City of Wichita - Water Wells Water Well Testing Services

Water Well Testing Services

Environmental Services Bacterial and Nitrate Testing ($25.00 each)

The Department of Environmental Services tests the water from private water well systems for bacterial contamination. If bacteriological contamination is found, our environmentalist will provide instructions for disinfection procedures. We recommend that private drinking water wells be tested for bacterial quality at least once a year. Nitrate testing should be done when a private water well is the source of drinking water/formula mixer for a pregnant woman or an infant under 18 months of age.

Environmental Services water testing for transfer of ownership inspections.

Any personal use water well must be sampled and tested prior to transfer of ownership. Please see Title Transfer Inspections.

At a minimum, bacteria and nitrates testing are required before transfer of ownership of any property with a personal use well. Costs for bacteria and nitrate testing are $25 for each sample. Other testing may be required if there is a potential risk of contamination. Costs associated with other testing will vary depending upon sampling and analyses provided.

Other

When testing is requested for constituents other than bacteria or nitrate, Environmental Services will provide consultation to determine what type of analysis is needed. This consultation is particularly important in situations where chemical contamination is suspected. Environmental Services has a contractual agreement with an environmental laboratory to perform many types of water tests. Charges vary depending upon what analysis is performed.

Situations involving groundwater contamination will be referred to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Environmental Assessment and Remediation section of Enviromental Services.