Water Sample Screening
Overview
Currently, water screening for nitrates and bacteria (E.coli and Coliform) is a service provided by the Dickinson County Department of Environmental Services. Sample kits may be obtained from the Environmental Services office, located at 2363 Jeep Road.
There is a minimal fee of $15.00 to help cover the cost of the screening. Contact the Environmental Services Department for details, or download our water test form. Accepted payment methods are cash, check, and debit/credit card. Checks should be made payable to Dickinson County Dept. of Environmental Services. Please note, all card transactions are subject to a 2.5% processing fee.
Samples will be accepted Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Directions for Taking Your Own Water Sample
To assure reasonable accuracy, samples should be kept as cool as possible and transported to the Department of Environmental Services as soon as possible. Do not allow your samples to get above room temperature. Your sample must be labeled and be accompanied by the applicable fees and paperwork.
It is suggested that you use the kitchen faucet or the faucet you use most. If there is an aerator on the faucet, remove it. Swab the inside of the faucet with a cotton ball or paper towel soaked in at least 70% rubbing alcohol. Let the faucet run for about 10 minutes, or long enough to allow water to clear the line from the well to the faucet.
With a permanent marker record your name and address on the Whirl-Pak and on the plastic bottle label or lid.
Nitrate Test: Open the Whirl-Pak by zipping off the perforated top and gently pulling the paper tabs apart. Fill the pouch about 1/3 full without touching the Whirl-Pak to the faucet. Close by folding over several times and twisting the yellow twist ties together.
Bacteria: Break the seal on the plastic bottle and remove the lid. Take care to not spill the small amount of dry chemical in the bottle. Fill to the line on the shoulder and replace the lid tightly.
Testing takes between 18 and 24 hours to process. If a sample tests high for nitrate or positive for bacteria, you will receive a phone call. A written report should be available for mailing or e-mailing in less than two weeks.
Overview
Currently, water screening for nitrates and bacteria (E.coli and Coliform) is a service provided by the Dickinson County Department of Environmental Services. Sample kits may be obtained from the Environmental Services office, located at 2363 Jeep Road.
There is a minimal fee of $15.00 to help cover the cost of the screening. Contact the Environmental Services Department for details, or download our water test form. Accepted payment methods are cash, check, and debit/credit card. Checks should be made payable to Dickinson County Dept. of Environmental Services. Please note, all card transactions are subject to a 2.5% processing fee.
Samples will be accepted Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Directions for Taking Your Own Water Sample
To assure reasonable accuracy, samples should be kept as cool as possible and transported to the Department of Environmental Services as soon as possible. Do not allow your samples to get above room temperature. Your sample must be labeled and be accompanied by the applicable fees and paperwork.
It is suggested that you use the kitchen faucet or the faucet you use most. If there is an aerator on the faucet, remove it. Swab the inside of the faucet with a cotton ball or paper towel soaked in at least 70% rubbing alcohol. Let the faucet run for about 10 minutes, or long enough to allow water to clear the line from the well to the faucet.
With a permanent marker record your name and address on the Whirl-Pak and on the plastic bottle label or lid.
Nitrate Test: Open the Whirl-Pak by zipping off the perforated top and gently pulling the paper tabs apart. Fill the pouch about 1/3 full without touching the Whirl-Pak to the faucet. Close by folding over several times and twisting the yellow twist ties together.
Bacteria: Break the seal on the plastic bottle and remove the lid. Take care to not spill the small amount of dry chemical in the bottle. Fill to the line on the shoulder and replace the lid tightly.
Testing takes between 18 and 24 hours to process. If a sample tests high for nitrate or positive for bacteria, you will receive a phone call. A written report should be available for mailing or e-mailing in less than two weeks.