Well Water Testing Instructions

Overview

Note: If the well has been temporarily chlorinated, it is necessary to pump until it is free of chlorine before sampling.

1. Keep the sample bottle closed until it is to be filled.
2. Use a cold water faucet (no swivel or swing faucets). Avoid a water softener faucet, if possible.
3. Remove faucet attachments such as screen or aerator.
4. Sterilize metal taps by heating with a flame (butane lighter, propane torch, etc.). Do not flame plastic faucets or faucets containing internal plastic parts!
5. Open the tap fully and let the water run for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Reduce the flow to permit filling the bottle without splashing.
7. Take care not to touch the top of the bottle or the inside of the cap. Fill the sterile sample bottle to the shoulder.
8. Replace the cap securely.
9. Transfer samples to the laboratory within 30 hours of the sample being collected.
10. Please print top and left portions of the Water Testing Form (PDF) in black ink and return with the water sample.

Return the sample, within 24 hours of collection, with ice still present, to the following laboratory address:

Kenosha County Division of Health Laboratory
8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 600
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143

Additional Information

The laboratory will accept water samples Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The laboratory may be closed from Noon to 1:00 pm. Samples will not be accepted on Fridays or the day before a holiday. Warm or late samples will not be accepted.

A verbal report may be obtained by calling the laboratory at (262) 605-6705 after 3:00 p.m. the following day. A written report will be mailed shortly thereafter.

Resources

View private well water links.