Well Water Testing: What to Test For & How Often
Why Test Well Water?
You're Responsible
Unlike city water, private wells aren't monitored by government agencies. You're the water quality manager for your household.
Problems May Not Be Obvious
- Bacteria are invisible
- Many chemicals have no taste or smell
- By the time you notice symptoms, exposure has occurred
Conditions Change
- Nearby land use changes
- Well components degrade
- Aquifer conditions shift
- Contamination can occur suddenly
What to Test For
Essential (Annual)
| Test | Why | Safe Level |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | Indicates contamination pathway | 0 (absent) |
| E. coli | Indicates fecal contamination | 0 (absent) |
| Nitrates | From fertilizers, septic; harms infants | <10 mg/L |
Recommended (Every 1-3 Years)
| Test | Why | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Affects corrosion, treatment effectiveness | 6.5-8.5 |
| Hardness | Affects appliances, soap efficiency | Varies |
| Iron | Staining, taste | <0.3 mg/L |
| Manganese | Staining, taste | <0.05 mg/L |
| Total Dissolved Solids | Overall water quality | <500 mg/L |
Situational
- Arsenic: Test if in known arsenic area
- Lead: If older plumbing
- Radon: If area has radon issues
- Pesticides: If near agricultural land
- VOCs: If near industrial sites
Test Packages
| Package | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic bacteria | Coliform, E. coli | $30-$60 |
| Basic + nitrates | Above + nitrates | $50-$100 |
| Standard panel | Above + minerals, pH | $100-$200 |
| Comprehensive | Full contaminant screen | $200-$500 |
How Often to Test
Annual Testing
- Bacteria (coliform/E. coli)
- Nitrates
- Anything previously found elevated
Every 3-5 Years
- Comprehensive mineral panel
- Regional contaminants of concern
Test Immediately If
- Water appearance changes (color, cloudiness)
- Taste or odor changes
- After any well work or repair
- After flooding near well
- Someone in household gets GI illness
- Neighbors report contamination
- Nearby spill or land use change
Test Before Using If
- Buying property with well
- New well before first use
- Reopening unused well
Where to Get Tests
Certified Laboratories
- State-certified for drinking water
- Most accurate results
- Legally valid for real estate
- Contact county health department for list
County Health Department
- Often offer basic bacteria testing
- Lower cost or free
- May have sample bottles available
Home Test Kits
- Good for initial screening
- Less accurate than lab
- Not valid for real estate
- Fine for between official tests
Well Service Companies
- We can collect samples and arrange testing
- Convenience of single point of contact
- Get recommendations based on results
Sample Collection Tips
For Bacteria Test
- Use sterile container from lab
- Collect from faucet WITHOUT aerator
- Let water run 3-5 minutes first
- Don't touch inside of container or cap
- Fill to mark, not to top
- Refrigerate immediately
- Deliver to lab within 24 hours (6 hours best)
For Chemical Tests
- Follow lab instructions (varies by test)
- Some need to run water first; others need first draw
- Some need preservatives in bottle
- Temperature requirements vary
Interpreting Results
If Bacteria Present
- Stop drinking water (use bottled)
- Shock chlorinate well
- Retest in 7-10 days
- If still positive, investigate source
If Nitrates High
- Don't give to infants
- Investigate source (fertilizer, septic)
- Consider treatment system
Other Results
Compare to EPA standards. Many issues are aesthetic (taste, staining) not health. Treatment options available for most contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test my well water?
Annually for bacteria and nitrates. More often with infants, after well work, or if you notice changes. Full panel every 3-5 years.
What should I test my well water for?
At minimum: coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates. Also recommended: pH, hardness, iron, manganese. Add regional concerns as applicable.
How much does well water testing cost?
Basic bacteria: $30-$60. With nitrates: $50-$100. Full panel: $200-$500.
Who do I call to test my well water?
State-certified drinking water lab (contact county health for list), your county health department, or your well service company.
Can I test my well water at home?
Home test kits provide rough screening but aren't as accurate as lab tests. Use them between official tests, not as replacement.
Need Water Testing?
We can collect samples and arrange comprehensive testing for your well.