Private Water Wells

The assurance of a safe drinking water supply is of the utmost importance in the field of Public Health. While municipal water sources (city water) are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is the responsibility of the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department to assist individuals whose homes are served by a private water well.  

Effective immediately, the Illinois Department of Public Health will no longer accept private water well samples for the following scenarios:

1. Repeat/annual well water testing of private residences
2. Contaminated groundwater is not directly associated with human illness
3. Private water testing conducted as part of a real estate transaction

Individuals wanting to test their private water well are encouraged to contact a commercial lab to request water sample kits.   A list of private labs can be found: Certified Private Labs for Water Testing.

The Illinois Department of Public Health will accept samples for the items listed below.  A sample bottle can be picked up at either of our offices for the testing.

1. Initial Testing following installation of new wells
2. Testing in response to infant illness involving private water sources
3. Testing in response to outbreaks involving private water sources
4. Special sampling events are only available upon approval from the State Environmental Health Department