The LMAS District Health Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is excited to announce a special program to help Upper Peninsula Michigan families know the quality of their well water. LMAS is working to ensure safe drinking water is a priority for Michigan families.
Last year, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $5 million to provide free well water testing for Michigan residents who rely on a household or private well for their drinking water. Water from private wells may sometimes not be safe to drink. LMAS wants to help families know if their water is safe, and this free well water testing will help get them answers.
Most wells get checked when first built; however, we know water wells should be checked more frequently as water quality may change over time. This testing can determine if there have been any water quality changes to your well which could be harmful to those who drink and use the well water.
Many different substances can be found in well water which can be harmful and may cause illness, including bacteria and nitrates. Residents who test through this free program will have the assistance of LMAS to help determine the next steps if test results show a problem with their well water quality.
If you have a private well and you want to know if your water is safe to drink, here is what you can do:
—Email lab@lmasdhd.org to request a free bacteria and nitrate test kit.
—Talk to your nearest LMAS office location. They can tell you if there is anything special you need to know about the water in your area.
—Visit our website https://www.lmasdhd.org/
Don’t worry if you are not sure what the laboratory results mean. LMAS has sanitarian staff who can help you understand the results and guide you on the next steps, when necessary.
This free testing program is your first step in knowing if the water you drink from your private well is safe.
