Fresh water is an increasingly precious resource around the world. In
Wisconsin, about 66% of the population drinks water drawn from over 750,000
private wells. Wells are safe, dependable sources of water if sited
wisely, built correctly and maintained.
EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to
privately owned wells. As a result, owners of private wells are
responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants. Regular maintenance of your well is required to ensure the continued safety
of your water and to monitor for the presence of any contaminants.
Well Tests for Homeowners
(WI DNR)
Walworth County Well Water Testing Services
The Walworth County Division of Public Health conducts programs that protect
ground water for drinking and other uses. We offer lab services for
private well owners to test their water for nitrates, bacteria, arsenic, and
lead. Water specialists distribute well water information, provide testing
bottles and explain test results to well owners.
The water lab will be closed on the following days:
May 28, 2018
July 4, 2018
September 3, 2018
November 19, 2018 through November 23, 2018
December 24, 2018 through January 11, 2019
Obtaining a Water Test Kit
The Water
Laboratory may only accept water samples in approved sample containers.
Homeowners may obtain an approved container by visiting the Public Health
reception desk Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Water Sample Collection
Homeowners are
responsible for collecting their own water samples and for returning the
samples to the laboratory. Samples may be collected from any faucet supplied
with cold water.
Returning a Water Sample
Samples are
accepted at the Public Health Reception Desk:
·
Monday and Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
·
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
·
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
·
Thursday 7:00am – 12:00pm
(starting April 5, 2018)
·
Every
3rd Friday of the month from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sample Rejection Criteria
Water samples
may be rejected if:
·
Samples cannot be analyzed within 30 hours of collection for bacteria or 48
hours for nitrate.
·
Samples are in an unapproved, notably dirty, or damaged container.
·
Samples have been frozen.
·
Samples do not contain the required amount of water.
·
Nitrate samples are not received on ice.
Fees
The following
County Board approved fees are effective January 1, 2018:
·
Drinking Water Test (single bacteria or nitrate): $25.00 each
·
Drinking Water Test (two or more at one time): $20.00 each
·
Drinking Water Test (arsenic or lead): $20.00 each
·
Bacteria only, Recreational Water: $30.00
Resources
