Private Well Water Testing

The Webster County Health Unit offers both bacteria and chemical private drinking water test kits.

Kits can be obtained from the main health unit office. The completed kit must be submitted to the Health Unit on the day of collection before 11:30 am. We will send the submitted test kit to Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) via our daily currier.

Please contact our office if you have questions about timing so that your test will go out on the day of collection. Please keep in mind that the Lab (MSPHL) is closed on all Missouri state holidays.

You should have your well tested once each year for total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well. You should also have your well tested if:

• You notice a change in water quality (i.e., taste, color, odor)
• 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