How Much Does Well Water Testing Cost? Real Lab Prices
Short answer: prices vary by lab and state. As real examples, Wisconsin's State Laboratory of Hygiene lists a bacteria test (total coliform/E. coli) at $35 and nitrate at $35. Marathon County, Wisconsin lists bacteria plus nitrate at $61. Some county health departments test for free, so check yours first.
Published prices from public labs (examples)
| Test | Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene prices effective July 1, 2026 | Marathon County, WI prices effective Jan 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria (total coliform / E. coli) | $35 | $28 |
| Nitrate | $35 | $41 |
| Bacteria + nitrate package | — | $61 |
| Arsenic | $38 | $52 (arsenic or lead) |
| Lead | $38 | $52 (arsenic or lead) |
| HUD/FHA-VA loan package | $146 | — |
| Homeowner package (bacteria, nitrate, metals, VOCs and more) | $450 | — |
These are examples from two public labs' published price lists, not national averages. Shipping can be extra. Prices change, so check the lab's current list.
Free or low-cost testing
The EPA notes your local health department may test private wells for free. Some programs are free: Alberta Health Services tests private well water (see Alberta), and Ontario offers a free bacteria test (see Ontario). Your state page links your state's program.
What drives the price
- How many tests. A single bacteria test costs far less than a full panel with metals and VOCs.
- Rush service. Wisconsin's lab roughly doubles prices for rush tests.
- Loan or real estate tests. These are often sold as packages; some public programs won't do them.
Certified, not "EPA approved"
People often search for an "EPA approved lab" for well water. The EPA doesn't approve labs for home well testing: it says states certify drinking water labs, and it can't test your water itself. Look for a state-certified lab (or a provincially accredited one in Canada). See how to choose a certified lab.
Sources
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene: Public environmental and water testing prices (effective July 1, 2026)
- Marathon County, WI: Water testing fees (effective January 1, 2026)
- EPA: Protect your home's water
- EPA: State certification programs and certified labs
Questions
How much does well water testing cost?
Example published prices: Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene lists bacteria at $35 and nitrate at $35 (July 2026); Marathon County, WI lists bacteria plus nitrate at $61 (Jan 2026). Some health departments test free.
Do I need an EPA approved lab?
No. EPA says states certify drinking water labs. Look for a state-certified lab, or a provincially accredited one in Canada.
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
- Testing Tap, Spring, Lake, River or Pond WaterTap, spring, lake, river and pond water: where to test, and why pools and aquariums are different.
- Well Water After a Flood, Hurricane, Wildfire or EarthquakeDon't drink it until it's tested: disaster-by-disaster testing steps from CDC, EPA and Health Canada.
- Well Water Smells, Looks or Tastes Bad? Problems by SymptomSulfur smell, brown or cloudy water, black specks, bad taste: what each can mean and what to test.
- 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.