Water Testing Lab

While most private wells in Wisconsin provide safe drinking water,  some may contain substances that can affect our health. Many of these substances do not affect the color, smell, or taste of the water.

The only way to make sure a well is safe for drinking is to

test your well regularly.         

Lafayette County Health Department  is now a DATCP and DNR Certified Water Testing Laboratory for Bacteria (total coliform) and Nitrate+Nitrite (NO3). 

*It is recommended that all wells used for drinking water test for bacteria and nitrate annually or when there is a change in appearance, odor, or taste. It is also recommended to test for arsenic and lead at least once every 5 years, or more frequently if the well has a history of high arsenic and/or lead levels. 

The Health Department provides well water testing kits during regular business hours. 

Water samples can be submitted Monday – Wednesday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Drinking water Bacteria (total coliform) and Nitrate-Nitrite (NO3-N) water testing is done at the Lafayette County Health Department (LCHD).  You will receive results from LCHD staff within 24-48 hours either by phone or email per your request as indicated on the form you leave with your sample. If results are abnormal, LCHD staff will assist with next steps.

Other requested water sampling will be done at the UW Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC Lab).  Result time may vary. 

Water samples can also be submitted to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene for testing. The cost of testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene can be found here.

(Prices and submission days subject to change)

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE WELL WATER QUALITY VIEWER

Click here for ⇒ DNR Private Well Information