In partnership with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Grant County Health District monitors public water systems, coordinates and/or approves new water systems, investigates complaints related to waterborne illnesses, and provides material for the collection of water samples for nitrate and bacterial analysis. Technical assistance is available to people with private wells.
The GCHD works with the Grant County Building Department to ensure potable water for new structures, including mobile home placement, which will have plumbing. This application is called Water Availability:
Click here for Water Availability Application Guidance.
- Water Availability
- For private wells, a well log is required to determine water availability. For private wells where a well log is unavailable, a pump test may be performed by a qualified individual: Pump Test Certification Form
- If you cannot submit water sample results at the time as the water availability application, for example, the property has no power, please submit a Request for Conditional Building Permit Application Sign-Off with the Water Availability application in these situations.
Additional Forms
- Current Grant County Health District Fee Schedule
- Request for Conditional Building Permit Application Sign-Off
- Shared Well Users Agreement (Example)
- Water System and/or On-site Septic System Certification (including for VA/FHA Loan Certification)
- List that includes Engineers and Well Drillers
Water Systems
- Well Drilling for Property Owners
- Home Owner's Guide to Well Construction
- Licensed Well Drillers Listed by Request
- Well Delegation Application (For Well Drillers to submit 48 hours before drilling)
Additional Resources
- DOH Drinking Water Systems
- Department of Ecology
- National Ground Water Association
- Information for Well Owners
- The Groundwater Foundation
- Kid’s Pages About Groundwater Foundation
- EPA’s Drinking Water from Private Wells
Drinking Water Contaminants
For more information about coliform bacteria in drinking water: Coliform Bacteria and Drinking Water (DOH)
The drinking water quality standard for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). We recommend testing for nitrates in your well every 3 years.
Most adults are not at risk from nitrate contamination, but some health conditions, like pregnancy, Anemia, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, acidosis, or sepsis, can make people more at risk to health problems from high nitrate levels in drinking water. Infants are especially susceptible to nitrate contamination because nitrate reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This leads to a condition called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” This condition gets its name because babies may get a blueish coloring to their skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood.
For more information about nitrates: Nitrate in Drinking Water (DOH)
Additional Resources
- EPA’s List of Drinking Water Contaminants and their Maximum Contaminant Level
- Overview of Water-related Diseases and Contaminants in Drinking Water
How can I test my water for nitrates or bacteria?
GCHD is a drop-off point to have your water tested for bacteria and nitrates for Kuo and AV Labs. Please call our office for more information on pricing and drop off times, 509-766-7960. Testing your water only shows a snapshot of the water quality at the time of testing, it does not guarantee future quality.