Genesee County, MI well water testing: county lab prices
Short answer: Pick up a free sterile bottle at Genesee County Health Department Environmental Health in Flint (324 S. Saginaw St., 6th floor), collect the same day, and drop it off Monday–Thursday 8:00–2:30. The Genesee County wells page lists bacteria at $25; for nitrate, arsenic and other tests use Michigan EGLE's lab or another certified lab.
USGS's 2015 county estimate put Genesee County's self-supplied population at about 124,000. USGS says the most common source of self-supplied water is a well. No separate official county-wide private-well count was found beyond that USGS figure. [source]
The Genesee County Health Department's Environmental Health Division says it currently performs bacteria water testing only; other types of water testing are not available at the county lab. [source]
How county bacteria testing works
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | Genesee County Health Department, Environmental Health Division. The wells program covers permitting, inspections, records, and coliform/E. coli testing. [source] |
| What the county lab tests | Coliform and E. coli bacteria only. The office does not carry bottles for any other type of testing. [source] [source] |
| How to order | Stop by the office to pick up a free sterile water-test bottle, collect the sample the same day you return it, and keep it cold. Do not open the bottle until you are ready to collect; do not rinse it out (it contains a preservative). [source] |
| Drop-off | 324 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, on the 6th floor (Environmental Health). Samples are accepted Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. sharp. The county cannot accept samples on Fridays, weekdays after 2:30 p.m., or the day before a holiday or office closure. Check the 2026 testing calendar before you collect. [source] [source] |
| Collection basics | Use a clean indoor faucet or the sample tap at the tank. Remove aerators if possible, sanitize the faucet with alcohol wipes or bleach, run cold water full flow for 3 minutes (5 minutes at the tank tap), then reduce to a trickle and fill to the fill line without touching the inside of the bottle or cap. [source] |
| Contact | Phone 810-257-3603; email eh@geneseecountymi.gov. Mailing address for Environmental Health – Wells: 324 S Saginaw St, Suite 6, Flint, MI 48502. [source] |
Prices (county Health Department lab)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bacterial water test (coliform and E. coli) | $25 |
| Sterile sample bottle | Free |
| Private residential well permit | $200.00 |
| Public non-community well (Type III) permit | $300.00 |
| Well/septic record search (per address) | $5.00 (non-refundable) |
The water-testing section of the county wells page lists the bacterial test at $25. The new-well permit steps on the same page also say you can use the county lab "at a charge of $20," or another lab. Confirm the current price when you drop off. [source]
In-person payments for permits and records are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (cash, check/money order, or debit/credit in the payer's name with photo ID; American Express not accepted). Online and mail payments add a credit/debit service fee of 3.5% of the order, or $2.50 for ACH, effective July 1, 2025. Checks/money orders are payable to "Genesee County Health Department" or "GCHD." [source]
What and how often to test
The county's coliform fact sheet (Michigan DEQ/EGLE material hosted by the county) says all drinking water wells should be tested at least annually for coliform bacteria, and immediately after a sudden change in taste, appearance or odor; cloudy water after rainfall or a flooded wellhead; a suspected contamination source within 50 feet; or unexplained flu-like illness in the household. [source]
Statewide, MDHHS recommends testing annually for coliform bacteria and E. coli, nitrate and nitrite; every 3 to 5 years for arsenic and lead; and at least once for PFAS. Check with your local health department about local concerns. [source] See our Michigan guide, nitrate guide and coliform guide.
If coliform is found
The county says incidental contamination can happen, so resampling is always recommended before any physical work on the water system. If a second sample is unsafe, contact a licensed professional well contractor to evaluate, repair and sanitize the well and distribution system. [source] The coliform fact sheet adds that if a second sample is positive for total coliform, or if the initial sample is positive for fecal coliforms, do not drink the water; bottled water is an option, and bringing water to a rolling boil for three minutes will kill the bacteria. [source]
Nitrate, arsenic and other tests (not at the county lab)
For nitrates, arsenic, fluoride, lead, salt and other parameters, the county lists area laboratories, including the Michigan EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory (3350 N MLK Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906; 517-335-8184), Water Tech Inc. in Howell, Brighton Analytical in Brighton, Oakland County Health Division in Pontiac, Saginaw County Health Department, and several private labs. [source]
Michigan EGLE's state lab fee schedule, effective October 1, 2026, lists total coliform and E. coli at $23, nitrate and nitrite at $41, arsenic or lead at $15 each plus a $13 sample-preparation fee, partial metals at $81 plus $13, volatile organic compounds at $147, and PFAS at $320. Call 517-335-8184 to order a kit. [source] [source] [source]
The county's water-resources page notes that Michigan naturally has higher levels of arsenic in groundwater and that arsenic has no taste or smell, so laboratory testing is required to detect it. [source]
New wells and permits
State law requires a "safe" bacteria water test (E. coli and coliform) before a new well is put into service. You may use the county lab or another lab and submit satisfactory results. A completed Water Well Pump Record from the well driller and/or pump installer is also required, and the supply must meet code and permit requirements. The permit expires two years from the date of issuance. Applications must be submitted at least three working days before the planned construction date, with a scaled site plan and the fee; call MISS DIG 811 before any work. [source]
Well construction restriction areas
Two areas in Genesee County have water well construction restrictions: near Richfield Landfill in Richfield Township (including an affected area of Mt. Morris Road) and near the Forest Waste Site in Forest Township. The county posts maps, Health Officer comments on the Richfield Landfill aquifer, and installation protocols for residential wells near the Forest Waste Site. [source] [source] [source]
The county's water-resources page also notes the Forest Waste Products Superfund site in Forest Township, where past waste disposal contaminated groundwater with hazardous chemicals including 1,4-dioxane and vinyl chloride, and points nearby private-well users to EPA site updates. [source] [source]
Other certified labs
Besides the labs the county lists, you can search EGLE's laboratory certification lists. [source] See our Michigan guide and Oakland County guide.
FAQ
Where can I get my well water tested in Genesee County, Michigan?
Pick up a free sterile bottle at Genesee County Health Department Environmental Health in Flint (324 S. Saginaw St., 6th floor), collect the same day, and drop it off Monday–Thursday 8:00–2:30. The Genesee County wells page lists bacteria at $25; for nitrate, arsenic and other tests use Michigan EGLE's lab or another certified lab.
How much does a well water bacteria test cost in Genesee County, MI?
The Genesee County Health Department's wells page water-testing section lists a bacterial water test (coliform and E. coli) at $25, with free sterile bottles. The new-well permit steps on the same page also mention a $20 county-lab charge — confirm the current price when you drop off.
When can I drop off a well water sample at the Genesee County lab?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. sharp, at 324 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, 6th floor. No Fridays, no drop-offs after 2:30 p.m., and no drop-offs the day before a holiday or office closure. Collect the sample the same day and keep it cold.
Does the Genesee County lab test for nitrate or arsenic?
No. Environmental Health says it currently performs bacteria water testing only and does not carry bottles for other tests. For nitrate, arsenic and other parameters, use EGLE's Drinking Water Laboratory or another certified lab the county lists.
Sources
- Genesee County Health Department – Wells: Planning, Permits, Bacteria Testing (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Genesee County Health Department – Environmental Health Water Resources (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Genesee County Health Department – Coliform Factsheet (PDF) (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Genesee County Health Department – 2026 Water Testing Calendar (PDF) (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Genesee County Health Officer – Comments Regarding Contaminated Aquifer by Richfield Landfill (PDF) (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Genesee County Health Department – Installation Protocols for Residential Wells Near Forest Waste Site (PDF) (accessed 2026-11-06)
- U.S. EPA – Forest Waste Products Superfund site (Genesee County, MI) (accessed 2026-11-06)
- Michigan EGLE Laboratory – Water Testing Fee Schedule, effective October 1, 2026 (PDF) (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Michigan EGLE – Drinking Water Laboratory (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Michigan EGLE – How to get your drinking water tested (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Michigan EGLE – Laboratory certifications (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Michigan EGLE – Resources for private residential well owners (accessed 2026-10-28)
- USGS – Estimated Use of Water in the United States, County-Level Data for 2015 (domestic self-supplied population) (accessed 2026-10-23)
Informational only, not health, medical, legal or real-estate advice. Programs and fees change; confirm with the official source. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.