Environmental Compliance Services . . .
Collect private well water samples for testing

As of July 1, 2008 Greene County residents will be charged for this service. Health department staff will come to a residence to collect a well water sample for testing for a $15.00 fee. Alternatively, residents can request a water collection bottle from the health department, and one will be mailed to them at no cost. They can then follow water collection instructions to collect their own sample and send it in for testing.

For $10.00, a standard bacteria test will be run on the sample, which will reveal whether or not E. coli is present. Additional tests can be requested as follows:

Iron	$5.00
Sulfate	$5.00
Nitrate / nitrogen	$5.00
Chlorine	$5.00
Hardness	$5.00

Please note that multiple tests may require additional bottles of water. Please check with laboratory staff for the specific number of samples needed.

Private wells should be tested at least annually and may need additional testing if--

A member of the household becomes pregnant.

There is a change in water taste, color or odor.

New parts are put in the well system, like a new pump, new pipes or a water softener.

The well runs dry, and then water comes back.

A water treatment system is added to fix a problem.

The well casing is underwater due to flooding.

Testing is also recommended in the case of an unexplained gastrointestinal illness that may be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.

For more information, or to request a bottle be mailed to you, please call (417) 864-1673.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department 227 East Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 864-1658 * (417) 864-1099 fax Email questions or comments to the Webmaster.