When to Test Your Water

• The Wisconsin DNR recommends that homeowners should have their private wells tested annually for bacterial quality, after any work or modification (e.g. pump replacement), and any time the well water changes in taste, odor, color, or appearance.

• The Eau Claire City-County Health Department Laboratory is certified to test private drinking water for bacterial contamination. For information on obtaining a sample kit and instructions, as well as information on other water testing services, click here.

I want to test, tell me how...

• The chemistry and microbiology divisions can also conduct numerous other tests and analyses to ensure safe drinking water is available to private homeowners. For more information on other testing services available, click here.

• Newborn Water Testing Program - Eau Claire County families with a newborn baby, served by a private well can have their water tested for free by the Health Department Laboratory! For more information, contact us.

• Test Results
  • How Drinking Water Standards are Established (UWEX)

Test Your Well Water Brochure

Your Water is Unsafe, What now?

• The first step is to re-sample your well.  Pay extra attention to the instructions included in the sample kit.  Improper sample collection is a common cause of an initial unsafe sample.

• If your second sample is also unsafe do not consume the water unless it is held at a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.

• Private drinking water supplies may test unsafe for a number of reasons.  Contact an Environmental Health Specialist with our Department for assistance regarding your unsafe drinking water (contact us).
  • Common Contaminants (source WI DNR)

• An unsafe water system should be inspected for obvious physical defects and thoroughly disinfected.  If your system is located in Eau Claire County an initial inspection can be done upon your request by an Environmental Health Specialist with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department (contact us).

• Disinfection can be done by either a homeowner or a Licensed Well Driller or Pump Installer*.  If you choose to try the disinfection yourself, please review the following handouts for information and follow the procedures on how to safely and properly disinfect (chlorinate) your private drinking water system.
  • Well Chlorination Procedure - EC Ci-Co Health Dept.
  • Bacteriological Contamination in Wells - DNR

^*Note: Licensed Well Drillers or Pump Installers may be located by looking in your phone book under “Water Well Drilling & Service,” “Pump Service & Repair” or “Water Supply Systems”. You can also contact this office for a list of licensed well drillers and pump installers in the area.