What Should I Test My Well Water For? A Practical Guide for Homeowners

If you rely on a private well for your drinking water, you're responsible for your own water quality. Unlike municipal water systems — which are regulated, tested, and reported on publicly — private wells have no oversight. Nobody is checking your water but you.

The good news: testing is affordable and straightforward. The harder part is knowing what to test for. Here's a practical breakdown.

Start with the Basics

Every well owner should test for these annually, regardless of where you live:

coliform bacteria Bacteria The most common well water concern. Coliform bacteria — including E. coli — can enter your well from surface runoff, septic systems, or wildlife. They're invisible, odorless, and can cause serious illness. A basic bacteria test is typically $30–$80 and is the single most important test you can run.

nitrates Nitrates come from fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste. They're especially dangerous for infants under 6 months and pregnant women. If you're in an agricultural area, this is non-negotiable.

pH Highly acidic or basic water can corrode pipes, affect taste, and reduce the effectiveness of filtration systems. Easy to test, easy to treat.

Test for These Based on Your Location

Beyond the basics, what you need to test for depends heavily on where you live and what's around you.

arsenic (Western states, New England) Naturally occurring in bedrock in many parts of the US. No taste, no smell, no color — carcinogenic at elevated levels. The EPA limit is 10 ppb; many experts recommend action below that.

radon (New England, Appalachia, parts of the Midwest) A radioactive gas that dissolves into groundwater from surrounding rock. Highest risk in states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Requires specialized testing.

lead Most lead contamination comes from household plumbing, not the well itself — but testing is worthwhile if your home has older pipes or fixtures.

uranium (Western states, Great Plains) Naturally occurring in many aquifers. Long-term exposure affects kidney function. Often overlooked.

iron and manganese and Manganese Not a health risk at low levels, but they cause staining, metallic taste, and scale buildup. Common in well water throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Consider These for Comprehensive Testing

PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") PFAS contamination has been found in groundwater near military bases, airports, industrial sites, and even farmland where biosolids were applied. Testing is more expensive ($75–$200) but increasingly recommended. If you live near any of those sources, test for it.

VOCs (VOCs) Solvents, fuels, and industrial chemicals that can leach into groundwater. Important if you're near industrial sites, gas stations, or dry cleaners.

pesticides and Herbicides If you're in a farming community, agricultural chemicals can work their way into your well over time. A pesticide panel adds meaningful coverage.

What About Test Kits from the Hardware Store?

Those $20 test strips you see at Home Depot will tell you if something is very wrong. They won't tell you much more than that. For actual peace of mind — and results that hold up if you ever need to sell your home — you want a certified laboratory test.

The difference: a find a lab is independently accredited, uses calibrated equipment, and provides results that are legally defensible. Test strips are a screening tool at best.

How to Get Your Well Tested

You have two main options:

1. Mail-in testing — A certified lab ships you a sample kit, you collect the water at home following their instructions, and mail it back. Results in 5–10 business days. Easy, affordable, no driving required.

2. Local certified lab — Drop your sample off in person. Good option if you need faster turnaround or your sample type has strict handling requirements (bacteria samples are time-sensitive).

Use our lab directory to find a certified lab in your state — or test your well that offer mail-in kits if there's nothing nearby.

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Not sure where to start? A basic bacteria + nitrate panel is the right first step for most well owners. From there, add tests based on your location and what's around you.