It is important for Fort Bend County residents using a private water well to safeguard the quality of water for their families. Because water quality can be affected by many variables, the first step is to test the water. All property owners should test their water wells annually.
More frequent testing should be considered if:
- There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or inundation by floodwater
- The well has a history of bacterial contamination
- The septic system has recently malfunctioned
- An infant is living in the home
- Family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness, or have lowered immune systems
Water contamination: Water wells in flooded areas should always be considered contaminated. If a private well is flooded or has been subjected to possible contamination, use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking (including washing food you eat raw), and bathing until you can disinfect your well and have a sample tested. Do not use the water from the well until the following things have occurred:
- You have disinfected the well and your plumbing
- You have sampled your water and received a lab report confirming that the disinfected water contained no harmful organisms
Approved water sample bottles, instructions and related forms are available in the Environmental Health Department office, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Suite A-800. Do not collect the sample in an unapproved container; do not use jars or other containers from home or other sources.
Submit samples on Wednesdays ONLY between 8 and 12am. A cost of $16.50 per sample is required at the time of submission (check or money order only payable to City of Houston). Cash is not accepted.
Note: This test will not detect chemicals or other substances such as lead or nitrites. If you are concerned about possible chemicals or other contaminates in your water, you should contact a private water quality or treatment service company.
For more information on water wells, owners and consumers are recommended to visit the National Ground Water Association at www.wellowner.org or City of Houston web page www.houstontx.gov/health/Lab/water.html