Type 1 community public water supplies are required to test their water on a routine schedule for certain contaminants.

• If a contaminant is found in the water, those water test results will be reported in the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
• Water is tested at the water supply facility, but the water quality in your home may be different. After leaving the water supply facility, water flows through service lines and your home's plumbing where contaminants can enter the water.
• Check with your supplier or their CCR to learn about contaminant testing and results.
• If you have concerns about your water quality or want to know more about your drinking water, consider having your drinking water tested by a certified drinking water laboratory.

Type 3 public water supply owners are required to test the water when the well is constructed.

• Talk with your landlord, property owner, or community association to find out who is responsible for the well, testing, and maintenance.
• Learn about their testing schedules and results.
• If you have concerns about your water quality or want to know more about your drinking water, consider doing your own testing.

You own your water system! This comes with the responsibility of protecting your drinking water quality and the groundwater source. Private well owners are required to test the water when the well is constructed.  

• Check with your local health department to learn if there are any drinking water concerns in your area and what testing is recommended. 
• Learn about what might be in the groundwater you drink. 
• Test your drinking water on a routine schedule. MDHHS recommends the following testing:

Consider testing your drinking water if you live nearby a potential PFAS source. 

If you live near a potential source or if you are unsure, consider testing your drinking water as a precaution. Call the MDHHS Environmental and Health Hotline at 800-648-6942 to see if your home is in an area that is under investigation for PFAS. We may be able to test your water for free. 

If we cannot test your water for free, contact a certified drinking water lab about PFAS testing and the test cost. They can help you get sample bottles and provide instructions on how to collect your water sample yourself. Visit http://bit.ly/PFASLabTesting for a list of labs that offer PFAS testing. 

It is important to follow the instructions provided for accurate results. To read more on home testing guidance for PFAS, visit http://bit.ly/PFASHomeSampling.

For more information take a look at the PFAS in Drinking Water for private residential Well Owners Fact Sheet.

If you are pregnant or have a baby in the home, consider testing your drinking water.

• Even if the water looks clean and tastes OK, you should have it tested to be sure there aren't contaminants, such as chemicals or bacteria, in the drinking water. A fetus or baby's health can be put at risk due to contaminated drinking water.
• It is important to test well water that is used for:
  • Drinking.
  • Cooking.
  • Mixing infant formula.
• To learn more, view the Pregnant Persons and Babies Brochure. If you have questions, call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.

If you have concerns about your water quality or want to know more about your drinking water, there are ways to gather information.

• If your water comes from a type 1 community public water supply, learn about common drinking water quality concerns in these FAQs. Review your water supply’s Consumer Confidence Report or talk with your supplier so you understand the quality of water coming to your home.
• If your water comes from a type 3 public water supply, talk with your landlord, property owner, or community association to find out who is responsible for the well and testing. You can ask about their testing schedules and results.
• If your water comes from a private residential well, you are responsible for testing your water. Learn more about what to test for.

If you still have concerns about the quality of your drinking water and want to know more, consider having your water tested by a certified laboratory.

Certified labs must meet standards for proper methods and quality control.  A few questions to ask when deciding which lab to use:

1. Does the lab analyze water samples from private, individual residences?
2. Does the lab analyze water samples for the contaminant you want to test your drinking water for?
3. Does the lab accept water samples statewide?
4. What is the cost?

Certified Lab Options

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

EGLE Drinking Water Analysis Laboratory 517-335-8184

Local Health Department

Contact your local health department to learn if they offer drinking water testing.

Certified Drinking Water Analysis Lab

Contact a Michigan Certified Private Drinking Water Analysis Laboratory

This is very important if you want accurate results. Water samples can be easily contaminated if instructions are not followed. Water samples may require ice packs and/or overnight shipping to the lab. 

• Special note if testing for lead: If you are testing for lead, consider what you want to learn from your test. The amount of water collected (bottle size) can help identify where the lead may be coming from. Learn more on how to select your bottle size in this fact sheet.