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Well water testing
EPA says to test a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH, and to test for other contaminants you suspect. (Source: EPA: test every year)
Getting well water tested, state by state
Oklahoma
DEQ's State Environmental Laboratory is EPA-certified to test private well water. Owners can also use another accredited lab.
The State Environmental Laboratory Services division lists private citizen well water analysis among its services.
DEQ advises contacting the lab first for collection instructions and any special containers. Most labs provide sampling kits.
Sources: DEQ State Environmental Laboratory · Lab supports private well analysis
Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Health's Environmental Microbiology Unit tests water samples from public and private systems for coliform bacteria.
The state Environmental Chemistry lab tests samples from private wells, among other sources, and takes bottle orders by email or phone.
For a lender-required total coliform test, TDEC points owners to their Environmental Field Office or Contract County contact.
Sources: State lab tests private well samples · Lender coliform samples
Texas
The DSHS Laboratory in Austin tests drinking water samples for coliform bacteria and E. coli. Chemical testing is handled by its Environmental Sciences Branch.
Samples must be collected in sterile bottles supplied by the DSHS Laboratory, which can be picked up in Austin or ordered by phone, with a G-19 submission form for each sample.
Samples must reach the DSHS lab within 30 hours of collection, so plan collection and shipping accordingly.
Sources: DSHS tests for coliform and E. coli
Arkansas
To have a private well tested by the state, start by getting a water collection kit from your local health unit.
The state lab tests private drinking water samples only for total coliform bacteria and E. coli, and samples must arrive within 30 hours of collection.
Sources: Kit from your local health unit
Missouri
The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory offers both bacteria and chemical testing of private well water.
The state lab tests for total coliform and E. coli, and iron bacteria testing is available by special request.
A "new well series" chemical test covers fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, iron, manganese and lead.
Sources: State Public Health Laboratory tests well water · Containers from county health office
Plan your test: what to test your well for · what each test costs, by state · FHA, VA and USDA well rules
What to know
How often to test your well waterEPA says to test a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH, and to test for other contaminants you suspect.Collecting a well water sampleTexas A&M AgriLife Extension says bacteria samples must go in a sterile bottle from a health department lab or extension office.Coliform bacteria in well waterThe Minnesota Department of Health explains that total coliform bacteria are an indicator: if found, surface contamination may have reached the water and germs may be present.Nitrate in well waterEPA's drinking water limit (MCL) for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter, measured as nitrogen. Infants under six months who drink water above it could become seriously ill.Smelly, stained or cloudy well waterThe Minnesota Department of Health says hydrogen sulfide gas gives well water a rotten egg taste or smell, and it can show up in wells anywhere.Arsenic and other well contaminantsThe Oklahoma DEQ says arsenic, chromium, selenium and uranium in parts of the Garber Wellington (Central Oklahoma) aquifer sometimes exceed federal drinking water limits.
Licensed businesses offering well water testing
Questions
How often should I test my well water?
EPA says to test a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH, and to test for other contaminants you suspect. (Source: U.S. EPA)
How do I take a well water sample?
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says bacteria samples must go in a sterile bottle from a health department lab or extension office. (Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
What does a positive coliform test mean?
The Minnesota Department of Health explains that total coliform bacteria are an indicator: if found, surface contamination may have reached the water and germs may be present. (Source: Minnesota Department of Health)
Is nitrate in well water dangerous for babies?
EPA's drinking water limit (MCL) for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter, measured as nitrogen. Infants under six months who drink water above it could become seriously ill. (Source: U.S. EPA)
Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?
The Minnesota Department of Health says hydrogen sulfide gas gives well water a rotten egg taste or smell, and it can show up in wells anywhere. (Source: Minnesota Department of Health)
Should I test my well for arsenic?
The Oklahoma DEQ says arsenic, chromium, selenium and uranium in parts of the Garber Wellington (Central Oklahoma) aquifer sometimes exceed federal drinking water limits. (Source: Oklahoma DEQ)
Test your well water every year
The EPA says to test a private well every year for bacteria and nitrates, and no agency does it for you. Tell us when your water was last tested and we'll text you a month before the next test is due, with labs and licensed well pros near you.
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