Private well responsibility
If you have a well, no government agency routinely checks your water. Regular testing is the only way to know it’s safe.
Natural contaminants
Groundwater in parts of upstate New York can contain naturally occurring substances like arsenic, iron, manganese, and radon.
Bacteria risks
Wells can become contaminated with coliform bacteria or E. coli, especially after heavy rain, flooding, or septic system issues.
Aging infrastructure
Older plumbing can contribute lead or copper, particularly in homes built before 1986.
Seasonal and environmental changes
Snowmelt, storms, agricultural runoff, and nearby development can affect groundwater quality.
Flooding, severe weather, runoff, and natural shifts in groundwater can introduce germs and chemicals into your drinking supply. Using contaminated water for drinking, cooking, or making ice can cause illness for you, your family, and your pets. Infants, children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with existing health conditions face the highest risk of health problems from contaminated water.
Protect your family’s drinking water
Once A Year
Test your well water at least once a year for bacteria, and test for additional contaminants every 3–5 years.
Test for E. coli
After disinfecting, flushing, or servicing your well system, test for E. coli and coliform bacteria to confirm the issue has been resolved.
Keep an eye (and nose) out
If you suspect your well could be contaminated by gasoline, heating oil, or chemicals, contact your health department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Spill Hotline at (800) 457-7362.
| Contaminant | Why It Matters | Testing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli & Coliform Bacteria | Indicates fecal contamination that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting | Each year |
| Lead | Harmful to many organs and body systems; especially dangerous for developing babies and young children | Every 3–5 years |
| Nitrate & Nitrite | Most harmful to babies; linked to infant blood disorders | Every 3–5 years |
| Arsenic | Long-term exposure is linked to nerve and liver damage, cancer, high blood pressure, and blood vessel damage affecting the heart and brain | Every 3–5 years |
| Sodium | A concern for people on sodium-restricted diets due to high blood pressure or other health conditions | Every 3–5 years |
| Iron & Manganese | Can cause rust-colored or black staining on fixtures and clothing | Every 3–5 years |
| Turbidity | Cloudy water that can interfere with chlorine and UV disinfection | Every 3–5 years |
| pH | Can cause corrosion of lead and copper pipes and create a metallic or bitter taste | Every 3–5 years |
| Hardness | Causes mineral and soap buildup on fixtures and reduces detergent effectiveness | Every 3–5 years |
| Alkalinity | Can interfere with chlorine disinfection and cause a metallic or bitter taste | Every 3–5 years |
Drinking Water Quality & Private Well Testing Around Us
Listed below are laboratories which provide information, sampling instructions and containers, and analyses for private or public drinking water supplies in this area. All analyses that are needed to comply with any regulation (such as Part 5 of the New York State Sanitary Code) must be performed by a laboratory that has been certified by the New York State Health Department. These labs are only certified for the types of analyses listed.
Whether you are concerned about the microbiological quality of your drinking water, the levels of minerals or metals (inorganics), or the possibility of solvent (organic) contamination of your drinking water, we encourage you to contact the Columbia County Health Department Division of Environmental Health for consultation. If you then choose to use the services of any of these labs, you should call them as soon as you decide. In all cases, you will need to obtain instructions and sampling containers from the lab and this may take a few days wait before you can sample your drinking water. In no case, should you sample before contacting the lab.
Labs That Perform Microbiological, Organic and Inorganic Analyses
Columbia County
JH Consulting Group, Inc.
Laboratory ID: 11799
Type: Commercial
Director: Mr. Jack Halstuh
Phone: (518) 525-5405
Email: jack@halstuh.com
Mailing Address: POB 705, Newtonville, NY 12128
Physical Address: 15 Lynwood Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211
County: Albany
Country: United States
This is the lab that the Columbia County Department of Health uses for potable and non-potable water. There are no state certified labs in Columbia County.
Greene County
J Myers Water Services Inc
Laboratory ID: 11907
Type: Commercial
Director: Mr. Joseph E. Myers
Phone: (518) 263-4333
Address: 7974 Main Street, Hunter, NY 12442
County: Greene
Country: United States
Better health to every corner of Greene
This is the only state certified lab that is listed for Greene County that tests potable and non-potable water.
Health protection
Some contaminants have no taste, color, or smell, but long-term exposure can cause serious health problems.