Which Test is Right for You?

If you have a private well, you may want to know if the water is safe for drinking.
You can have the nitrate and bacteria levels tested.  A large percentage of private
wells in the area are known to have nitrate levels exceeding the limit set by state
drinking water standards.  High nitrate levels in the feed water for infants younger
than 6 months can cause a serious sickness. Coliform bacteria is the most
common test requested to know the water potability.  If you need more
information please feel free to read about  Coliform bacteria

If you received the laboratory report indicating Coliform bacteria present , you
need to disinfect the well and water tank.

If you are unsure of which type of analysis is right for you, please call to the
laboratory (831 637 4590).  Also, there are many online resources available to
help.

Depending on your county, there will be varying requirements set on your water.  
To obtain a permit to operate a domestic well, you must test  various water
attributes and constituents.  Please, contact the Department of Health Services
in your area and ask for the water analyses you may need. They also
recommend tests to carry out periodically.

For compost, the Integrated Waste Management Board of California has set
limits on specific contaminants in compost.  These are outlined in Title 14,
Natural Resources-division 7, CIWMB.

     If you have questions about the various tests done on a soil or water
household suitability analysis, please consult the following documents:


For issues not covered by these resources feel
free to call or email the lab.
State Certified Laboratory # 1326