Water Safety and Water Testing
Water is one of the most basic and important substances in our lives. We use it every day for many different tasks such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. It is important to make sure that the water you and your family are using and drinking is safe. Most private water systems in Wisconsin are safe, however, some may become contaminated, making water testing important to staying healthy.
If you get your water from a public water system, your water is monitored and tested regularly to ensure it is safe. However, if your water does not come from a public water system or you get your water from a household well, you are responsible for making sure it is safe. It is for this reason that routine testing of private water systems is recommended and important. Regular testing helps to identify existing problems, ensure water is safe for planned use, track changes over time, and determine the effectiveness of the treatment system being used. Jackson County Public Health recommends testing your well water each year.
Water should be tested every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. You should consider testing your water, especially if, you recently put in a new well or have repaired or replaced any part of the well system. Other water tests may be recommended based on where your well is located, what state you live in, whether you live in an urban or rural area, the age of the well, and nearby land use.
If you are expecting a new baby in your household, you should consider testing for nitrates. Excessive amounts of nitrates can have a negative impact on a baby’s blood count causing a condition called methemoglobinemia, otherwise known as “blue baby syndrome”. Testing your water during the early months of pregnancy, before bringing the infant home, and during the first six months of the baby’s life can help to keep you and your family safe!
You may also want to consider testing your water if your household plumbing contains lead, the indoor air or the region in which you live is rich in radon, or if you notice corrosion to your pipes or plumbing. You should also test your water if you have taste, odor, or staining issues, as this may be a sign that there is an issue with your water source. It is also important to test your water if a chemical or fuel spill/leak occurred near your water supply, as it may get into your water supply.
The Jackson County Public Health Environmental Health Department and Water Lab provides the following services in regard to water tests: Bacteria and E-Coli test, Nitrate test, and Beach Water test. For more information on what tests are available to you, visit: https://www.jcpublichealthwi.org/environmental-health or call (715)-284-4301. You can also have your water tested at a state certified laboratory, to find one in your area call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.