Testing your well water

What to test for, how to do it, and what the results actually mean.

Private well water is your responsibility. Nobody tests it for you. This page covers what to test for, when to test, and which labs to use.

What to test for, at minimum

• Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) — every year
• Nitrates — every year, especially if you're in agricultural country
• pH, hardness, TDS, iron, manganese — every 2-3 years
• Local specialty tests — depends on your aquifer. See the relevant aquifer page for guidance.

Full testing guide coming soon. For now, start with a certified state lab or a mail-in kit from Tap Score or SimpleLab.