Water Testing

WATER TESTING
TESTING FREQUENCY
Property owners with private wells should submit a water sample from the well at least once every year (more frequently if the well was drilled prior to July 1987) and certainly whenever any changes are noticed in the water such as taste, cloudy, odor, etc. The water should also be tested after repairs have been made to the water supply system.

RECOMMENDED TESTS
Start with a bacteria test. This is a test for Total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria.

You may also want a chemical test. Chemistry tests analyze water for the following: pH, Nitrates, Chloride, Sulfate, Flouride, Iron, Manganese and Lead.

HOW TO TEST FOR BACTERIA
  • Pick up a test kit from the MCHC office. The kit will contain: small plastic bottle, instructions for pulling the water sample, form,  shipping label and a white shipping box.
  • Obtain the water sample according to directions in the kit.
  • There is a $10.00 fee payable to the laboratory, place a check or money order in the envelope provided.
  • Bring the water sample and completed form to our office before 2:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. The DHSS Laboratory Courier will take the sample to the laboratory in Jefferson City, free of charge. The water sample must reach the laboratory within 30 hours of collection, so it is best to take the water sample in the morning and bring it to our office by 2:00 p.m. that same day.
Test results will be mailed to you within one week. The test results are recorded as either ABSENT or PRESENT. If bacteria are present, instructions for disinfecting your well will be included in your report. 


HOW TO TEST FOR CHEMICALS
  • Collect the water sample according to directions in the kit.
  • Bring the water sample and completed form to our office before 2:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. The DHSS Laboratory Courier will take the sample to the laboratory in Jefferson City, free of charge. The water sample must reach the laboratory within 30 hours of collection, so it is best to take the water sample in the morning and bring it to the our office by 2:00 p.m. that same day.
Test results will be mailed to you within approximately two weeks.

OFFICIAL WATER SAMPLES
In certain instances an official water sample may be required. Official water samples must be submitted to the DHSS by the MCHC Environmental Public Health Specialist (EPHS). If an official sample is required for a real estate transaction, contact a Licensed On-Site Inspector/Evaluator.
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