1. I have a private well, how often should the water be tested? Property owners with private wells should submit a water sample from the well at least once every year (more frequently if the well was drilled prior to July 1987) and certainly whenever any changes are noticed in the water such as taste, cloudy, odor etc. The water should also be tested after repairs have been made to the water supply system. (back to top) 2. What are the recommended tests? Start with a bacteria test. This is a test for Total Coliform Bacteria and E. Coli Bacteria. The test results are recorded as either ABSENT or PRESENT. For more information on these forms of bacteria look here. (back to top) 3. Who does the water tests and how much will it cost? Property owners may collect their own water samples for bacterial testing (Total Coliform and E-coli). The laboratory requires you to collect and submit the water sample in the collection kits provided by the State Public Health Laboratory. These kits with sampling instructions are available at the Perry County Health Department (PCHD). There is a $10.00 fee payable to the laboratory upon completion of the test. The water sample should reach the laboratory within 30 hours of collection. If the water sample is submitted to the Perry County Health Department on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before arrival of the Courier Service, the sample will be shipped at no cost. Call the PCHD at 573-547-6564 for Courier arrival times. In certain instances an official water sample may be required. Official water samples must be submitted by an Environmental Public Health Specialist at the PCHD. If an official sample is required for a real estate transaction, contact a Licensed On-Site Inspector/Evaluator. See a Current listing here. (back to top) 4. How long will it take to get results? Bacterial samples are sent to the State Public Health Laboratory in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Results from the tests should be back within one week. (back to top) 5. What other test are available? Talk to the Environmental Public Health Specialist (EPHS) at the Perry County Health Department about the specific problem you may be having with your water supply. Water tests other than bacterial must be obtained and submitted by the EPHS. Some water tests require prior approval from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In most circumstances water samples will be collected by the Perry County Health Department at no cost to the well owner. (back to top)
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