District Health Department #2

Water Sampling

Water Sampling Requirements

The well construction code requires that after construction or repair of a well, the well must be disinfected, and then flushed to waste. The person constructing the well is required to disinfect the well.  After all chlorine is removed from the system, the water well can be tested for coliform bacteria.

Residential Wells

• A coliform bacteria sample must be taken for all new, repaired, and reconditioned wells.
• The coliform bacteria test must show the absence of coliform bacteria.
• A partial chemistry sample is also highly recommended. The partial chemistry sample will test for: chloride, flouride, soduim, sulfate, hardness as CaCO3, Iron, Nitrate, Nitrite.
• Water sample bottles can be obtained free of charge, from the local health department office in the county where you live.   They are provided with a shipping container with a mailing address.
• The sample must be taken or mailed to a state certified laboratory.  The labs charge a  nominal cost for analyzing the water.
• Seasonal wells that are depressurerized should be disinfected and sampled prior to consuming the water at the start of the season.
• Annual coliform bacteria sampling is recommended.

Type III Public Water Supplies

• Two coliform bacteria water samples (taken 24 hours apart) and a nitrate sample (partial chemistry) must be taken after the well is constructed and prior to offering water to the public for consumption.  Water must show an absence of coliform bacteria.  The maximum level for nitrates is 10.0 ug/l (parts per million).
• Two coliform bacteria water samples must be taken if a water supply is depressurized, such as when it is shut down for the winter.
• Licensed facilities may be required to complete annual sampling requirements.

Other water samples may be required by District Health Department #2, for example, if a water well is near a source of contamination.   

Water sampling bottles are available any health department office or you may contact MDNRE laboratory at (517) 335-8184.  Water sampling bottles are sent to the MDNRE laboratory in Lansing, or any state certified lab, for analysis.  Contact your local health department if you wish to discuss the results of your water samples.