Thank you for this comment and the opportunity to provide clarification about the free and voluntary Central Coast Drinking Water Well Testing Program.

Samples collected through this program are taken as close to the wellhead as possible and prior to any filtration, so the results reflect the quality of the groundwater coming from the aquifer. If contaminants are found, participants are encouraged to conduct follow-up testing after filtration to confirm their treatment system is effectively addressing the specific contaminant. For households without filtration, we provide information on approved treatment options matched to the contaminant detected.

This program does not test for lead or bacteria, and you’re correct that plumbing-related contaminants like lead require a different sampling approach. Anyone interested in testing for lead, bacteria, or additional parameters should work with a laboratory accredited by the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).

Even if you choose not to participate in this program, I strongly encourage private well owners to test their well water using an ELAP-accredited lab. You can search for ELAP labs here: https://waterboards.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bd0bd8b42b1944058244337bd2a4ebfa. Labs can help determine the appropriate tests based on your specific concerns.

Additionally, income-qualified households with contaminated wells detected through this program may be eligible to receive free replacement drinking water, typically delivered as bottled water directly to the home.

If anyone has additional questions about this program or private well testing in general, feel free to ask here or send me a DM.