Well water quality analysis is crucial to ensure the water is fit for consumption and other uses in the home. The fees for testing well water depend on the type of tests that are required.
Initial Testing
If you have bought a house with a private well, it is recommended to get the water tested before actually occupying the house. The cost of initial testing when a new home with a well is being purchased can range from $150 to $300.
Typical initial tests include:
- Bacteria - The total coliform and E. coli bacteria are pathogenic and can lead to sickness. This test confirms the acceptability of bacterial presence and that the levels are safe for consumption.
Cost: $20-$75.
- Nitrates – Nitrates are another form of water pollution that can harm human health. This ensures the rate of concentration is kept well below the maximum acceptable limit.
Cost: $15-$30.
- Hardness - Well water contains a lot of minerals, leading to the formation of scales in pipes and appliances. This test gives information on the water hardness.
Cost: $15-$25.
pH Level – This test ensures that the water pH is within the range of 6. 5 to 8. 5.
Cost: $15-$25.
- Iron – High iron causes water to have a metallic taste and a rusty appearance. This test determines if the amount of iron in the water is too high.
Cost: $15-$25.
- Manganese – Delivers black coloration to the sinks and fixtures. This tests for high levels.
Cost: $15-$25.
- Arsenic – Arsenic is a poison that is sometimes detected in tiny amounts of water taken from wells. Performing an arsenic test is important for safe well water.
Cost: $15-$30.
Annual Testing
Following your basic water tests, getting your well water tested for bacteria and nitrates at least once a year is recommended. Annual testing costs $40-$150.
The EPA recommends annual testing for:
- Total coliform bacteria – price range is between $20-$75.
- E. coli bacteria - Price range is $0.20- $0.50.
- Nitrates – Price range is $15 -$30.
Other Tests
There are additional water tests you may need periodically:
Lead: Lead is not usually found in well water but can dissolve from existing pipes. A lead test costs between $20-$50. The EPA suggests testing for lead at least once every 3 to 5 years.
Arsenic: If arsenic was found in the first tests, then follow-up tests will be required periodically. Cost: $20-$50.
Pesticides or herbicides: If you live in an area in which pesticides or herbicides could pollute the water in your well, this could be a necessary test. The cost starts around $100.
Radon: Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive noble gas that can migrate into well water from the surrounding soil. A radon test costs $25-$50. Recommended every 5 to 10 years.
Other inorganic chemicals: Other contaminants that are likely to be found in well water include mercury, cadmium, or selenite in some natural deposits. Check if your well is at high risk. The cost starts around $100.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are a broad category of chemical substances that include solvents, fuels, and lubricants, among others. VOCs can contaminate groundwater through direct spills or from negligent disposal in other areas, such as wastelands. Check whether it is possible to contaminate the ground near the well. The cost starts at around $135.
Summary of Typical Costs
Here is an overview of typical costs to test well water:
- Initial testing when buying a property with well: For average usage ranging from $150 to $300
- Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates: between $40 and $150
- Periodic lead testing every 3 to 5 years: $20-$50
- Incidental pesticide, herbicide, or other inorganic chemical testing if risk factors are present: around $100
- Radon or VOC testing every 5 to 10 years if potential contamination sources are nearby: ranges between $25 and $135
Testing also keeps you assured that the well water your family uses daily is safe for them to consume. While testing does incur some costs on a periodic basis, the benefits that it creates in terms of clean water are worth the investment. Consult your state's health department or an accredited water testing laboratory to determine which tests are relevant for your well.
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