About this list
- Agency
- Wisconsin DNR / DATCP (microbiology)
- Format
- HTML table (coliform bacteria labs)
- Homeowner flag
- Not stated. Includes utility and wastewater labs.
Certified as oflive page
Wisconsin DNR - Drinking Water (SDWA) Labs Certified for Coliform Bacteria Testing. Fetched 2026-11-15 (UTC).
Official sourceTesting your well in Wisconsin
How often to test
- Bacteria once a year and when the taste, color or smell changes. Nitrate once a year and before the well is used by someone who is or may become pregnant. Arsenic once every five years for most well users; every year in Outagamie, Winnebago or Brown county or if arsenic was found before. [1]
Free testing
- The Wisconsin PFAS Private Well Testing Program offers a free PFAS kit and analysis to eligible well owners. Apply through the DNR page. [2]
Buying or selling a home
- Wisconsin DNR says state law does not require a well inspection or water testing for a property transfer, and DNR is not involved in the real estate transaction. If a well inspection is done, state law has required since June 1, 2008 that a licensed well driller or licensed pump installer do it. [3]
What testing costs at the state lab
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026
| Test | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacteria (total coliform / E. coli) | $35 |
| Nitrate | $35 |
| Arsenic | $38 |
| Lead | $38 |
| Manganese | $38 |
| Metals screen | $97 |
| VOC screen | $141 |
| Radon in water | $111 |
| HUD/FHA-VA loan package | $146 |
| Homeowner package (5 bottles) | $450 |
Prices as published when we checked on 1 Nov 2026. Private certified labs set their own prices.
Show the numbers
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 28 counties | |
| Zone 2 | 44 counties | |
| Zone 3 | 0 counties |
Radon in indoor air, not in water. EPA: Zone 1 = highest potential (average indoor radon may be above 4 pCi/L); Zone 2 = 2 to 4; Zone 3 = below 2. EPA says the map should not be used to decide whether an individual home needs testing. Source: U.S. EPA, Map of Radon Zones, county list (EPA 402/A-16/001, spreadsheet Sep 2025), accessed 2026-11-01.
Sources
- Wisconsin DNR, Test your private well water annually
- Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin PFAS Private Well Testing Program
- Wisconsin DNR, Property transfer well inspections (Wells: real estate transfer page)
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Public environmental and water testing prices (effective Jul 1, 2026)
- U.S. EPA, Map of Radon Zones, county list (EPA 402/A-16/001, spreadsheet Sep 2025)
Loan test (FHA, VA, USDA) in Wisconsin
- VA. Test results are valid for 90 days from the date the local health authority certifies them, unless the local authority says otherwise. VA’s chapter names no list of contaminants: the water must meet the local health authority’s requirements, or EPA guidelines where it has none. Your lender may ask for specific tests.
- FHA. A well test is required in the situations FHA’s handbook lists, among others, and the report may not be more than 180 days old at disbursement.
- USDA. Guaranteed loans need a water quality test for a private well, done by the local health authority or a state-certified lab, and no more than 180 days old at closing.
Here:
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026: HUD/FHA-VA loan package, $146 (checked 1 Nov 2026) source
- 3 labs on the Wisconsin list print a loan or home-sale package price on their own site: see the price table.
Lenders can ask for more (extra tests, a particular lab, who takes the sample): ask your lender before you book. Federal rules as read on Nov 3, 2026 source 1 source 2 source 3. Full comparison: VA, FHA and USDA well water test requirements. Loan test kits sold by mail, with price and days to results: kits compared.
What Wisconsin labs say on their own websites
State lists say what a lab is certified for, not whether it takes your sample or what it costs. We read each lab’s own site; a second reader re-checked every fact below. 40 labs on this list are on our register so far; 32 say they take homeowner samples and 18 print a price.
| Lab | Bacteria (coliform / E. coli) | Nitrate | Arsenic | Lead | Basic well panel | Home sale / loan package | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland County Health & Human Services Ashland, WI · You collect it, or lab staff can | $25.00 per test - bacteria source | $25.00 per test - nitrates source | – | – | – | – | – |
| Chippewa County Chippewa Fls, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | fecal contamination may be present in your water. $25 source | Common contaminant in Chippewa County wells. $30 source | Arsenic Has no taste or odor and can be toxic even at low levels. $35 source | Harmful to pregnant women, infants, and young children. $35 source | – | – | – |
| Clark County Health Department Neillsville, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Bacteria-only water test kits can be obtained from the Clark County Health Department for $30, plus shipping source | – | – | – | – | – | Results are ready in 24 hours. |
| Douglas County Health And Human Services Superior, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Bacteria 3-4 $35.00 source | – | – | – | – | – | Usual Testing Time (Business Days) 3-4 |
| Dunn County Health Department Menomonie, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | $25.00 Bacteria (Total Coliform and E.coli) source | $30.00 Nitrate source | – | – | – | – | Bacteria: Results typically mailed or emailed within 5 days; Nitrate: within 3 weeks; rush nitrate: within 72 hours |
| Green County Public Health Department Monroe, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Testing fee: Bacteria: $30 source | Nitrate: $35 source | – | – | – | – | We try to provide test results within the same week the sample is submitted. |
| Griesbach Corporation Greenville, WI | Coliform / E-Coli Bacteria ... $29 source | Nitrate ... $29 source | Arsenic ... $39 source | Lead ... $39 source | – | – | The majority of the test results are ready in three business days. Bacteria and nitrate results are ready in one business day. Lead and copper are ready in three to five businesses days. |
| Iowa County Dodgeville, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Bacteria $35.00 Nitrate $35.00 Arsenic $35.00 Lead $35.00 source | Bacteria $35.00 Nitrate $35.00 Arsenic $35.00 Lead $35.00 source | Bacteria $35.00 Nitrate $35.00 Arsenic $35.00 Lead $35.00 source | Bacteria $35.00 Nitrate $35.00 Arsenic $35.00 Lead $35.00 source | – | – | Staff will communicate the results of bacteria testing within 24-48 hours either by phone or email |
| Lab Tech Services LLC Deerbrook, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Coliform Bacteria $20 source | Nitrate $20 source | Arsenic $37 source | Lead $35 source | *Private Well Package $90 source *Private Well Package + Iron $115 source | *Point FHA Testing $115 source | – |
| Oneida County Health Department Rhinelander, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Coliform Bacteria Nitrate-nitrogen Arsenic Buy all 3 kits Buy Bacteria & Nitrate $27.00 $30.00 $35.00 $82.00 (SAVE $10.00) $52.00 (SAVE $5.00) source | Coliform Bacteria Nitrate-nitrogen Arsenic Buy all 3 kits Buy Bacteria & Nitrate $27.00 $30.00 $35.00 $82.00 (SAVE $10.00) $52.00 (SAVE $5.00) source | Coliform Bacteria Nitrate-nitrogen Arsenic Buy all 3 kits Buy Bacteria & Nitrate $27.00 $30.00 $35.00 $82.00 (SAVE $10.00) $52.00 (SAVE $5.00) source | – | Coliform Bacteria Nitrate-nitrogen Arsenic Buy all 3 kits Buy Bacteria & Nitrate $27.00 $30.00 $35.00 $82.00 (SAVE $10.00) $52.00 (SAVE $5.00) source | – | Lab tests completed on-site include coliform and E-Coli bacteria, with definitive results within 48 hours. |
| State Laboratory Of Hygiene Madison, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Bacteria (Total Coliform/E. coli) – Presence/Absence 2 $35.00 source | Nitrate 3 $35.00 source | Arsenic 10 $38.00 source | Lead 10 $38.00 source | – | HUD/FHA-VA Loan Package -includes: Total Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite+Nitrate, Nitrite (3 bottle kit) 7 $146.00 source | Usual Testing Time In Business Days: Bacteria 2; Nitrate 3; Lead 10; Arsenic 10; Homeowner Package 21; HUD/FHA-VA Loan Package 7 |
| U.s. Water, LLC Weston, WI · You collect it, or lab staff can | Total Coliform & E.Coli (Colisure or Colilert-18 test) $29 source Total Coliform & E.Coli w/ Quantitray Enumeration $37 source | – | Arsenic $35 Arsenic test only. source | – | Annual Water Test Package $45 Nitrate, Total Coliform/ E. Coli source Safe Water Package $79 Arsenic, Total Coliform/ E. Coli, & Nitrate source | Real Estate Testing Package $79 Arsenic, Coliform, Nitrate. Popular with Real estate agents, home buyers, home sellers. source | Within a turnaround of just 2 business days, we'll furnish you with detailed results. |
| University Of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Land O Lakes, WI · You collect it, or lab staff can | Coliform Bacteria ($25) source | Nitrate ($25) source | Arsenic ($30) source | Lead ($35) source | Homeowner's Pkg. (bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, pH, hardness, iron, alkalinity) ($75) source | – | A formal report is sent approximately 7-10 business days after sample(s) are received. |
| University Of Wisconsin - Superior Superior, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Presence/Absence Method $35.00 source Quanti-Tray Method $45.00 source | Nitrate+Nitrite as Nitrogen $40.00 source | – | – | – | – | Bacteria: Expect results in 2-3 weeks. Standard Home Package and Ions testing: Expect results in 5 weeks. Rush $50 per analysis. |
| Walworth County Department Of Health & Human Services Elkhorn, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Bacteria (Coliform & E. Coli).............. $25** source | Nitrate ................................................... $25** source | Arsenic ................................................. $20 source | Lead ...................................................... $20 source | – | – | – |
| Water & Environmental Analysis Stevens Point, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Coliform/E. coli (present/absent) $30.00 source | Nitrate+Nitrite as N (NO3+NO2) $29.00 source | Metal Analyses are $30/per Element ... Arsenic Screen source | Metal Analyses are $30/per Element ... Lead Screen source | Homeowner Package ($78) source | – | Homeowner and Metals Packages: Approximately 10 business days |
| Water Diagnostics Laboratories, LLC Mequon, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Coliform Bacteria & E.coli - $35.00 Presence/Absence source Coliform Bacteria & E.coli - $40.00 Quanti-Tray (Colony Count) source | Nitrate-$40.00 source | Arsenic -$40.00 source | Lead -$40.00 source | Basic Homeowner Package - $250.00 source | – | Annual Testing Package 3-5 Business Days; Basic Homeowner Package 7-10 Business Days; Well Water Quality Package Up to 3 Weeks; Comprehensive 3-4 Weeks; Complete Up to 6 Weeks |
| Waukesha County Department Of Parks & Land Use Waukesha, WI · You collect the sample with the lab's bottles | Coliform Bacteria $35 source | Nitrate $30 source | – | – | – | – | – |
Say they take homeowner samples: Agsource Cooperative Services, Ashland County Health & Human Services, Badger Laboratories, Inc., Badger Laboratories, Inc., Badger Laboratories, Inc., Chippewa County, Clark County Health Department, Commercial Testing Laboratory Inc, Ct Laboratories, LLC, Douglas County Health And Human Services, Dunn County Health Department, Green County Public Health Department, Griesbach Corporation, Iowa County, Lab Tech Services LLC, Leuther Laboratories LLC, Northern Lake Service, Inc., Northern Lake Service, Inc., Oneida County Health Department, Rusk County Health And Human Services, S & R Krizan Pump Service Incorporated, State Laboratory Of Hygiene, U.s. Water, LLC, University Of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin - Superior, Walworth County Department Of Health & Human Services, Water & Environmental Analysis and more.
Prices exactly as each lab prints them, read 15 Nov 2026; re-checked every 90 days. Labs not shown have not been read yet or print nothing for homeowners. Confirm price and turnaround with the lab.
Labs by contaminant
Labs on the Wisconsin list for one test, with homeowner-accepting labs first.
Well water by county
Private-well population (USGS, 2015), arsenic estimate, radon zone and nearby labs for each county with at least 1,000 people on private wells, largest first.
Waukesha County131,894 on wellsDane County74,864 on wellsKenosha County49,599 on wellsWashington County49,174 on wellsMarathon County45,126 on wellsSt. Croix County43,062 on wellsWinnebago County39,702 on wellsFond du Lac County35,568 on wellsWalworth County35,555 on wellsOutagamie County34,687 on wellsRacine County33,803 on wellsSheboygan County32,280 on wellsRock County30,490 on wellsOzaukee County29,530 on wellsWaupaca County29,247 on wellsChippewa County29,242 on wellsJefferson County29,159 on wellsBrown County28,296 on wellsPolk County28,231 on wellsWood County28,127 on wellsOconto County27,167 on wellsPortage County26,751 on wellsLa Crosse County26,576 on wellsDodge County25,623 on wellsBarron County25,146 on wellsOneida County24,276 on wellsManitowoc County23,891 on wellsDunn County23,064 on wellsSauk County22,980 on wellsClark County22,124 on wellsMarinette County21,975 on wellsEau Claire County21,823 on wellsColumbia County21,589 on wellsShawano County21,579 on wellsMilwaukee County21,083 on wellsPierce County18,479 on wellsVernon County18,217 on wellsGrant County17,980 on wellsWaushara County17,640 on wellsGreen County17,477 on wellsDoor County16,937 on wellsDouglas County15,246 on wellsVilas County15,235 on wellsCalumet County14,252 on wellsLincoln County14,209 on wellsTaylor County14,106 on wellsJuneau County13,963 on wellsTrempealeau County13,731 on wellsMonroe County13,467 on wellsMarquette County13,436 on wellsAdams County13,140 on wellsKewaunee County11,711 on wellsRichland County10,353 on wellsIowa County10,344 on wellsLanglade County10,246 on wellsWashburn County10,123 on wellsBurnett County10,091 on wellsBayfield County9,949 on wellsGreen Lake County9,509 on wellsRusk County9,045 on wellsPrice County8,702 on wellsJackson County8,430 on wellsLafayette County8,410 on wellsSawyer County8,199 on wellsBuffalo County7,787 on wellsCrawford County6,258 on wellsAshland County4,860 on wellsPepin County4,474 on wellsForest County2,992 on wellsFlorence County2,655 on wellsIron County2,412 on wells