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Water Wells & Testing

Water Samples

Water samples are first tested for Coliform Bacteria.  This group of bacteria, normally found in the environment, is used as an indicator, to indicate the possible presence of pathogens (disease-causing organisms).  Generally, when pathogens are present in drinking water, coliforms are present as well.  The reverse is not necessarily true - when coliforms are found in drinking water, pathogens may or may not be present.  However, treating the water to eliminate the coliforms would most likely also eliminate the pathogens.  The level of coliform bacteria allowed in drinking water is zero.  If coliforms are found in the water sample, further testing is performed to look for Fecal Coliforms (a subgroup of Total Coliforms) or E. coli (one member of the Fecal Coliform Group).  Since both Fecal Coliforms and E. coli are found in the intestinal tract and feces of warm-blooded animals, their presence in drinking water can indicate a sewage contamination problem.

Forms & Reports

Where do water samples come from?

Water samples are collected by Water Plant Operators from Public Water Systems, Engineers from the Office of Environmental Health Service (OEHS) - Environmental Engineering Division (EED), Sanitarians from OEHS - Public Health Sanitation Division (PHSD) and Local County Health Departments (LHD).  Samples are also received from other laboratories that are not certified to conduct drinking water tests.  On a limited basis and by prior arrangement, samples are received from private citizens.  Private citizens needing to have their well water tested should first contact their local county health departments.  This way a trained sanitarian can collect the sample and ensure that the well is properly protected.  In the event that the sample does have coliform bacteria present, the sanitarian can instruct the well owner on how to treat the well, remedy the problem and provide follow-up testing.

Samples must be collected in containers that are provided by the Office of Laboratory Services.  These containers are specially prepared, contain a dechlorinating agent and are tested for sterility.  They are supplied to clients upon submission of the Bottle Request Form.  This form may be mailed, faxed, submitted with samples, or hand-delivered.

Bottle Request Form

Water Wells

Information for Private Well Owners