The Alamance County Environmental Health Section collects many different types of water samples. Our trained Environmental Health Specialists come to your property to collect the sample(s), and the sample(s) is then shipped to a North Carolina Certified Laboratory for analysis. Please keep in mind that we can only collect water samples from drinking water wells with a properly functioning well pump. The following is a brief description of the different types of water sampling we offer:
| Test | Fee | Recommended Frequency and other notes |
| Microbiology | ||
| Coliform Bacteria | $40 | Annually
The presence of fecal coliform indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animals waste |
| Inorganics | ||
| Inorganic Chemical Water Sample | $85 | Every two years
Includes: Alkalinity, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nitrate, Nitrite, pH, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Zinc |
| Organics | ||
| Volatile Organic Compounds | $100 | Every five years
Tests for chemical compounds found in petroleum products and solvents. |
| Pesticides | $100 | Every five years
For all well users that have concerns about pesticide usage near your well. |
| Other Tests | ||
|
Nitrate/ Nitrite (can be found in areas near hog farms, chicken houses, or heavy fertilization.) |
$45 | As needed
Can cause shortness of breath and Blue Baby Syndrome in children under the age of 6 months. |
| Full Inorganic Panel | $110 | Recommended if you have never had your well water tested, or it has been several years since your last test. Includes coliform bacteria, inorganic, and nitrate/nitrite samples. |