Public Health Madison & Dane County ended its drinking-water lab services on October 1, 2025. Well owners can now use the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, the UW-Stevens Point lab, or the county health labs in Iowa and Green counties. Test for bacteria and nitrate every year, and follow your lab’s kit instructions exactly.
Updated October 2026
What changed
- The Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) lab stopped testing on October 1, 2025. Its old prices no longer apply.
- PHMDC still helps people understand their results: 608-243-0357 or lab@publichealthmdc.com.
- PHMDC points well owners to the State Lab of Hygiene, UW-Stevens Point, the Rock County Health Department and other certified labs.
Labs, prices and drop-off days
| Lab | Tests and prices | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Madison. 800-442-4618 or 608-224-6202 | Bacteria $35, nitrate $35, arsenic $38. Homeowner package $450. HUD/FHA-VA package $146. | Kits ship free; you pay return shipping. Drop-off at 2601 Agriculture Dr., Madison. Don’t ship on Fridays. |
| UW-Stevens Point WEAL lab. 715-346-3209 | Homeowner package $78 (bacteria, nitrate and basic water chemistry). Bacteria alone $30. | Prices good through December 31, 2026. |
| Iowa County Health Department, Dodgeville. 608-930-9870 | Bacteria, nitrate, arsenic or lead: $35 each. | Return samples on ice within 24 hours, Monday to Thursday only. Bacteria results in 24 to 48 hours. |
| Green County Public Health, Monroe. 608-328-9390 | Bacteria $30, nitrate $35. | Drop-off Monday to Wednesday only. UWSP kits are also available there. |
Prices are the labs’ published fall 2026 prices. Confirm with the lab before you sample.
Free and local programs
- WellTAP (state program): free bacteria, nitrate, fluoride and metals tests. The well must serve a primary home with someone pregnant, a child 12 or under, or someone with a weak immune system, and cost or another burden must be in the way. Apply through your local health department. In Dane County, call PHMDC at 608-242-6515.
- Sauk County Extension (Baraboo, 608-355-3250) hands out free UWSP kits; you pay the lab. Town testing programs are planned for Spring Green, Franklin and others in 2027, and Troy, Honey Creek and Prairie du Sac in 2028.
What to test and how often
- Every year: bacteria (total coliform) and nitrate. PHMDC recommends this for all private wells.
- Right away: after flooding, or if the water’s taste, color or smell changes.
- Before a baby or pregnant person drinks the water: know your nitrate level.
- Home sale: a paid well inspection tests for coliform bacteria, nitrate and arsenic.
How to take a sample
- Order a kit from the lab and use only the bottle it sends.
- Follow the kit’s instructions exactly, including which tap to use and how long to run the water.
- Check the lab’s shipping or drop-off days first. Bacteria samples have to reach the lab quickly.
- Keep a copy of every result. It helps you spot changes over time.
When you need a licensed professional
- A bacteria test comes back positive again after a retest.
- The well cap, seal or casing looks damaged.
- You need a paid well inspection for a home sale. It must be done by a DNR-licensed well driller or pump installer.
Related
- Coliform or E. coli in your well
- Nitrate in Driftless-area well water
- Grants and financial help for well owners
- Buying or selling a home with a well
Sources
- PHMDC: Private well water testing
- WSLH: Water testing prices (effective July 1, 2026)
- UW-Stevens Point WEAL: 2026 price list
- Iowa County Health Department: Water testing for private wells
- Green County Public Health: Water testing
- Sauk County Extension: Well water testing
- Wisconsin DHS: Private wells and WellTAP
