How can I get my well water tested for free?

Author: Mr. Nigel Blick Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

Where can I get my well water tested for free?

Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.

How much does it cost to test a water well?

A well inspection costs $250 to $550, depending on the well type, depth, and age and whether the inspection includes water testing. Laboratory well water testing alone costs $100 to $350 on average.

How can I test my well water myself?

How to Test Your Water Quality at Home Without a Kit
  1. #1 Assess Color, Taste, and Odor Test.
  2. #2 Use a Water Hardness Test.
  3. #3 Try a Magnifying Glass.
  4. #4 Boil Your Water for a Dissolved Solids Test.
  5. Additional Factors to Consider.
  6. Why Test Your Home's Water Quality.
  7. Rayne Water: Aiding Water Quality Since 1928.

Is Culligan water test actually free?

Remember that this is a free public service – there is no cost or obligation associated with Culligan's free water test. Schedule a free water analysis online or over the phone. Your local Culligan water expert will come to your home and test the water.

How to have your well water tested

How much does a Culligan water test cost?

If you've recently moved to a new home, have noticed any water-related issues, or if you are on a private well, you are due for a professional water test or specific well water test. There's no cost and no risk to you — the only risk lies in putting it off and letting issues worsen.

How much is a full water test?

How much will a water test cost me? Costs can vary depending on the number and type of tests you request. Typical tests range from $25-$400.

Are well water testing kits accurate?

Most do-it-yourself or at-home test kits are neither very accurate nor comprehensive. Too many of these products exaggerate what they're able to provide for you.

How do you know if your well water is good?

At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems. Test your well water at least once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you ever think your well is contaminated with other harmful germs or chemicals, test for those as well.

How do you diagnose a water well problem?

The most common symptoms of well trouble are no water at all, pulsing water pressure and a well pump that runs constantly. If you experience any of these, there's a good chance you can solve the problem yourself.

How many years does a water well last?

IS MY WELL JUST OLD? Another problem can be well age. A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years.

Do home inspectors test well water?

With some basic training and equipment, home inspectors can offer water quality testing as an ancillary service or as part of their standard home inspection. In many areas, mortgage lenders require water quality testing for properties with private wells.

How do I check my well water level?

Use an electric depth gauge. This is the easiest, and most common method to measure your well's static water level. This equipment typically consists of two wires with an electronic sensor that indicates when, and at what depth, the tape has hit water. The tapes can be purchased or constructed.

How long does it take to get well water test results?

From 2 days to 4-6 weeks, depending on how extensive the testing requested is.

Do I have to pay a water bill if I have a well?

When you have your own private well you can skip paying a monthly water bill to the local utility. And if you have your own septic system, you won't have to pay for sewage as well. Of course, when you have your own well, it's your responsibility to pay for your pump and other infrastructure as necessary.

How do I find well water on my property?

Locate Natural Signs
  1. There is a higher water table in valleys and lowlands than on a hill or mountain.
  2. Surface water sources like streams, lakes, swamps, and puddles indicate sufficient groundwater.
  3. Abundant water-loving plants show an excellent underground water supply, especially in dry surface areas.

How to get your well water tested for free?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

How much is well testing?

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? An average well inspection ranges from $300 to $500. This depends on the inspector's rates as well as the type of water tests they intend to conduct to check water quality.

What are the symptoms of well water sickness?

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes. Infants, children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick or die from disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water.

How do I check the water quality in my area?

The report provides information on local drinking water quality, including the levels of various contaminants found in the water. Water quality reports can be obtained by contacting the supplier directly, or through the U.S. EPA's website on Local Drinking Water Information.

How do you know if you have bacteria in your well water?

The best way to tell if there is bacteria in your water is always to have it tested, although there are signs to recognize if you suspect you might have a problem with your water: Water begins leaving unusual or heavy staining around fixtures and drains, may be rust colored.

How long after shocking a well can you test the water?

Wait at least 7 to 10 days to test the water after disinfection to ensure that the chlorine has been thoroughly flushed from the system. Until well water has been tested, boil it (rolling boil for 1 minute) before using or use another alternative water source.

Does PetSmart test water for free?

Maintain a healthy environment for your fish by testing the water frequently and changing 25 to 30% of the water weekly. If you are unsure about the health of the water, bring a sample to PetSmart for free testing.

How long does a well inspection take?

Today, well inspections are quite a bit faster. Most inspections don't take more than a couple hours to complete. You won't have to take vacation time, miss work, or wait by the phone. From start to finish, it shouldn't take more than 1-2 hours for the inspection process to be finished.

Can you test your own water at home?

A variety of at-home water testing kits are available to consumers. Some tests may be limited in the types of contaminants they can detect. Others may require you to send your water samples to laboratories to test for a broad spectrum of factors.

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