McHenry County is 100% reliant upon groundwater as its source of drinking water. The McHenry County Department of Health encourages residents who utilize private water wells to have their well tested annually for at least total coliform bacteria, E.coli bacteria and nitrates. These parameters are utilized as indicators of potential contamination of a water well. Testing of private water wells is also recommended if there is a change in the water quality or if the well has been subjected to a flooding event. 

Unlike public drinking water supplies, which are regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and non-community public water supplies, which are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health, owners of private water wells are responsible to ensure that their water is safe from contaminants. Consumption of polluted groundwater can cause illness. Contaminated drinking water may not always look, taste or smell differently than safe drinking water. 

The Division of Environmental Health’s laboratory, located at 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, offers testing of private water wells for total coliform bacteria, E.coli bacteria and nitrates. The cost of this test is $30.  Department sampling bottles and a completed chain of custody form are required and may be picked up at the Division of Environmental Health during regular business hours. Water samples are accepted Monday through Thursday between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Samples must be collected the same day that they are submitted to the laboratory. Results are available the next business day after the sample is submitted. 

Other Illinois Department of Public Health certified laboratories in and around McHenry County also offer testing of private water well samples. 

Department staff is available to answer any questions regarding water wells, water quality, and water sampling. Anyone who has a concern regarding their water well or the safety of their water should contact the Division of Environmental Health at 815-334-4585. Department staff may inspect and evaluate the water well and/or collect a water sample for analysis. 

The Department also provides coliform bacteria, E.coli bacteria and nitrate testing of water samples from non-community public water wells and new, modified or replaced water wells within McHenry County.

Laboratory Services and Fees

Drinking Water -- Bacterial Analysis

Presence/Absence Total Coliform/E. coli  ------------------------------------------------------------  $20.00
Quanti-tray (most probable number) Total Coliform/E. coli ---------------------------------------  $22.00

Other Water Analysis

Nitrate Screen  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  $10.00
Nitrate Quantitative (analysis by private lab)  -------------------------------------------------------  $21.00
Nitrite Screen  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  $10.00
Nitrite Quantitative (analysis by private lab)  -------------------------------------------------------  $21.00
Residual Chlorine  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  $5.00
Arsenic  (analysis by private lab)  ----------------------------------------------------------------------  $20.00

Public Beaches

Pick-Up and Analysis (Season)  -----------------------------------------------------------------------  $650.00
Routine Beach Inspection (if not participating in pick-up/analysis program) -----------------  $100.00
Follow-Up Beach Inspections (if not participating in pick-up/analysis program)  -------------  $50.00

Miscellaneous Laboratory Fees

Water Sample Pick-Up Charge  ------------------------------------------------------------------------  $60.00

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