The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) offers both bacteria and chemical private drinking water testing.
You should have your well tested once each year for total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and nitrates. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well. You should also have your well tested if:
- There are known problems with well water in your area
- You have experienced problems near your well (i.e., flooding, land disturbances, and nearby waste disposal sites)
- You replace or repair any part of your well system
- You notice a change in water quality (i.e., taste, color, odor)
For questions regarding the status of your water test or assistance with understanding your private drinking water laboratory test report, contact the agency from which you obtained your private drinking water sample collection kit.
The SPHL can analyze water samples from private drinking water sources. Private water sources include private groundwater wells, cisterns, and larger private water systems that serve more than one residence.
- Private groundwater wells usually supply water to an individual residence.
- Private water systems are those that serve no more than 25 people for at least 60 days of the year and have no more than 15 service connections. Each building served by the same private water system is considered to be a service connection for that system. Most private water systems use groundwater wells.
If your water source does not meet these specifications, contact the Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch.
Contact your LPHA to receive a water sample collection kit. Some counties also provide additional testing services, such as sending a representative to test your private well.
DHSS provides both chemical and bacterial tests upon completing the request form. DHSS offers private well testing as a public health service, but does not offer testing for real estate transactions.