Serving Mills & Fremont Counties

Why Healthy Drinking Water Matters

Safe drinking water protects:

• Infants and young children
• Pregnant women
• Older adults
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Everyone who drinks water!

Contaminated well water can lead to gastrointestinal illness and long-term health risks. Regular testing and proper well maintenance are simple steps that protect your family’s health.

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Did you know Iowa has nearly 100,000 active private wells, and about 7% of Iowans rely on well water for their drinking supply? Unlike public water systems, private wells are not routinely monitored — which means testing is the only way to know your water is safe.

The Iowa DNR recommends testing your well:

• ✔ At least once per year for bacteria and nitrate
• ✔ After flooding, heavy rain, or well repairs
• ✔ At least once for contaminants like arsenic

Many contaminants have no taste, smell, or color, so even clear water can contain harmful bacteria or elevated nitrate levels.

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How It Works

Scheduling a test is simple:

📞 Call 712-527-9699 Select option 4 for Environmental Health

A Mills County Environmental Health Specialist will schedule a time to collect your water sample. The sample is sent to the State Hygienic Laboratory, and a routine testing panel is completely free through the Private Well Grant.

Additional testing can be added for a fee — just ask your specialist.

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Grant Funding for Well Work

Through the Iowa DNR Private Well Grant, Mills County residents may also qualify for reimbursement for:

• Up to $700 for well closures
• Up to $400 for cistern closures or shock chlorination
• Up to $600 for a well assessment
• Up to $2,000 for well rehabilitation

Funding covers work done directly on the well (casing, pit, and surrounding area). Work must meet eligibility guidelines and be supervised or completed by a certified professional. Please talk to a MCPH Environmental Health Specialist to ensure the work meets eligibility.

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📞 Call 712-527-9699 with questions or to schedule your FREE well water test.