The private well owner is solely responsible for making sure their water is safe to consume. 

How to Collect a Water Sample

A video tutorial for collecting a proper water sample.  

Home Buyer's Guide to Private Wells

Checklist of things to consider when purchasing a property with a private well

Home Owner's Guide to Private Wells

Guide for the ongoing protection of private well water

Home Treatment Guide

Overview of in-home systems commonly used to treat water quality problems

​Arsenic Fact Sheet

What you need to know about arsenic in Iowa

Bacteria and Nitrate Fact Sheet

Annual testing for bacteria and nitrate is recommended. Here is what you need to know.

Manganese Fact Sheet

The State Hygienic Laboratory is testing private wells for manganese in the Fall 2018 as part of the Iowa Well Survey. 

Safener Fact Sheet

The State Hygienic Laboratory is collaborating with the University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination to study the presence of safener compounds in select counties during the Fall 2018 Iowa Well Survey. 

DID  YOU KNOW?

Approximately a quarter million people in Iowa depend on private wells for their household water supply. ​

Private well water is unregulated, and testing is not required as it is for municipal water systems. ​

The well owner is responsible for maintaining their well and testing the water supply.

Routine laboratory analysis can determine the presence and concentration of various contaminants in a private drinking water supply. 

Sample Collection Instructions

A guide to properly collecting a drinking water sample.  

NOTE: Always review the instructions provided with the water sampling kit.  Some tests require different collection methods.

Grants-to-Counties Program Guide

The Grants-to-Counties Program provides free water testing to Iowa residents whose primary source of drinking water comes from private wells. Find out how.