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Marquette County moves to open local water lab for bacteria and nitrate testing, plans private well testing
Summary
County environmental health staff said the new local water lab is nearly equipped, will test for bacteria and nitrates required by state statute, and will be available both to county-licensed facilities and private well owners once reagents and final audits are complete.
Marquette County health department staff told the Board of Health on Dec. 2 that the county is close to bringing a local water laboratory online to test transient non-community (TNC) wells and private wells for bacteria and nitrates.
"We're starting the application process," Jessica said, outlining remaining steps: submit reagent specifications, quality-assurance documentation, and written procedures before the state conducts an on-site audit for certification. She said the department has acquired most equipment and is waiting on reagents to begin formal testing.
The lab will run the bacteria and nitrate tests that state statutes require for the program; tests for metals and other contaminants will continue to be sent to outside labs, Jessica said. She added the lab will support county facilities in Marquette and Green Lake and will accept private community testing to improve local access: "I'm hoping that once we're up and running, we'll have a lot more of our communities testing their wells," she said.
Staff highlighted logistical and outreach benefits. The county received a $3,000 display to show operators and residents why testing matters and plans a public campaign tied to radon action month. Green Lake County Public Health has also provided grant funds to help purchase equipment, administration reported.
Board members asked whether the lab will be used during routine restaurant inspections and whether it will return results directly. Jessica said the lab will support on-site sampling for inspections and clarified the lab will only test for bacteria and nitrates; ‘‘Anything beyond that, metals and, other things would have to be sent out,’’ she said.
Next steps: staff will finish reagent procurement, complete required procedures and quality documentation, submit the application to the state and schedule the on-site audit. The department said it will also open private testing once certification is complete and will publicize availability through targeted outreach and the operator newsletter.
