ROCK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT LABORATORY
The Rock County Public Health Department laboratory offers lab services for private well owners to test their water for nitrates and bacteria. Environmental health specialists distribute well water information, provide testing bottles and explain test results to well owners. The Rock County Public Health Department is certified by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) for drinking water analysis of bacteria and is certified by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for drinking water analysis of nitrates.
- Bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
- High nitrate levels can cause “blue baby syndrome." an oxygen deficiency in the baby’s blood. Children under 6 months of age or any female who is or may become pregnant should use an alternative drinking water source.
- Insects, such as earwigs, can carry bacteria, viruses and pesticides into your well.