
“I’m not meant to replace [a home inspector]. I go in when there’s a problem, or when someone has questions about their water system,” she said.
Baldwin said business has been going well.
A self-professed “water nerd,” Baldwin’s love for her work is not just due to her interest in the chemistry behind the water itself. She also loves helping her community.
“I feel like there’s a purpose behind this. Water is our most important resource, and there are people out there who want to know more about it,” she noted.
To learn more about It Is Well Inspection Services visit itiswellinspections.com, or call 518-396-9499.