An EHS taking a bacteriological water sample

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.