Annual Well Water Testing

[Willow]

Anyone know what is required to be tested for this?

I switched to a new company and what they have listed for options isn't the same as the old place. Not sure if I need everything the old tested for or if I can get by with less?

Old I paid $45.00 for coliform/e.coli bacteria and nitrates....water purity test at the new place lists nitrates and coliform for $32.00 but e.coli is separate for an additional $20.00....and other more expensive combinations. They also have a coliform/e.coli together and a nitrate nitrogen but I have NO idea what the heck that means or if it's the same thing as the regular nitrate test......help??

[blandino]

SO glad you posted about this. We just moved to a new location, and are on well water. We have been using bottled water for drinking for the children, but need to know who to go to for water testing.

Does your city offer it ? Ours does, but I am wondering if it moves slowly or if its worth paying a private company ? Could you please share your experience and the names of the companies - if you don't mind.

[Willow]

I was going with Traut Wells, but this years testing is going to be done by a Kinetico. Only real reason I switched is it was going to save me about an hours worth of drive time to collect the kit (they don't mail them) and bring the samples back (they don't let you mail them in). Kinetico was close to me and I could mail the kit in saving a whole trip back into that town.

I'm not sure if cities have public labs that citizens can utilize but it wouldn't hurt to check. If yours does make sure they checking for the requirements. I could see them checking for like lead, but not sure if one like that would test private well water for other things.

For a list of who else might be available in your area maybe check your yellow pages...anyone that does well digging, water softener, sprinkler system or irrigation installation and maintenance will either have access to testing facilities or should know someone who does that they can refer you to.


All you have to do is get a kit (free), sterilize the faucet (with bleach or flame), collect the sample and either send or bring it in. Samples have to be analyzed within 24 hours and must stay cool which is why I do mine in the winter time

[crunchymama]

Here, in WV, we are required to check for e.coli and coliforms, the regs say something like "bacterial contamination only"
Our local health department environmental health office comes out and tests our water. Just a quick call and they come out usually in a couple days. A get my results a week or so later and the bill is $15.

[Blackcat31]

Willow~ I have city water so I have never been required to have my water tested for licensing but I did find this info in my licensing papers.

Hopefully it has something that is helpful to you: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/e...lity/test.html

[Willow]

Willow~ I have city water so I have never been required to have my water tested for licensing but I did find this info in my licensing papers.

Hopefully it has something that is helpful to you: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/e...lity/test.html

It sure was!

I did a bit of research on my own last night and discovered (if I understand correctly):

E.Coli is just one species of coliform. There are many. When you well water test for just e.coli you're testing just for that one species. When you mark a test coliform/colilert you are indicating you want to test for ALL coliform species, not just e.coli.

I marked the coliform/colilert and nitrates test for this year and think that'll cover me fine. I have two infants in my care currently so I think the nitrate test is super important in addition to testing for the coliforms.

I'm not at all worried because the well was dug incredibly deep using quality materials and is just bearly 5 years old, but at least all my basis should be covered as far as state requirements should go.