PRIVATE WATER TESTING:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. I have a private well, how often should the water be tested?
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.
2. What are the recommended tests?
Start with a bacteria test. This is a test for Total Coliform Bacteria and E. Coli Bacteria. The test results are recorded as either ABSENT or PRESENT.
3. Who does the water tests and how much will it cost?
Property owners may collect their own water samples for bacterial testing (Total Coliform and E-coli). The laboratory requires you to collect and submit the water sample in the collection kits provided by the State Public Health Laboratory. These kits with sampling instructions are available at the Gasconade County Health Department. There is a $10.00 fee payable to the laboratory upon completion of the test.
We suggest that the water sample reach the laboratory within 30 hours of collection. You may bring the water sample, completed form, and $10 fee to the GCHD Main Office in Hermann, Monday – Wednesday, before 3:00 p.m. The DHSS Laboratory courier will pick up the sample and take it to the DHSS Lab in Jefferson City. The courier service is free.
In certain instances an official water sample may be required. Official water samples must be submitted to the MDHSS by the GCHD Environmental Public Health Specialist (EPHS). If an official sample is required for a real estate transaction, contact a Licensed On-Site Inspector/Evaluator.
4. How long will it take to get results?
Results from the tests should be back within one week.
5. What other tests are available?
Contact the GCHD EPHS about the specific problem you may be having with your water supply. Water tests other than bacterial must be obtained and submitted by the EPHS. Some water tests require prior approval from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In most circumstances water samples will be collected by the GCHD at no cost to the well owner.
For other water analysis (hardness, pH, nitrate-N, sulfate, chloride, sodium, carbonate, bicarbonate, iron, manganese, copper, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids) contact the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory or click here http://soilplantlab.missouri.edu/soil/water.aspx for more information.