Water Testing
The Orange County Health Department is committed to the protection of county groundwater resources in order to assure a safe and adequate supply of water for our citizens. Environmental Health provides a variety of water testing services for citizens who are served by well water.
Quick links
Which water sample(s) do you need?
Request a water sample in the Portal
Apply for water samples using the webform
*NOTICE*
The water sampling is analyzed at the NC State Public Health Laboratory. Chemical analysis can take several weeks. You may access your results at anytime after the lab has posted on their website. (Click Environmental Reports>View>County "Orange">All).
Resources
PFAS/PFOS, Radon, Uranium, and Radium
What does this mean for my well water?
You may have seen news stories about chemicals showing up in groundwater and wondered, “Should I be worried about my well?” It’s a fair question—and you’re not alone.
One group of chemicals getting a lot of attention is called PFAS. These chemicals have been used for many years because they resist heat, water, and oil. You can find PFAS in things like carpets, clothing, furniture, food wrappers, firefighting foam, and some metal products. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment for a long time.
Not everything found in groundwater comes from pollution. Some substances occur naturally. For example, radionuclides come from rocks deep underground and can sometimes enter well water over time.
How can my water be tested?
The State Laboratory of Public Health has a specialized unit that can test well water for certain naturally occurring radioactive substances, including gross alpha, gross beta, and uranium. Our office is working with the state lab to make these test kits available to Orange County well owners who want this type of testing.
You also have the option to work with a certified private laboratory. Private labs may offer more comprehensive testing, depending on your needs.