The Lincoln Trail District Health Department provides water testing for private water supplies, wells, or cisterns. The cost associated with sampling is $50. You may visit your local environmental office during normal business hours (http://lincolntrailhealthdepartment.com/contact/) to schedule an appointment.
Water samples will only be collected Monday through Wednesday to ensure that the samples reach the State Lab on time before the weekend. Holidays/Closings falling on Thursday and Friday will move the collection date to the following week. Water samples are analyzed for the presence of total coliform and E. coli bacterium. Having your well tested routinely for the presence of coliform bacteria is recommended to gauge the bacterial quality of the water in your well.
All pets shall be put away or chained up properly before the scheduled collection time and date, there shall be easy access to any water faucets/spigots, and someone 18 years or older shall be there to let the environmentalist in. Forfeiture of fee paid may occur if these conditions are not met.
Water testing laboratories
If you are interested in other private water testing, please contact one of our area Water Analysis Laboratories. It is recommended that you determine what you are interested in having your water tested for before you contact a laboratory. Prices vary by facility and test. You may obtain more information from the laboratory of your choice.
Disinfecting wells and cisterns
Help make sure your well or cistern remains a safe and dependable water source with routine disinfection. Check out these guides for proper disinfecting.
Water Well Maintenance and Disinfection Guide
Cistern Disinfection Guide
