Drinking Water Program

The St. Croix County Community Development Department offers various programs throughout the year that provides residents with opportunities to test their private well water. Participation is voluntary and programs are developed to make testing convenient and ensure residents are working with State Certified Laboratories (PDF). Additionally, well owners learn about their drinking water and things that you can do to keep their water supply healthy.

Residents living in rural areas are encouraged to test their drinking water annually for certain contaminants like coliform bacteria. Often times a family may have no idea what is happening with their drinking water because some contaminants have no taste, odor or color. Their presence can only be determined by testing with state certified laboratories.  

Testing Options

The Community Development Department works directly with the UW-Steven's Point Water & Environmental Analysis Lab and has their water test bottles available for your convenience.

Pick Up Sample Bottle

  • Pick up sample bottle(s) and instructions at one of the following locations:
  • Initial Fee: a $3.00 deposit must be paid at pick-up
    *The $3.00 should be deducted from the lab costs when you ship and pay for your sample bottle.  

Baldwin Agriculture Service & Education Center

  • 1960 8th Avenue
    Suite 141
    Baldwin, WI 54002
  • Map
  • Office Hours
    8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hudson Government Center in the Community Development Department

  • Main Floor-1101 Carmichael Road
    Hudson, WI 54016
  • Map
  • Office Hours
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Health & Human Services Center (New Richmond)

  • 1752 Dorset Lane
    New Richmond, WI 54017
  • Map
  • Office Hours
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Collect Samples

  • The best time to drop-off samples for shipment is just before the last pick-up time as specified by the carrier.
  • Keep sample bottle(s) chilled (fridge or on ice) until shipped
  • The lab must receive samples within 40-hours after collection (if bacteria is being sampled
  • Once you receive your sample bottle(s), consider the following steps and plan accordingly.
  • Please note: samples are not Hazardous
  • Plan to collect water samples after 2 p.m. on either Monday or Tuesday
  • Shipping options: two methods have been evaluated by staff, please review to determine the best option for you

US-Postal Service

*Both methods typically received within 48-hours
Method
 Weight
 Cost
First Class*
 Less than 13 ounces
 $3
Priority Mail*
 Greater than 13 ounces
 $6 - $8
Express Mail (Next Day)
   Around $24

UPS

Method Cost
UPS-Ground $6 - $8

Locations & Hours

Location US-Postal Service
 UPS
Hudson Location
 808 Heggen Street
 808 Carmichael Road
Hudson Hours
 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Friday
 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Pick-up and Leaving
 Last Pick-up: 5 p.m.
 Shipments Leave: 6:30 p.m.
Baldwin Location
 1640 8th Avenue
 890 Hillcrest Street
Baldwin Hours
 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. or
5 - 6 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Pick-up and Leaving
 Last Pick-up: 4:45 p.m.
 Shipments Leave: 6 p.m.

Where to Collect

Find more information about where to collect a water sample!

Don't feel comfortable testing your water, consider hiring:

Results

Results will be mailed directly to you within 10-working days from the date received by the lab.

Analysis & Pricing

Available Analysis and Pricing: Complete list of lab rates

Analysis Cost
Homeowners Package (PDF) includes tests for nitrate, coliform bacteria, pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, corrosivity, and chloride. (Recommended annually)
All samples are analyzed from 1-sample bottle		 $49
DACT Screen Test (PDF) for triazine-type pesticides like atrazine. (Recommended if nitrate levels are elevated or if pesticides / herbicides have been applied within 1-mile of your well) $27
Metals Package (PDF) tests for arsenic, copper, lead, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, sodium, calcium, sulfate, and magnesium. (Recommended at least once to have a baseline record of your water quality) $45
Total Coliform Bacteria $23
Nitrate plus Nitrite-Nitrogen $16
Home Radon Test Kits 
$10

More Information

Wisconsin DNR-Private Well Testing

  1. Choosing a Water Treatment System (PDF)
  2. DNR Publication About Pesticides (PDF)
  3. Groundwater Flow System in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties (PDF)
  4. Human Health Concerns Related to Lead (PDF)
  5. Improving Your Private Well Water System (PDF)
  6. Introduction to Groundwater in St. Croix County (PDF)
  7. Licensed Pump Installer (PDF)
  8. Licensed Well Driller (PDF)
  9. Licensed Well Inspectors (PDF)
  10. Maintaining Your Home Well Water System (PDF)
  11. State Certified Laboratories (PDF)