The  Health Department recommends that private well owners test their drinking water for the presence of indicator bacteria at least once a year. This test is available here at the Environmental Health Division of the Missoula City-County Health Department.

 Testing for total coliform and/or E. coli bacteria can indicate whether or not your drinking water has potentially been impacted by sewage sources such as nearby septic systems, livestock operations, or stormwater runoff. It can also indicate possible well head or water line problems, such as improperly sealed wells, well caps or broken water lines.

Contact the Health Department Water Lab for more information.