Private well owners are responsible for ensuring that their well water is safe to drink. The Florida Department of Health strongly recommends that private well water is tested for bacteria and chemicals at least annually. It is simple, affordable, and a great way to assure that the water is safe for you and your family to use.

Wells can become contaminated from bacteria and chemicals for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is obvious like when flood waters enter the well, but many times it is not such as when septic tanks fail, fertilizers seep into the ground water or wash into streams and canals, or someone illegally dumps chemicals or sewage. Either way drinking contaminated water can make you and your family ill.

As a service to the community, the Charlotte County Health Department (CCHD) – Environmental Health Division is available to test your water for bacteria and chemicals, interpret the results, and provide guidance on how to disinfect the well if the water is contaminated. You may bring in a water sample to our Environmental Health office, or for your convenience we can have an Environmental Health Specialists obtain a sample from your home.

Charlotte CHD has experience in well sampling and monitoring as it regulates public wells to assure that they meet state quality and construction standards by issuing operating permits (.pdf / 40.3kb), testing the water for bacteria and chemicals, and investigating problems.

How to get your water tested:

Charlotte County Health Department offers water sampling, contact Environmental Health at 941-743-1266 for more information.