McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the Environmental Protection Agency in recommending annual testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate for individuals served by private water wells. Since many contaminants are colorless and odorless, testing is the only way to determine whether well water is safe to drink. If your water comes from a public or municipal water system, your water is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards.

Information about Private Wells

If you would like your water tested, there is a convenient solution available. 

The McHenry Township office is a drop-off site for the MCDH well water testing.

Only a sterile bottle can be used which is provided by the MCDH laboratory and the sample must be collected the same day it is dropped off.

Drop off samples for testing, with the completed paperwork,

at McHenry Township  between 8:30 and 11:30 am on Tuesday mornings.

MCDH picks up the sample for testing every Tuesday at noon except on holidays.

You do not pay for testing at the Township office;

MCDH will send you a bill with your test results.

MCDH designates April and August as "Safe Drinking Water Months" for individual well water users. Residents can have their well water tested for coliform bacteria and nitrate for the reduced rate during the months of April or August.