Well water testing in Portage County, WI
The UW-Stevens Point water lab tests well water. Its Homeowner Package (bacteria, nitrate and more) is $78, and bottles are mailed free. Bacteria samples must reach the lab within 40 hours and are not taken on Fridays. Portage County's free testing program has ended.
- Bacteria test
- $30
- Bacteria + nitrate
- $78
- Sample
- You take the sample
Where to get your well tested
University labState certified
UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL)
| Coliform/E. coli (present or absent)coliform bacteria and E. coliPriority results in 48 hours cost double. Confirm with the lab first. | $30 |
| Coliform/E. coli (count)coliform bacteria and E. coli | $41 |
| Homeowner Packagecoliform bacteria, nitrate, nitrite, pH, hardness, chloride and other itemsColiform bacteria, nitrate plus nitrite, pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, conductivity and corrosivity index. If coliform bacteria are found, the sample is also checked for E. coli. | $78 |
| Homeowner Package with Bacteria Countcoliform bacteria, nitrate, nitrite, pH, hardness, chloride and other itemsThe Homeowner Package plus a count of bacteria colonies. | $91 |
All 17 tests and prices
| Nitrate + nitritenitrate and nitrite | $29 |
| Fluoridefluoride | $29 |
| Single metalother itemsPrice per element. | $30 |
| Total hardnesshardness | $30 |
| Atrazine screen (DACT)pesticidesSuggested if nitrate results are high. | $45 |
| Low-level arsenic, lead or uraniumarsenic, lead and uraniumPrice per element. | $55 |
| New Well / Well Drillers packagecoliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate and nitriteCompliance bacteria and nitrate tests for new wells under state rules. The lab reports results to the state. | $61 |
| Standard Metals Package14 elements: aluminum, arsenic, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, strontium, sulfate, uranium and zinc. | $75 |
| Specialty Metals Packageother items12 elements: barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver and vanadium. | $79 |
| Well Inspection / Well Work packagecoliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate, nitrite and arsenicCompliance bacteria, nitrate and arsenic tests for well inspections and well work under state rules. The lab reports results to the state. | $116 |
| Nitrogen and phosphorus pesticidespesticides22 pesticides. | $158 |
| Infant/Children/Pregnancy PackageThe Homeowner Package, the Standard Metals Package and fluoride. Needs 3 bottles. | $175 |
| Comprehensive Homeowner PackageThe Homeowner Package, the Standard Metals Package and an atrazine screen (DACT). Needs 3 bottles. | $191 |
- Who takes the sample
- You take the sample
- Getting a bottle
- Order a kit online, by phone, or in person at the lab. The lab mails bottles and instructions to you at no cost, or you can pick them up at the lab in Stevens Point.
- UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab, Room 200, Trainer Natural Resources Building, 800 Reserve Street, Stevens Point
- Returning the sample
- Mail the sample or bring it to the lab. To mail a bacteria sample, take it on a Monday or Tuesday around 2pm and send it overnight (Spee-Dee, UPS, FedEx or USPS). Bacteria samples are not accepted on Fridays or before or on major holidays (in 2026: Jan 19, May 25, Sept 7, Nov 25 to 27 and Dec 21 to 31). You pay when the lab accepts the sample, by cash, check or card. If you ship it, include a check made out to WEAL.
- Drop-off hours
- Monday to Thursday, 7:45am to 4pm. Samples for metals or the atrazine screen only can also come in on Fridays.
- Time limit
- Bacteria samples must reach the lab within 40 hours of collection (24 hours for new wells and compliance samples).
- By mail
- Yes, samples can be mailed.
- Results in
- Homeowner and metals packages take about 10 business days. Bacteria alone takes about 1 week. Atrazine, pesticides and fluoride take 3 to 4 weeks.
- Good to know
- Nitrate and metals results from the homeowner packages can't be used for state compliance. Call the lab if you need compliance testing.
- Address
- 800 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
County health departmentState certified
Marathon County Health Department, Public Health Laboratory
For: Citizens of Marathon County and surrounding counties
| Coliform bacteria/E. colicoliform bacteria and E. coli | $28 |
| Package 1: Coliform bacteria/E. coli and nitratecoliform bacteria, E. coli and nitrate | $61 |
| Sample kit shipping feeCharged if the kit is shipped to you. | $5 |
| IronironScreening test. | $14 |
All 12 tests and prices
| CoppercopperScreening test. | $14 |
| HardnesshardnessScreening test. | $14 |
| pHpHScreening test. | $14 |
| Total alkalinityother itemsScreening test. | $14 |
| FluoridefluorideScreening test. | $31 |
| Nitratenitrate | $41 |
| Arsenic or leadarsenic and leadPrice for one of the two. Rush: $91. | $52 |
| Package 2: Coliform bacteria/E. coli, nitrate and fluoridecoliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate and fluoride | $88 |
- Who takes the sample
- You take the sample
- Getting a bottle
- Order a test kit online or call the lab. The lab gives you the bottles and a test form, with sampling steps on the back. A $5 fee applies if the kit is shipped to you.Order a bottle or a visit online
- Returning the sample
- Take the sample just before you bring it to the lab at 1000 Lake View Drive, Suite 100, Wausau. If you must keep it overnight, put it in the fridge; do not freeze it. If you mail it, mail it on a Monday or Tuesday. Order and pay for the tests when you drop off the sample. During holiday weeks, check the hours with the lab.
- Drop-off hours
- Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am to 4:30pm; Thursday, 7:30am to noon
- Time limit
- Samples older than 24 hours are not tested.
- By mail
- Yes, samples can be mailed.
- Results in
- 3 to 10 days, depending on the tests and how you get your results.
- Good to know
- This lab does not test for organic chemicals. Private well samples that contain chlorine are not tested.
- Address
- 1000 Lake View Drive, Suite 100, Wausau, WI 54403
Health Department main line: 715-261-1900
State labState certified
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Environmental Health Division
| Bacteria (total coliform / E. coli), present or absentcoliform bacteria and E. coliResults in about 2 business days. | $35 |
| Fluoridefluoride | $33 |
| NitratenitrateResults in about 3 business days. Rush: $70, about 1 business day. | $35 |
| NitritenitriteThe sample must reach the lab on ice. Rush: $76. | $38 |
All 18 tests and prices
| ArsenicarsenicResults in about 10 business days. Rush: $76. | $38 |
| LeadleadRush: $76. | $38 |
| CoppercopperRush: $76. | $38 |
| IronironRush: $76. | $38 |
| ManganesemanganeseRush: $76. | $38 |
| Hardness (calcium, magnesium)hardnessRush: $92. | $46 |
| Atrazine screenpesticidesResults in about 21 business days. | $71 |
| Iron bacteriaother items | $72 |
| Metals Screenarsenic, copper, iron, lead, manganese, hardness and other itemsAluminum, arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, strontium, vanadium, zinc and hardness. Results in about 10 business days. Rush: $194. | $97 |
| Radon in waterradonUsually not needed unless radon in your home's air is high. Call the lab for advice before ordering. | $111 |
| Volatile organic chemicals (VOC) screenVOCsResults in about 21 business days. | $141 |
| HUD/FHA-VA Loan Packagecoliform bacteria, E. coli, lead, nitrate and nitriteThe tests HUD and the VA require on a private well before an FHA or VA home loan. 3-bottle kit. Results in about 7 business days. Rush: $292, about 2 business days. | $146 |
| Arsenic speciationarsenicFor wells with high total arsenic. | $150 |
| Homeowner PackageBacteria, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, a metals screen, hardness, a VOC screen and an atrazine screen. 5-bottle kit. Results in about 21 business days. | $450 |
- Who takes the sample
- You take the sample
- Getting a bottle
- Order a kit by phone, or pick one up at the Customer Service desk in the lobby at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison. The lab ships kits to you for free.
- WSLH Customer Service desk, 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison
- Returning the sample
- Drop off your sample at the Customer Service desk, or ship it to the lab. Do not ship on a Friday for Saturday delivery: the building is closed on weekends and holidays. Do not send payment with the sample. The lab bills you.
- Drop-off hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:45am to 4:30pm
- Time limit
- Bacteria samples more than 48 hours old when they reach the lab are not tested.
- By mail
- Yes, samples can be mailed.
- Results in
- About 2 business days for bacteria and 3 for nitrate. Metals take about 10 business days, and the Homeowner Package about 21.
- Good to know
- Use only the bottles the lab sends. Samples in other bottles may be rejected.
- Address
- 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI
Kit orders from Dane County: 608-224-6202
Certified private labState certified
Badger Laboratories
| Coliform bacteria (includes E. coli)coliform bacteria and E. coli | $35 |
| Kit shippingOnly if the kit is shipped to you. Pickup is free. | $20 |
| Nitratenitrate | $35 |
| Arsenicarsenic | $35 |
All 17 tests and prices
| Leadlead | $35 |
| Ironiron | $35 |
| Hardnesshardness | $35 |
| Fluoridefluoride | $35 |
| Lead and copperlead and copper | $50 |
| Well Water Safety packagecoliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate and arsenicColiform bacteria (with E. coli), nitrate and arsenic. | $105 |
| Volatile organic compoundsVOCs | $125 |
| Primary Metal Contaminantsarsenic, copper, lead and other itemsAntimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium and thallium. | $150 |
| Secondary Drinking Water ContaminantsAluminum, chloride, copper, fluoride, iron, manganese, pH, silver, sulfate, total dissolved solids and zinc. | $150 |
| Pesticides (69 compounds)pesticides | $175 |
| Herbicidesother items2,4-D, dalapon, dinoseb, pentachlorophenol, picloram and silvex. | $300 |
| PFAS (EPA 537.1, 18 compounds), no field blankPFASFor personal information only. | $400 |
| PFAS (EPA 537.1, 18 compounds), with field blankPFASFor regulatory or legal purposes. | $600 |
- Who takes the sample
- You take the sample
- Getting a bottle
- Order a kit online. Pick it up at Badger Labs in Neenah, Green Bay or Stevens Point, or have it shipped to you for $20.
- Badger Laboratories, Neenah
- Badger Laboratories, Green Bay
- Badger Laboratories, Stevens Point
- Returning the sample
- Fill out the form in the kit and ship the sample to the Neenah lab with payment. You can also pay by card over the phone.
- By mail
- Yes, samples can be mailed.
- How you get results
- The lab report is mailed or emailed to you, as you choose.
- Address
- 501 W Bell St, Neenah, WI 54956
Free and lower-cost testing
Open
Wisconsin Well Testing Access Program (WellTAP)
Who qualifies: Households whose private well serves their main home, where someone is pregnant, a child 12 or younger, or a person with a weakened immune system, and a financial or other burden makes testing on your own hard
Free testing of your well for bacteria, nitrate, fluoride and metals, through your local health department.
Program pageEnded
Portage County WATER Project free water test
Who qualifies: Portage County residents who use a private well for drinking water; renters needed the owner's written approval
A free lab-certified water test kit, with results mailed to you.
Program pageEndedHelp with treatment
Portage County WATER Project treatment reimbursement
Who qualifies: Portage County private well users with an approved pre-application
Up to $1,500 back toward a reverse osmosis treatment system. No new applications are taken.
Program pageWhat the health department recommends
Test for bacteria at least once a year. Test for nitrate at least once a year. Test at least once for arsenic, and more often if it is found. Test right away if the color, taste or smell of your water changes.
This is the county or state health agency's own advice, not ours.
Portage County's WATER Project paid for free well tests and nitrate treatment. Both have ended.
Well testing in Portage County: quick answers
How much does well water testing cost in Portage County?
UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL) charges $30 for "Coliform/E. coli (present or absent)". Priority results in 48 hours cost double. Confirm with the lab first. Prices are from the provider's own fee list, checked Oct 13, 2026.
Who tests well water in Portage County?
Portage County does not run its own well water testing. Residents can use UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL), Marathon County Health Department, Public Health Laboratory, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Environmental Health Division, Badger Laboratories.
How do I get a sample bottle in Portage County?
Order a kit online, by phone, or in person at the lab. The lab mails bottles and instructions to you at no cost, or you can pick them up at the lab in Stevens Point.
How quickly does the sample need to reach the lab?
Bacteria samples must reach the lab within 40 hours of collection (24 hours for new wells and compliance samples).
Checked Oct 13, 2026 against the provider's own pages. Fees and hours change, so call before you take a sample. Something wrong? corrections@wellwatertestfinder.com
Sources (14)
- co.portage.wi.gov/381/Portage-County-WATER-Well-Owner-Assistan
- co.portage.wi.gov/310/Private-Wells
- co.portage.wi.gov/308/Drinking-Water-Information-Concerns
- apps.dnr.wi.gov/dwsportalpub/BactiLab
- dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/private.htm
- uwsp.edu/cwse/test-your-drinking-water/
- uwsp.edu/center-for-watershed-science-and-education/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/03/2026-Analysis-Price-List.pdf
- marathoncounty.gov/services/public-health-human-services/environmental-health/water-testing/
- marathoncounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8716/638263905656700000
- marathoncounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8724/638283014655970000
- badgerlabs.com/drinking-water-test-requests/
- slh.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WSLH_2026-Public-Environmental-and-Water-Prices-FINAL_260701.pdf
- slh.wisc.edu/environmental/water/public-health-tests-available-to-wisconsin-citizens/
- slh.wisc.edu/environmental/educational-resources/interpreting-your-laboratory-results/