Pesticides in Well Water
When to test
EPA lists pesticides among possible well contaminants from farming and lawn care. Test if fields, orchards or golf courses are near, after a spill, or if nitrate is high (both come from the land around the well).
Ask for specific compounds
There is no single pesticide test. Ask neighbors or your county extension office what is applied nearby, then ask the lab which methods cover those chemicals.
Protect the well
Mix and store chemicals far from the wellhead, and never let a sprayer hose sit in a tank filled from the well.
Sources
- EPA: Potential well water contaminants and their impacts
- USGS: Nitrogen and water
- EPA: Protect your home's water
Questions
Is pesticide testing expensive?
It can be more costly than basic tests. Ask the lab for prices and which compounds each method covers.
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.