Rain and snowmelt are swelling the rivers and reservoirs that many Vermonters depend on for water. But about 30 percent of the state’s residents use private wells. Whether the old-fashioned shallow dug well or converted spring, or the modern deep drilled well, such facilities can provide safe drinking water, if properly designed and maintained.  If not taken care of, however, they can lead to groundwater contaminated with bacteria or chemicals, and these contaminants can cause a variety of health problems.  As we humans are about 70% water, it’s important to have a constant supply of safe water to drink.