Hello Nicole, It seems you ...

Hello Nicole,

It seems you have already made a good decision to flush it out and then do a couple of tests.  I would encourage you to at least do an e.coli test even though it is remote - there may be some contamination from an old toilet that was used there previously.  Also test for hardness (to see if the water may need softening for washing or perhaps cause scaling of rigid pipes), as well as total salts (may not be necessary if it tastes good), alkalinity and pH (to see how corrosive it could potentially be).  You may want to measure arsenic and fluoride if there is recorded problems in that area. If you do find too many e.coli (there may be a low number if the borehole has been standing a long time which are not of concern) try pouring some chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) into the borehole and allowing it to stand a few hours.  If you can, monitor the water for a few days after you start using it - taste, feel and pH (tests are affordable) - just to see if there are any changes.  Otherwise enjoy the remote lifestyle.