Find a Well Lab

Find a certified lab to test your well water

Private wells aren't covered by the rules that public water systems follow, so testing is up to you. We turn each state's official certified-lab list into a page you can actually use on your phone, with sources and the date we last checked.

Choose your state

More states are added regularly. Each one is copied only from an official state list.

What to test for

The EPA recommends an annual test for:

The EPA also links nearby conditions to specific tests. Intensive agriculture nearby points to nitrate, nitrite, pesticides, and coliform. Stained fixtures or laundry point to iron, copper, and manganese. Lead plumbing points to pH, lead, and copper. EPA source

How it works

  1. Pick your state. Each page lists the labs on the state's own certified list, by county where the state provides it.
  2. Call the lab. Ask for sample bottles and instructions, and confirm it accepts private well samples for the tests you need.
  3. Read your results. If a result exceeds a health standard, the EPA says to contact your public health department and re-test to confirm.

Questions

How often should I test my private well?

The EPA recommends testing a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH, and testing for other contaminants if you suspect them.

Where should I get my well water tested?

The EPA says to use only labs certified for drinking water testing. You can find one through your state's certification program, and your local health department may offer private well testing, sometimes for free.

When should I test right away?

The EPA says to test immediately if there are known groundwater problems in your area, if conditions near your well change significantly (such as flooding or new construction), if you replace or repair part of your well system, or if the water's odor, color, or taste changes.