How to Choose a Certified Well Water Lab
What certification means
States certify labs to run specific drinking water tests. EPA keeps a directory of state certification programs. A lab can be certified for bacteria but not metals, so check each test.
Questions to ask
- Do you accept private well samples?
- Which tests are certified for drinking water?
- What do bottles and tests cost, and is there a shipping option?
- Which days do you accept bacteria samples?
- How fast are results?
Find one
Every state page links to the official list, and some list labs directly.
Sources
Questions
Are health department labs cheaper?
Sometimes. Some county health departments offer free or reduced-cost well tests, so ask locally.
Free well water safety checklist
15 family-friendly steps based on CDC and EPA guidance. Print it, keep it on the fridge, and know when to call a certified lab.
More guides
- Flood Protection for Well Owners: Before, During and After a FloodRaise and seal the wellhead, know your pump shutoff, then disinfect and test with a certified lab after any flood.
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Private Wells: Why You Should TestFederal PFAS rules protect public water systems — not private wells. Here’s what “forever chemicals” mean for well owners and how to get tested.
- Nitrates in Well Water and Blue Baby Syndrome: Who Must TestNitrate in well water can cause blue baby syndrome in infants. Learn who is at risk, when to test, and how to find a certified lab.
- Arsenic in Private Well Water: The Invisible Risk UndergroundArsenic in groundwater is often naturally occurring and invisible. USGS research shows millions of private-well users may be above the EPA drinking-water standard.