Well Water

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for about 44 percent of the total population or more than 2.1 million people in Alabama. Approximately 800,000 people, or 20 percent of the state population, depend on private water supplies, such as wells, for drinking water.

If you obtain drinking water from your own well, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. For this reason, routine testing is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure water supply, regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality.

Bacteriological testing for drinking water suitability for public water systems and private well owners is important. To have your well water tested, you may call your county health department and request that they have an environmentalist collect the specimen. There may be a collection fee.

For instructions on how to collect the specimen yourself, download our Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Well Water Tested. This guide also includes solutions for treating contamination. It is required that you use one of the containers provided by your local county health department. The results will be available approximately 24 hours after the specimen is received. There may be a testing fee for each sample.

Additional Resources

• How to Disinfect Your Water Well
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System Private Well Program