What water tests should be done on a well?

Author: Jillian Herzog  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Contact your health department to find out what other germs or chemicals to test for based on where you live. Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water.

What tests should I have done on my well water?

Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels, especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.

What are the three tests for water?

Physical tests indicate properties detectable by the senses. Chemical tests determine the amounts of mineral and organic substances that affect water quality. Bacteriological tests show the presence of bacteria, characteristic of faecal pollution.

Does FHA require a water test on a well?

For FHA mortgage insurance, the following procedures are required prior to accepting a house with an individual well: a. Well water must be tested in accordance with the latest local and State drinking water regulation for private wells. This includes all microbiological and chemical test parameters in the regulation.

How often does the EPA recommend testing a well?

Testing frequency

Test your private well annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect the presence of other contaminants, you should test for those also.

How to Test Your Well Water

Can I get my 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 do I know if my well water is safe?

Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Contact your health department to find out what other germs or chemicals to test for based on where you live. Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water.

Does a well inspection include water testing?

The inspector will examine the components, remove the well cap, run the pump, check the water level, and test the water. Running the pump is always done for a period of time, so any changes or abnormalities can be identified.

Do you have a water bill if you are on a well?

If your water is coming from your own private well, then you won't get a monthly water bill. If you are using a septic system, you won't be getting a monthly sewer use bill. Having less bills is normally a good thing. Well water is normally fresher, high in nutrients, and high in minerals.

Does FHA require well and septic inspections?

With an FHA loan, the FHA Appraiser must check for issues or malfunction if the property has a septic system. If there are visible deficiencies, the FHA appraiser must require repair or further inspection. And the FHA guidelines also require the lender to get a septic system inspection.

What is the standard for water testing?

Water Testing: IS 10500 Standards Covering Microbiological Parameters, Viruses, Radioactivity, Parasites, Virological Requirements.

What is the list of water testing?

What are the tests for drinking water? For drinking water Total Coliform Bacteria, Nitrate nitrogen, pH, Iron, Hardness CaCO3, Sulphates, Chlorides and specific conductance are the tests used commonly.

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.

Are home well water tests 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.

What bad chemicals can be in well water?

Pollutant chemicals in well water may include nitrate and nitrite, heavy metals, organic chemicals including pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and radioactive particles. Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) can also pollute groundwater that supplies wells and cause illness.

Does homeowners insurance cover water wells?

If the well is attached to your home, it would be covered under your policy's dwelling coverage. If it's not attached to your home, it would be covered under your policy's other structures coverage, which is usually 10% of the dwelling maximum.

What maintenance does a water well need?

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

What are the downsides of well water?

One of the main disadvantages of well water is the responsibility for maintenance and potential contamination risks. Well owners are responsible for conducting regular testing to ensure the water is safe to drink and free from contaminants. This includes testing for bacteria, nitrates, and other potential pollutants.

How much does it cost to get a well inspected?

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. It also depends on whether they provide a septic inspection as well.

How often should a well be inspected?

ESDHD recommends homeowners have the well sampled at least once a year for bacteria, and every 5 years for chemicals, or if any change in odor, taste, or color. contaminants can seep into the well and may be potentially hazardous to drink.

What is the most common contaminant in well water?

Bacteria. Bacteria is a common microbial contaminant that can be introduced into ground water through a combination of well construction characteristics, surface to groundwater geologic pathways, intense rain events, and various surface activities. A common test for bacteria is the "total coliform bacteria" test.

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.

How to test your well water yourself?

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.

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