Expert water testing in Charleston, IL


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Local water testing services in Charleston
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Culligan of Charleston
Customer Support and Service
support-charleston@culliganwaterco.comMon:8.00am - 5.00pm
Tues:8.00am - 5.00pm
Wed:8.00am - 5.00pm
Thur:8.00am - 5.00pm
Fri:8.00am - 5.00pm
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed
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Free, In-Home Water Test | Comprehensive Lab Testing | PFAS Water Test Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
Results timeline | 30 mins | 1-11 business days | 10 business days |
What’s included | Tests for the most common water problems | Testing available for more than 45 different contaminants | Tests for 55 types of PFAS |
Advanced testing for contaminants such as lead, copper, bacteria, arsenic, mercury and more | – | – | |
Tests for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) | – | ||
Free of charge | – | – | |
Performed by a Culligan water expert | Optional | ||
Addresses specific contaminant concerns | |||
Detects well water issues | |||
Resources for
homeowners in Charleston
Water testing FAQs in Charleston
Where can I get well water tested near me in Charleston?
Many homes throughout Charleston, Mattoon, Effingham, and surrounding communities rely on private wells, and Culligan of Charleston offers well water testing to help homeowners better understand their water quality. Our free in-home water test checks for common well water concerns, including hardness and iron. Hydrogen sulfide, which can cause a rotten-egg odor, and arsenic, which has no noticeable taste or smell, are additional concerns for some local well owners. For more comprehensive testing, water samples can be sent to Culligan's Illinois EPA-certified laboratory for analysis of bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, lead, or PFAS. The EPA recommends testing private wells at least once a year. Call (217) 790-3279 or schedule a free well water test online.
Does Culligan of Charleston's free water test check for lead, PFAS, or bacteria?
No. Culligan of Charleston's free water test checks for hardness, chlorine, pH, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS). However, it does not detect lead, PFAS, or bacteria, which require specialized laboratory testing. Depending on your water source and specific concerns, a Culligan of Charleston water expert may recommend sending a water sample to Culligan's Illinois EPA-certified laboratory for additional analysis, including PFAS, arsenic, lead, bacteria, or nitrates.
How can I test for lead in my Charleston home's water?
If you're concerned about lead in your Charleston home's drinking water, start by contacting your local water utility if your home is connected to a public water system. Many utilities offer lead testing services or provide information about lead service lines. Culligan of Charleston can also arrange for a water sample to be sent to Culligan's Illinois EPA-certified laboratory for lead analysis. Lead cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and standard hardness or TDS tests cannot detect it. If laboratory testing identifies lead in your water, a Culligan water expert can help you explore drinking water filtration systems certified for lead reduction.
How often should I test my water in Charleston, IL?
The EPA recommends that private well owners test their water at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Additional testing is recommended after flooding, well repairs, or noticeable changes in water taste, color, or odor. Homeowners using municipal water in the Charleston area should review their utility's annual Water Quality Report and consider testing when moving into a new home, after plumbing work, or when experiencing water quality concerns such as spotting, staining, or unusual tastes.
Can my Charleston tap water contain contaminants even if it looks and tastes clean?
Yes. Some water contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and PFAS, may be present even when your water looks, smells, and tastes clean. Hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can also be present without noticeable changes in appearance or taste. While a public water utility's annual Water Quality Report provides information about its water supply, it may not reflect conditions within your home's plumbing. Private wells are not routinely monitored by public water utilities, making regular testing especially important. Culligan of Charleston offers free in-home water testing to evaluate common water quality concerns, with additional laboratory testing available for contaminants that require specialized analysis.
Can a water test in Charleston help explain dry skin or stiff laundry?
Yes. Hard water may contribute to dry-feeling skin, dull hair, and stiff laundry. Hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can react with soap and leave residue on your skin, hair, and clothing. A water hardness test can help determine whether these minerals may be contributing to the problem. Charleston-area homeowners with hard water may notice softer-feeling laundry and reduced soap residue after installing a Culligan water softener. However, dry skin can have several causes, so persistent skin concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Should I test my water after buying a home in the Charleston area?
Yes. Testing your water after purchasing a home in the Charleston area is a great way to better understand your water quality. Plumbing age, existing water treatment equipment, and water sources can vary between homes, even within the same neighborhood. Culligan of Charleston offers free in-home water testing to establish a baseline for hardness, chlorine, pH, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS). If your home has older plumbing or relies on a private well, additional laboratory testing for contaminants such as lead, bacteria, or arsenic may also be recommended.




