Household Water Testing

Public Heath - Madison & Dane County's certified public health laboratory tests drinking water for a variety of chemical and microbial contaminants for public water utilities and private wells. Experienced PHMDC professionals also provide consultations on:

• Appropriate types of testing
• Meaning of the test results
• Reasonable responses to identified problems

Why and when should I test my water?

Public utility drinking water is extensively tested by the utilities at many points in the system and should not need to be tested by individual households. However, when concerns arise, Public Health staff is available to help. Unexplained illnesses or changes in taste, odor or appearance of water may suggest the need for testing. Testing after significant flooding is recommended.

• Madison Water Utility: City of Madison water is regularly tested by Public Health - Madison & Dane County laboratory. For specific information about Madison water, go to Madison Water Utility.
• Dane County Municipal Water: For specific questions about your municipal water, contact your local water utility.
  

Private well drinking water should be tested annually, especially in households including pregnant women, infants and young children. If you have questions for what types of testing you should do for your well, Public Health staff are available to help. Call 266-4821 and ask for the lab.

When water is temporarily cloudy or discolored, it may be due to routine flushing of water mains necessary for normal cleaning and maintenance. The cloudiness and discoloration should clear up after a few minutes of running water and does not necessarily indicate a need for testing. If the water does not become clear, call your local water utility.

For Madison residents, you can find out the Water Utility flushing schedule.

For further recommendations about Water Testing

• Water testing recommendations (PDF)

Arrangements For Water Testing

Water testing is available through the Public Health - Madison & Dane County laboratory. For information on making arrangements for testing, call the Public Health Laboratory at (608) 243-0357.

All water testing requires the use of a Water Testing Kit. Kits can be ordered by mail by calling (608)243-0357 or can be picked up during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Public Health Laboratory - City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 507 or 516B.

Basic Water Testing Household Package:

Bacteria panel + nitrate.............$38.00

Testing for iron, manganese, arsenic, lead, copper, other metals, fluoride, water hardness, fertilizers, pesticides and other contaminants are also available. Costs for these tests vary. Under certain conditions, some tests can be performed free of charge. Laboratory staff can assist in selecting appropriate tests and in interpreting results.

If you live in a home built before 1930, you should have your water tested for lead. If you live in a home or have had your plumbing worked on recently, you may want to want to consider testing your water for copper.

For information about drinking water quality data in Dane County