How do you test if a well is good?

To test if a well is good, you need to check both its physical condition and water quality through lab testing and flow tests, looking for clear water, safe levels of bacteria/nitrates, and sufficient flow (3+ GPM) over time, ideally done annually or when water changes appearance, taste, or odor. Start with a visual inspection for damage, then send a water sample to a certified lab for bacteria, nitrate, and other contaminant analysis, and finally, perform a flow test to see how much water the well can sustainably produce.

What's the average cost of a well inspection?

The cost of a well inspection is $375 on average, but it's normal to spend between $250 and $500 or more. If the depth of your well is 50 feet or less, you can expect to pay between $250 to $350 for an inspection. Wells more than 500 feet deep cost $500 or more to inspect.

Can I test my well water myself at home?

Self-testing water quality kits are available from hardware and home warehouse stores and can be useful in evaluating whether a contaminant is present. If you are aware of a possible contaminant in your water, you may get your well water tested at a laboratory that does water sampling.

How can I test the quality of my well water?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

What is the most common contaminant in well water?

Bacteria. Bacteria is a common microbial contaminant that can be introduced into ground water through a combination of well construction characteristics, surface to groundwater geologic pathways, intense rain events, and various surface activities. A common test for bacteria is the "total coliform bacteria" test.

How to Measure Well Depth FAST (and CHEAP)

How can you tell if drinking water from a well is safe?

Test your well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Contact your health department to find out what other germs or chemicals to test for based on where you live. Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water.

What are signs of poor water quality?

The main perceptible signs of water issues include:

• Scale Deposits.
• Staining.
• Bad Taste & Smell.
• Cloudiness & Discoloration.
• Corrosion.

Are well water testing kits accurate?

Home well water test kits offer quick, basic checks for common issues (pH, hardness, iron) but are generally not reliable for detecting dangerous contaminants like lead, bacteria (coliform), or VOCs accurately, often missing low-level threats or giving vague results, making professional lab testing essential for true safety, especially with positive DIY results. They're good for initial screening, but lack the sensitivity and accuracy of lab methods, potentially creating false reassurance, notes this article from SimpleLab and this video from a YouTube channel.
 

What is the #1 healthiest water to drink?

7 Healthiest Water to Drink

1. Spring Water. Spring water is considered the healthiest water to drink because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. ...
2. Mineral Water. ...
3. Distilled Water. ...
4. Purified Water. ...
5. Alkaline Water. ...
6. Reverse Osmosis Water. ...
7. Structured Water.

What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?

The biggest red flags in a home inspection are foundation cracks (especially horizontal or wider than 1/4 inch), structural issues like sagging floors or stuck doors, outdated electrical systems with aluminum wiring, old plumbing with galvanized pipes or water damage, roof problems like missing shingles or sagging, ...

How long does it take to have well water tested?

A well water test can take anywhere from 1-2 days for basic bacteria/nitrate tests to 2-4 weeks (or more) for comprehensive chemical/heavy metal panels, with typical results often arriving in 3-10 business days, depending on the specific contaminants tested and the lab's turnaround time, plus sample collection logistics. 

Does a well add value to your property?

And finally, some estimates have concluded that having a home well on a property can raise the property value of the land by as much as 10 percent. This is especially true if you live in an area where water is scarce, such as a desert or mountainous terrain.

How to get a well inspected?

Contact a local water well contractor and ask if he or she conducts the type of maintenance check described. You can locate NGWA member- or certified-contractors in your area through the Find a Contractor section on this Web site.

What is the first thing an inspector wants to see?

In most inspections (like OSHA or workplace safety), the first thing an inspector wants to see are your records and paperwork, such as safety plans, training logs, compliance documents, and incident reports, to get an overview of operations before looking at physical items. For a home inspection, it's often the roof, foundation, and HVAC/electrical systems, as these are major structural/safety components, though the inspector starts by getting access to the property and turning on systems like heat/AC. 

Do you have a water bill with a well?

No water bill: You can use as much water as you'd like and never have to worry about a bill when using a private well. The only reason you'd pay is if you're using city water for wastewater (such as showering, flushing the toilet, etc…), although you can install a septic tank to avoid these costs.

How often does a well need to be shocked?

You should shock your well annually as preventative maintenance, but more often if you notice bad smells/tastes, after repairs/flooding, or if your water tests positive for bacteria like coliform. Some sources suggest shocking once a year in spring, while others advise against frequent shocking, emphasizing testing first, as it can be hard on the well, especially with iron/sulfur issues, recommending professional treatment instead for persistent problems. 

Is a well inspection worth it?

Yes, local well pump inspections are absolutely worth the cost. We've found that spending $250-$550 annually prevents emergency repairs that can exceed $1,000. Professional inspectors catch corrosion, contamination, and compliance issues that DIY approaches miss.

How much does Culligan water testing cost?

Culligan offers a free in-home water test to assess common issues like hardness, chlorine, and pH, with no obligation to buy. For more complex contaminants (lead, arsenic, E. coli), they may send samples to a lab, which incurs a fee that varies by contaminants tested, but the initial visit and basic analysis are complimentary. The main cost is if you choose to purchase recommended water treatment systems. 

Can water from a well make you sick?

Yes, well water can definitely make you sick if contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals (like lead, arsenic), nitrates, or chemicals, causing anything from short-term digestive issues (diarrhea, cramps, nausea) to long-term problems like cancer or organ damage, so regular testing and treatment are crucial. Symptoms vary but often include flu-like signs, fatigue, skin issues, or changes in water taste/smell, even from invisible contaminants.
 

What is the most common cause of poor water quality?

Common causes of poor water quality:

• Soil erosion.
• Manure runoff.
• Over-application of nitrogen fertilizer.
• Pollutants.
• Excess phosphorus.

How do I test my water quality at home?

To test water quality at home, you can use simple sensory checks (smell, sight) and basic DIY methods like the magnifying glass test, boil test, or test strips for quick, general insights, but for accuracy and identifying specific contaminants (like lead, bacteria, nitrates), the best method is using a mail-in kit for analysis by a certified lab, or using specific kits like TDS meters for solids or color-changing kits for bacteria. Always start with your senses and visual checks, then use more reliable kits for deeper analysis, especially if you have a private well or older pipes.
 

How much does it cost to test well water?

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.

When should you not drink well water?

If your well is contaminated with harmful germs or chemicals, or you suspect it is, do not drink your well water. Instead, drink and use bottled water or water from another safe source.

How often should I have my well inspected?

A well should be inspected and water tested at least annually, checking for bacteria, nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids, with more frequent testing if vulnerable people live there or changes occur. A professional should do a full system inspection yearly, while a deeper assessment by a contractor is recommended every 10 years, especially if issues like bad taste, odor, or low pressure arise.