SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Residents in Salem Lakes impacted by recent flooding can now pick up free well water test kits through a partnership between the Village of Salem Lakes and the Kenosha County Department of Health and Human Services.
Village Administrator Michael Kostiuk said the free kits are available at Village Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Completed kits can also be dropped off at Village Hall, including after hours in a designated drop box.
The announcement comes after Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes and the Town of Wheatland all declared states of emergency due to widespread flooding in the area earlier this week.
Kostiuk said the village wanted to make testing accessible to residents who may have concerns about contamination after floodwaters impacted wells and private water systems.
Kenosha County Public Health typically charges for well water testing, with combined testing for bacteria, nitrate and fluoride normally costing $90. Individual tests for bacteria, nitrate and fluoride usually cost $35 each, while arsenic testing costs $36 for standard testing and $72 for rush service.
County officials recommend that residents with private wells consider testing for contaminants such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, fluoride and arsenic after flooding, especially if standing water reached or surrounded their well.
Samples must generally be returned within 24 to 30 hours of collection depending on the type of test. Nitrate samples must be kept cold on ice after collection, while bacteria samples require sterile collection procedures.
Residents can find additional information on water safety, testing instructions and well contamination risks through Kenosha County Public Health.
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