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.

Environmental Engineering is equipped to test for bacterial contamination. It determines whether the water is safe for human consumption at the time of the test. We investigate illness complaints involving waterborne diseases determined by your medical doctor. Educational information and recommendations regarding maintenance of your well and water treatment systems are available upon request.

Good quality drinking water may be consumed in any desired amount without adverse effect on health. Such water is called “potable”. It is free from harmful levels of impurities: bacteria, viruses, minerals, and organic substances. It is also aesthetically acceptable. Private well owners are responsible for ensuring that their well water is safe to drink.

Wells can become contaminated from bacteria and nitrates 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. Superchlorination followed by dechlorination is the most common solution for potential bacteria in the water supply.

As a service to the community, the Lee CHD, Environmental Engineering Division is available to test your water for bacteria, interpret the results, and provide guidance on how to disinfect the well if the water is contaminated. We strongly recommend you annually test your well for bacterial contamination and nitrates. You may bring a nitrate water sample to any NELAC certified lab for analysis that conducts the Nitrate test.