Testing & Safety
Private wells are generally not regulated like public water systems under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, though state and local rules may apply. That means testing is the well owner’s responsibility. These guides explain what to test for, how often, and how to read your results.
How to Test Well Water
Because private wells are usually not regulated like public systems, testing is the owner’s job. Here’s what to test for, how often, and how to do it right.
4 minReviewed October 26, 2026Coliform Bacteria
Total coliform bacteria indicate a pathway for contamination into your well. Here’s how to interpret a positive result and what to do next.
3 minReviewed October 26, 2026Arsenic Testing
Arsenic occurs naturally in some aquifers and has no taste, odor, or color. The only way to know your level is to test. The EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.
3 minReviewed October 26, 2026Nitrate Testing
Nitrate is a widespread well contaminant, especially in agricultural areas. The EPA limit is 10 mg/L as nitrogen (N) — and the reporting basis matters.
3 minReviewed October 26, 2026How to Read Water Test Results
A lab report can be intimidating. This guide explains units, the difference between health-based and aesthetic standards, and how to prioritize.
3 minReviewed October 26, 2026Bacteria Testing for Well Water
Bacteria testing checks your well for coliform and E. coli, the core indicators of microbial safety. Here is how it works and what results mean.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026E. coli in Well Water
E. coli in a well signals recent fecal contamination and a real pathogen risk. This guide explains the emergency response and how to restore safe water.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Lead Testing for Well Water
Lead in private wells typically leaches from household plumbing and fixtures. This guide covers how to test correctly and interpret the results.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Iron Testing for Well Water
Iron is a common nuisance in well water that stains fixtures and affects taste. Testing identifies the type of iron and guides treatment choices.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026pH Testing for Well Water
pH measures how acidic or basic your water is and influences corrosion and metal leaching. This guide explains testing and the normal range.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Hardness Testing for Well Water
Water hardness measures dissolved calcium and magnesium. Testing tells you where you fall on the USGS hardness scale and whether softening makes sense.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Radon in Well Water
Radon is a radioactive gas that can dissolve into groundwater and release indoors. This guide covers testing your well and reducing exposure.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026PFAS Testing for Well Water
PFAS are long-lasting chemicals linked to health concerns that can contaminate groundwater. Testing requires a specialized laboratory and careful sampling.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Manganese Testing for Well Water
Manganese is a common well-water mineral that stains fixtures black and affects taste. Testing identifies levels and informs treatment decisions.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Fluoride Testing for Well Water
Fluoride in wells comes from natural rock, not treatment. Testing tells you the actual level, which matters for dental health in both directions.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Uranium Testing for Well Water
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that can dissolve into well water. Testing is the only way to detect it and protect kidney health.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Sulfate Testing for Well Water
Sulfate is a naturally occurring mineral that affects taste and can cause temporary digestive effects. Testing tells you where you stand.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026TDS Testing for Well Water
Total dissolved solids measure the combined minerals and salts in your water. Testing helps explain taste issues, though TDS alone is not a safety test.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026How Often to Test Well Water
Testing frequency depends on the contaminant and your situation. This guide gives a practical schedule for annual, periodic, and event-driven testing.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Choosing a Certified Lab
Health-based water decisions depend on a state-certified laboratory. This guide shows how to find and work with one for trustworthy results.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Testing Well Water for a New Baby
Infants are more sensitive to several contaminants, especially nitrate. This guide covers which tests to prioritize before a baby arrives.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Water Testing Kits vs. Labs
Home test kits and certified labs serve different purposes. This guide explains when a kit is enough and when only a certified lab will do.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026Chloride Testing for Well Water
Chloride affects taste and can hint at road salt, seawater intrusion, or septic influence. Testing identifies levels and points to possible sources.
2 minReviewed October 29, 2026