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Water Lab

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health was licensed in November 2023 by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to operate a bacteria water laboratory. Water samples can be collected from public and private water sources.

Why You Should Test Your Well

  • Bacteria, altered pH, water hardness, or iron levels can lead to illness, health complications, or damage to your well or plumbing.
  • High levels of nitrates may be present, which can be harmful to young infants and pregnant women.
  • You can't see, smell, or taste bacteria, high nitrates, or contaminants.

When to Test

When to Test Your Well Graphic

Tests & Pricing

Test TypeDescription
Price
Arsenic
Has no taste or odor and can be toxic even at low levels.
$35
Bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli)
Coliform bacteria indicate that other contaminants, such as viruses, harmful bacteria, and parasites, may have found their way into your water. E. coli may cause illness and indicating that fecal contamination may be present in your water.
$25
Lead
May leach from lead-containing fixtures. Harmful to pregnant women, infants, and young children.
$35
Manganese
Water may have black specks, a metallic taste, or cause stained laundry. It can be toxic at high levels.$35
Nitrates
Pregnant women and children are most at risk. There is increasing scientific evidence that nitrates also have negative health impacts on adults. Common contaminant in Chippewa County wells.
$35
Surface Water E. Coli
Tests for the presence of elevated bacteria at private beaches, ponds, etc.
$35
Homeowner's Bundle
(Includes Lead, Copper, Nitrate, Arsenic, and Manganese)
Bundle all of the potential water contamination tests (plus Copper!) in a discounted price.$110

Bring the water sample to Chippewa County Public Health on the first floor of the Government Center in Chippewa Falls, East entrance. You can drop off your sample at the front desk in Room 121.

Drop-off Hours

Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am

Bacteria Samples Only 
Monday through Wednesday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 am to 11:00 am, NO samples on Friday

Holidays (closed)

Holiday Schedule
Samples will not be accepted the day before a holiday.

Rejected Samples

Water samples will be rejected if:

  • Nitrate samples are not received on ice or are at room temperature.
  • Samples are in an unapproved, dirty, or damaged container.
  • Samples cannot be analyzed within 24 hours of collection for bacteria or 48 hours for nitrate.
  • Samples do not contain the required amount of water.
  • Samples have been frozen.

Contact Us

  1. Chippewa County Courthouse
    711 N Bridge Street
    Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

    Contact Information
    County Video Tour

  1. Aging and Disability Resource Center

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