DHD#10 Drinking Water Testing Lab Permanently Closed
Clean drinking water is essential to our health. Unfortunately, water can become contaminated with bacteria found naturally in the environment or with man-made chemicals from industrial waste and fertilizers. That’s why regulations are in place to protect human health from unsafe drinking water.
At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulations and standards for monitoring and testing drinking water through the Safe Drinking Water Act. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) enforces these standards through the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. These regulations are primarily for Community Water Supplies, such as city or municipal water hook ups.
But what about those who have a private well? In Michigan, private wells that serve less than 25 people are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. This means that it is up to the private well owner to make sure the drinking water is safe. The DEQ does investigate drinking water well contamination, oversees the water well drilling industry, and oversees remedial activities where groundwater contamination has affected private drinking water wells.
Water Testing Laboratories
When you have your water tested, please be sure that the lab you choose is certified by the State of Michigan. Please be aware of the following:
- Each laboratory has its own set of bottles. Whatever laboratory you use, you have to obtain their bottles.
- Verify your laboratories requirements for sampling.
- Most of the private laboratories do not have mail service. The samples have to be dropped off.
- Not all laboratories share test results. Therefore, when you obtain them, please make a copy and send it to the District Health Department #10 office in your county.
The State of Michigan has a list of private and public laboratories certified for drinking water testing available here.