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Well drilling permits and water rights are administered by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR). Public water systems are tested regularly, but private water systems (and unregulated community systems) have no regulations associated with testing them. Private water sources can be required to be tested under other regulations or requirements if the water is being used for small daycares, small food processors, bottled water plants, foster/care homes, and house sales if required by lender or buyer.
In Idaho, private well owners are responsible for ensuring their water is safe to drink. All private well owners should test their drinking water to ensure that it is safe to drink and regularly maintain their wellhead. Private wells may have elevated levels of contamination from bacteria, naturally occurring, or synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Use the resources below to find out what to test for, how often to test, and how to keep your water safe.
NOTE: CDH does not provide water testing kits. Use one of the following resources to test your private water supply:
- Analytical Laboratories: Phone: 208-342-5515; email: ali@analyticallaboratories.com
- Idaho Department of Laboratories: Phone: 208-334-2235; email: statelab@dhw.idaho.gov
Testing Well Water for Contaminants
While your water may appear safe, harmful levels of contaminants occur at such low concentrations that they often cannot be tasted, seen, or smelled. This means regular testing and maintenance are necessary to protect the health of your family. You should test your well water once a year for bacteria and nitrates.
- Nitrate Fact Sheet – Nov 2023
- IDHW – Groundwater Quality Near Me Map – Use the map above to help determine what contaminants for which to test.
If undesirable levels of contaminants show up in your water, contact The Department of Health and Welfare’s Environmental Health program at radon@dhw.idaho.gov or 1-800-445-8647 to determine the best method to fix the problem and if you have questions about your well water testing results.
- IDHW – Drinking Water – Resources on common contaminants and how to take a water sample for testing.
- IDHW – Arsenic in Your Well Water
- IDHW – Bacteria in Your Well Water
- IDHW – Fluoride in Your Well Water
- IDHW – Nitrate in Your Well Water
- IDHW – Uranium in Your Well Water
Private Well Guidance and Drinking Water Resources
- Idaho Private Well Owner’s Brochure – Nov 2023
- Is My Well Water Safe? – Nov 2023
- Private Well Guidance – Nov 2023
- CDC – Private Drinking Water
- DEQ – How to Collect a Water Sample
- DEQ – Need additional help from a licensed professional? Search for a licensed operator here
- GIS – Ground Water Quality Near Me
- IDHW – Drinking Water Resources
- IDHW – Idaho Laboratories and Testing
- The Groundwater Foundation
- The Private Well Class
Private Well Sampling Application and Fees
Submitting Applications For Services
CDH provides drinking water quality testing and mortgage survey inspections of private wells and septic systems.
Please ensure applications are filled out completely and supporting documents are submitted together. Applications may be mailed with a check, dropped off in-person (front desk) or via Adobe Sign to EHApps@cdh.idaho.gov; other formats will not be accepted. Once electronic applications are received and processed, a CDH employee will contact you for payment.
Please be aware that email confirmations or other correspondence may be delivered to your junk or spam folder.
- Ada & Boise Counties: 707 N. Armstrong Place Boise, ID 83704
- Valley County: 703 1st St. McCall, ID 83638
- Elmore County: 520 E. 8th Street N. Mountain Home, ID 83647
- Water Sample Collection – $130
- Coliform Test – $19
- Fluoride Test – $20
- Nitrate Test – $20
- Nitrite Test – $20
- Arsenic Test – $22
Well Disinfection Information
Disinfection is one process of killing or inactivating microorganisms to make water safe for drinking. Disinfection can also eliminate nuisance bacteria that can cause unpleasant tastes and odors.
CONTACT
Can’t find the information you need? Please complete the form or give us a call.
Environmental Health
208-327-7499
Ada & Boise Counties 208-375-7499
Elmore County 208-587-4407
Valley County 208-634-7194
