5. WATER TESTING
WATER TESTING FOR PRIVATE WELLS (updated: 4/2023)
It is recommended that Private Well Water be tested once a year. Sterile collection bottles are available at the Wellfleet Health Department M-F 8:00 am - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Types of tests:
- Routine: includes Coliform Bacteria, pH, Conductivity, Iron, Copper, Sodium, Nitrates, and Manganese ($55.00)
- Real Estate Package: includes Coliform Bacteria, pH, Conductivity, Iron, Copper, Sodium, Nitrate, Manganese and VOCs ($140.00)
- Individual sample bottles (prices vary depending on sample type *If you are in need of a Lead or Radon test, please call ahead (508) 349-0308 as we will need to order these specific bottles from the Barnstable County Lab.
Helpful Hints for Conducting a Water Test:
- Use a stationary faucet head for the sample.
- Take off any screens attached to the faucet.
- Run the cold water for 5 minutes. Fill the bottles as instructed on the form. *It is recommended that you NOT use the kitchen faucet due to food particles; any other faucet is preferred.
- The coliform bacteria bottle is taped: be sure when filling up this bottle that you don't touch the rim or the underside of the cap.
- PLEASE NOTE: Samples must be taken the same morning they are dropped off for the lab.
Drop Off Information:
- Wellfleet Health Department: 220 West Main Street, Wellfleet MA; Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8AM - 9:30AM. If you are using the Wellfleet Courier Service, you can only pay via check (made payable to Barnstable County). ***We DO NOT accept Credit cards at this time.
- Barnstable County Water Quality Laboratory: 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA; Samples are not accepted after 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and not after 12:00 PM on Friday
Please allow 10 days for results. Testing may be expedited for an additional fee.To find out more information regarding the Water Quality Lab and it's requirements including pricing, turn-around times, and tips on how to conduct water tests, click here or call them at 508-375-6605.
WATER QUALITY INFORMATION & FACT SHEETS
PFAs & PFOs Information
- PFAS: A Guide to Help Protect Your Family's Health
- MassDEP Fact Sheet: PFAS in Drinking Water - Questions and Answers for Consumers
- Mass Department of Public Health: Information on PFAs in Drinking Water
- Home Water Treatment Devices - Point of Entry and Point of Use Drinking Water Treatment
Interested in testing your water for PFAs? Currently Barnstable County Water Quality Lab does NOT conduct PFAs testing for residential properties (only public water supply wells). They are currently working on getting a program up and running.