Did you know that testing your well water for bacteria and nitrates is recommended annually? Most Barrington area residents’ drinking water comes from groundwater drawn from the shallow aquifer system. The state requires public water supplies to be tested for a wide range of contaminants on a routine basis, but there are no requirements for private wells to be tested. Residents relying on private wells are responsible for making sure their water is safe to drink.
Households with private wells are advised to test for bacteria and nitrates on an annual basis to detect these invisible, odorless contaminants. Bacteria and nitrates can result from animal or human waste or fertilizer components reaching the well water and can cause illness in humans.
BACOG, in conjunction with the Lake County Health Department laboratory, annually offers private well water testing that is fast, easy and inexpensive.
Who is eligible?
Residents of the Villages of Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes and the unincorporated areas of Barrington and Cuba Townships. Residents of other municipalities and townships are not eligible to participate in this event.
How do I purchase a test kit?
It’s easy! On August 27th – August 31st, test kits will be available for purchase at any of the village and township offices of BACOG member communities. A one-time special reduced rate of $12 per test kit! Test kits can be purchased during their regular business hours.
When is the test kit drop off date?
When: Wednesday, September 5th
Time: Drop off your water samples any time between 1:00 – 7:00 pm.
Location: The Garlands of Barrington / 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington
Presentations on groundwater protection, water softeners contributing chloride to our aquifer drinking water and water conditioning equipment will begin at 2:00.
Presentations are FREE and open to the public
