Free testing that can identify contaminants commonly found in well water is available to local homeowners. Through grant funding from the state, Washington County Environmental Health offers free well testing that detects E. coli bacteria, total coli forms and nitrates.

According to Washington County Public Health Inspector, Jason Taylor, he takes a sample from a kitchen or bathroom faucet, sends it to the University of Iowa Hygienic Lab, and usually gets results back within a week.

He recommends having private/on-site wells tested yearly to avoid the health complications caused by high contaminant levels, which can be treated by shock chlorination.

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