Private Well Water Testing
When should I get my water tested? It is recommended that private well owners test their water for bacterial contamination every year. Additional tests can be requested for a variety of inorganic, mineral and toxic metals, volatile organic compounds and pesticides. All new wells are tested as part of the permitting process and the cost is included in the permit fees. If you have spring water, you will need to contact a private laboratory for testing of the water. Municipal and community water supply sources are tested regularly by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Contact the supplier for a copy of the most recent report.
Water samples are taken at your residence or facility by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Requests and payment for this service shall be completed prior to an appointment for service.
No refunds will be given for water sample requests.
Complete the Water System Evaluation form and submit it to the Jackson County Environmental Health. Submission can be done by the following:
By emailing envhealth@jacksonnc.org
In person at 538 Scotts Creek Road Sylva, NC 28779; 828-587-8250
By mailing application to Jackson County Environmental Health to 538 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva, NC 28779. You can send a check with application or call for payment.
Click here to see a listing of the type of water samples available, explanation of the sample and the fee.
Bacterial water samples are generally analyzed at the Health Department and will be processed within 30 hours after taking the sample and notification sent. All other water samples are sent to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and will take three or greater weeks to analyze prior to results being sent.