You turn on the tap and expect clean, safe water. If your Madill home relies on a private well, that peace of mind starts with a simple habit: annual testing. Whether you have lived on acreage for years or you are buying your first well property, you want safe water and smooth closings. In this guide, you will learn what to test each year, how to sample correctly, where to get local help, what results mean, and how to plan ahead for a sale or purchase. Let’s dive in.
Why annual well testing matters in Madill
Private household wells are not covered by the federal drinking water rules that apply to public systems, so you are responsible for testing and maintenance. State and county agencies can help with guidance and lab services, but routine monitoring is up to you. Learn more about private well responsibilities from Oklahoma’s environmental resources at the state level.
Madill and greater Marshall County include rural and agricultural land use, with septic systems and livestock common in the area. These local conditions make annual bacteria and nitrate testing especially important for private wells.
What to test and how often
- Test at least once a year: total coliform bacteria (with E. coli if indicated), nitrate, pH, and total dissolved solids or conductivity. These are basic indicators of sanitary and chemical status.
- Every 3 to 5 years: a broader inorganic panel such as arsenic, lead, manganese, fluoride, hardness, and iron. Households with infants, pregnant people, or immunocompromised members may want more frequent checks.
- Radionuclides: where geology warrants it, consider a multi-year check for uranium, radium, or gross alpha.
- Targeted organics: consider VOCs, pesticides, or PFAS if your well is shallow or near agriculture, airports, fuel storage, oil and gas activity, or known industrial sites. These tests are more costly, so target them to suspected risks.
Test after events
Test any time the well is repaired or constructed, after flooding or heavy runoff, or if you notice changes in taste, color, or odor. Also test if anyone in the home has unexplained gastrointestinal illness.
Where to get help in Madill
- Marshall County Health Department (Madill): Local entry point for guidance, sampling instructions, and referrals to certified labs. The office is at 310 W Lillie Blvd., Madill. Check the county page for current hours and directions.
- Marshall County OSU Cooperative Extension: The county extension office (at the Expo Center on Hwy 70, Madill) can advise on what to test, share low-cost screening information, and sometimes host drop-off events.
- Oklahoma Well Owner Network: A statewide OSU program that offers free or low-cost screening events for basic parameters like bacteria, nitrate, TDS, and pH. Watch for events that include Marshall County.
- Oklahoma DEQ State Environmental Laboratory Services (SELS): The state lab accepts private-well samples and offers technical assistance. If you need tests for a real estate transaction, contact them early to confirm turnaround times.
Sampling basics that keep results valid
Accurate sampling is essential. Follow your lab’s written instructions closely.
- Use the sterile bottles supplied by the lab or health department. Do not use household jars.
- For bacteria testing: choose a frequently used cold-water tap, remove the aerator, flush for several minutes, then collect the sample without touching the inside of the bottle or cap. Keep the sample cold and deliver it within the required time window, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- For plumbing-related lead checks: some labs request a first-draw sample collected first thing in the morning before water runs. Ask the lab which fixtures to use and how many samples they need.
Timing, costs, and planning tips
- When to test: At least annually. Many homeowners pick spring, especially after winter or spring rains. Always test after events that could affect water quality.
- Costs: Basic bacteria and nitrate screening is relatively inexpensive. Comprehensive panels for metals, VOCs, PFAS, or radionuclides cost more. Free or low-cost screening events through the Oklahoma Well Owner Network can help with annual checks.
- Real estate closings: Many lenders require at least a bacteriological test for total coliform and E. coli, and sometimes nitrate, before closing. Plan ahead because some analyses take time and labs may not offer rush service. Confirm lender requirements and lab turnaround early to avoid delays.
What your results mean and next steps
- If bacteria are present (total coliform or E. coli): Restrict use for drinking and cooking until the issue is resolved. Shock chlorination is a common first step, followed by retesting about a week later. If positives persist, consult the county health department or a licensed well professional for inspection and treatment options such as UV or continuous chlorination.
- If nitrate is elevated: Levels above 10 mg/L as nitrogen are a concern for infants and pregnant people. Consider point-of-use reverse osmosis or anion exchange and explore potential sources such as fertilizer, septic systems, or livestock.
- If chemicals are detected: The right response depends on the contaminant and concentration. In some cases you may need point-of-use or whole-house treatment, well repair, or an alternate water source. The state lab and county health department can help interpret results and suggest next steps.
- Keep records: Save all test reports and note any treatments or repairs. A documented history helps with troubleshooting and is valuable when selling.
Madill-specific watchouts
- Agriculture and septic: Rural land use in parts of Marshall County means bacteria and nitrate are common priorities. Annual screening is a smart routine for most local well owners.
- Oil and gas activity: If your well is near known petroleum activity, ask about targeted testing such as VOCs or brine indicators. The state lab can advise on appropriate analyses.
- Low-cost first screens: If you have never tested your well, start with a basic annual screen through a local event or extension referral, then add specialized analyses as needed.
Ready to sell or buy a well property?
If you are planning a sale, test early and keep a recent lab report on hand to keep your timeline on track. If you are buying, build well testing into your due diligence so you understand water quality before closing. If you want local guidance on timing, documentation, and how testing fits into your transaction, reach out to the McElroy Team. We are happy to help you plan a clear path to closing.
Have questions about buying or selling a well property in Madill? Connect with Makenzie Mcelroy for friendly, local guidance.
FAQs
How often should a Madill homeowner test a private well?
- Test at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate, add a broader inorganic panel every 3 to 5 years, and test after flooding, repairs, or changes in taste or color.
What tests do lenders usually ask for on well properties in Oklahoma?
- Many lenders require a bacteriological test for total coliform and E. coli, and sometimes nitrate, so plan sampling early to meet closing deadlines.
Where can I get low-cost well screening near Madill?
- Watch for Oklahoma Well Owner Network events and ask the Marshall County OSU Extension office about local drop-offs or partner labs.
What should I do if my well floods after a major storm?
- Avoid using the water for drinking or cooking, then test for bacteria and nitrate once conditions allow and follow county health guidance for any needed disinfection and retesting.
Do I need to test for radionuclides in my well water?
- In areas where geology suggests risk, consider testing for uranium, radium, or gross alpha on a multi-year schedule such as every 3 years.
