The Lincoln County Water Lab provides convenient, reliable, and reasonably priced water testing services with the goal of safer drinking water. Municipal water systems test their water regularly to ensure it is safe, but it’s up to private well owners to test their well water annually.
Why and When to Test Well Water
Homeowners should test their wells annually or sooner if there is a change in color, odor or taste of the water. Regular maintenance of your well is required to ensure the continued safety of your water and to monitor for the presence of any contaminants.
Obtaining a Water Test Kit
All testing requires the use of one of our water testing kits. Kits can be picked up at the Health Department at 607 North Sales Street, Merrill on Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 p.m. Hours vary around the holidays. If these times do not work, kits can also be mailed to you for a small fee. Our Water Lab is open year round.
Collecting a Water Sample
- Collect the sample right before you bring it to our office.
- It is important to review the instructions included in our water test kit in order to get accurate results.
Returning a Water Sample
Bacteria and nitrate samples should be shipped to or dropped off at the water lab the same day or within 24 hours after they are taken. Samples greater than 24 hours old cannot be tested and must be refused.
Samples are accepted: Monday-Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fees
We accept all payment options, cash, credit, debit, check. Click here to pay online. Fees are subject to change.
- Bacteria test kit - $25.00
- Nitrate test kit - $35.00
- If you purchase a bacteria test kit and nitrate test kit together - $55
Free Well Water Testing For Those Who Qualify
If you live in your home and have financial need, private well water testing may be available for free through the Wisconsin Well Testing Access Program (WellTAP). This uses a different testing kit and lab than the process above.
You qualify for WellTAP if you meet these two criteria:
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Are enrolled in government assistance (BadgerCare, Forward Health, WIC, Medicaid, etc.)
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Are pregnant, under 12 years old and/or have a weakened immune system.
Questions
For more information on well water testing and if you qualify for free testing contact Lincoln County Health Department at 715-536-0307 or LCHealth [at] co.lincoln.wi.us (LCHealth[at]co[dot]lincoln[dot]wi[dot]us).
Resources
Last Updated: 5/19/2026