Health department recommends annual well water testing

The La Crosse County Health Department invited private well owners to test for bacteria and metals in water Tuesday at the West Salem Library.

“To be honest, people have this on their to-do list, but they haven’t gotten around to it, so I think for us to cater it to their community, it makes it more popular,” Maichor Lee, health educator, said.

From 4-7 p.m., members of the La Crosse County Health Department will accept water samples to test for bacteria, nitrate and arsenic. Lee said they will collect water samples at the library and will provide testing bottles for those who do not have any for water collection.

Those who missed Tuesday’s event can bring their water to the health department during normal business hours to pay for testing. Lee said they recommend an annual assessment of drinking water.

“Many of the bacteria or things in the water, a lot of the time you are not going to be able to see it, smell it, or taste it, so that is why it is very important for you to get it tested yearly,” Lee said.

The cost of the test is as follows:
$27 for bacteria
$27 for nitrate
$54 for both (bacteria and nitrate)
$29 for arsenic
$95 – Full metals panel (includes arsenic)