Well Water Testing Program
Clean, safe water is an important feature of environmental health. Nationally, it is estimated that up to 20% of well water is contaminated, but little is known about well water in Douglas County.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is launching an effort to better understand water quality in rural households. This new initiative offers free, voluntary well-water testing for property owners across Douglas County, Kansas, providing an invaluable opportunity to better understand and safeguard local water quality. Through simple, easy-to-follow steps, residents with private wells can work with LDCPH to collect samples for comprehensive analysis, including screening for contaminants such as nitrates, coliform bacteria, and E. coli bacteria.
The program is designed to empower homeowners with clear, personalized test results and expert guidance, helping them address any water quality concerns proactively. By compiling aggregated data (while protecting individual privacy), the initiative will produce a scientific snapshot of groundwater health across the county. Ultimately, this effort supports healthier, more resilient communities by combining public knowledge and environmental stewardship.