Water Quality Testing

Bayfield County Health Department offers on-site bacteriological testing for both public and private water supplies. We can also do bacteria testing for surface water samples.

Test kits are available at the Bayfield County Health Department during regular business hours. Cost is $20 per sample. Samples are accepted Monday - Wednesday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Other sampling times may be arranged.

Clean, safe drinking water is one of the most important elements of good health. Testing well water on an annual basis is one of the easiest things a private well owner can do to take care of their health and the health of their loved ones.

For more information on our laboratory capabilities please call us at 715-373-6109 or email our staff.

Total Coliform (Bacteria) and E-Coli Testing

Total coliforms are indicator organisms used to detect bacterial contamination in drinking water. Their presence indicates that a pathway for contamination exists and organisms that cause disease may be present, even though total coliforms themselves typically do not cause disease in healthy individuals.   However, one species of total coliform (E. coli) is found in the feces of warm blooded animals. The presence of E.coli in a drinking water sample is an indication of fecal contamination of the water supply.

Surface Water Testing (Beach Monitoring)

Surface water may be tested for E. coli. The only natural habitat of E. coli is the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. The recreational water guideline is less than 235 MPN/100 mL.   An advisory is recommended between and 235 MPN/100 mL and 1000 MPN/100 mL.   A closure is recommended at greater than 1000 MPN/100 mL.

Nitrates

High nitrate levels in drinking water pose a risk to infants. Infants under six months of age who are fed water or formula made with water that is high in nitrate can develop a condition called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” State and federal laws set the maximum allowable level for nitrate-nitrogen in public drinking water at 10 milligrams per liter (ppm).  We currently use the Environmental Research and Innovation Center Laboratory at UW-Oshkosh for all Nitrate and homeowner test kit sampling.

Other Contaminants

There are a variety of other contaminants that can make their way into your water supply.   Inorganic chemicals, volitle organic compounds, pesticides, and heavy metals such as lead or arsenic can all cause severe health effects.   If you suspect your water has been contaminated or would like further testing, we stock homeowner test kits from the UW-Oshkosh laboratory for or the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene has a variety of tests available for homeowners.