For more information, contact Joiner Micro Labs | 540-347-7212, visit EPA’s website, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426- 4791.
Always use a Virginia accredited laboratory for testing.
Private Well Testing
IT'S TIME to test your water
Is your drinking water safe? This is a serious question that concerns you and your family. Of most concern, contaminated water can make you sick.
Why You Should Test
Issues of concern:
- Reoccurring Gastrointestinal problems
- Pregnant or infant in the household
- Change in water color or taste
- Broken well cap
- Broken water line to house
Selling your home:
- Most real estate contracts require a satisfactory coliform bacteriological test prior to settlement
New well:
- Test required for occupancy permit
Old well:
- Sub-standard well
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) RECOMMENDS TESTING YOUR WATER AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
How To Test
Testing for total coliform bacteria is an inexpensive place to start with fast results.
Our Sample Collection Process:
- Call us for a free consultation to see what the best test is for your water.
- Receive a sterile container from JML via mail or visiting the lab. Sampling for total coliform bacteria must be collected using sterile containers and under sterile conditions.
- Our sterile container will have instructions for collecting, preserving and handling the water sample.
- Return the water sample to our office or one of our convenient drop off locations for testing.
Your Results
ABSENT for Total Coliform Bacteria = SAFE Drinking Water *
PRESENT for Total Coliform Bacteria = NOT SAFE Drinking Water **
What if your water is present for Total Coliform Bacteria:
- First don’t panic! You have probably been drinking this water for some time with no ill effects.
- It is recommended not to drink the water until you have identified the possible source(s) of contamination and take corrective steps to purify the contaminated water.
- The Virginia Department of Health recommends cleaning and sanitizing a contaminated well and the entire plumbing system by disinfecting the well. Click here to see Joiner Micro Lab’s Recommended Disinfection Procedure.
If the water still tests positive (present) for coliform bacteria after disinfecting, one of two problems is likely:
- Surface water infiltration into your well
- Bacterial contamination of the source water
Choices for remediation:
- Treat for bacteria utilizing a permanent treatment system that treats the whole house. CALL a Water Treatment Company for this service.
- Attempt to upgrade the existing well. CALL a Well Drilling Company for this service.
- Drill a new well. CALL a Well Drilling Company for this service.
*Bacteriologically safe according to Virginia Department of Health and USEPA
**Disease-Causing Organisms Could Be Present