Taylor County Health Department
Michelle Cahoon, Health Officer

Water Testing

Testing your water keeps you and your family healthy! According to the CDC, the presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for illness. [ Click Here ] for more information.

The Taylor County Health Department partners with the City of Medford to provide water testing for private wells throughout the county. We sell the collection bottles and residents drop off the bottles at the City of Medford Wastewater Treatment plant to be tested.

Purchasing a Water Test Kit

There are 2 ways to purchase a water test kit from TCHD!

(1) Stop in our office anytime during business hours Mon-Fri 8a-4:30p and pick up a kit.
*accepted payment: cash, check or credit/debit card

Office Pick Up Water Testing Kit Prices: 

• Bacteria/E. Coli: $60
• Nitrate: $60
• Bacteria/E. Coli AND Nitrate: $75
• Arsenic Water Test: Please call 608-224-6203 to order a test kit.

(2) Visit our online payment system [ Click Here ] to order a water test kit to be mailed to your home.
* Be sure to fill out the form accurately so we know where to send the collection bottle. Once we receive payment, we will send out the collection bottle(s)!

Mailed Water Testing Kit Prices: 

• Bacteria/E. Coli: $68
• Nitrate: $68
• Bacteria/E. Coli AND Nitrate: $83

Fee Exempt Water Testing Kit:

We offer free well testing to qualified private well users through the Wisconsin Well Testing Access Program (WellTAP). To qualify for WellTAP, all of the following criteria must be met:

• The well serves someone who is pregnant, a child 12 or under, or a person with weakened immune system. 
• The well serves your primary residence.
• A financial or other burden prevents you from testing on your own.

Contact us at 715-748-1410 or tchd@co.taylor.wi.usto learn more about WellTAP.

 Qualified well users can request a sample kit from us, and it will be analyzed by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene. Once the results are available, we will send them to you. If a level of a substance in the sample is above its public health value, we will provide you with recommendations on how to reduce your exposure.

When should I test my well water?

• Coliform Bacteria
  • Annually.
• Fluoride
  • This should be tested prior to children receiving fluoride supplements.
• Metals
  • Once per well.
• Nitrate
  • Newly constructed wells;
  • Wells with no testing history;
  • Before pregnancy and at the time of birth;
  • Annually, if located 1/4 mile from fertilized fields or animal feed lots.
• Water Test
  • After flooding;
  • Noticeable changes in the taste, odor or appearance of your water.