Sample water quality report from Details Home Inspections showing clear, easy-to-read lab results for Portland OR homeowners

Well Water Quality Testing

Information for Private Well Owners from Department of Health (DOH)

CONTAMINATED WELLS

Contaminants could show up in your drinking water, potentially putting your family’s health at risk. Because you may not taste, smell, or see many types of contaminants, the state Department of Health (DOH) believes regular water testing is very important.

WELL WATER QUALITY TESTING

If you own a private well, you are responsible for testing your own water. In most counties when you buy or sell a home with a private well, the county health or planning department, or the lending institution involved, may require the seller to provide water-sampling results to show the water is safe to drink. Contact your local county health or planning department for information on the requirements and the testing needed.

DOH recommends that private well owners test their drinking water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrate. These two contaminants rapidly could affect a person’s health—possibly even with just one drink of water. If your nitrate level is 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or higher, you may want to re-test in six months.

At least twice, while you own the well we also suggest testing for arsenic--once in summer and again in winter--to check any seasonal influences that may occur. Though arsenic does not cause rapid health affects, continued consumption over a relatively short time could lead to health concerns. Many certified labs in Washington perform these tests. We use a local lab to analyze samples. The standard well water quality tests for total Coliform, E. Coli bacteria, Nitrates, and Arsenic. Additional contaminate tests upon request. Read more (PDF, DOH 331-349).

PROVIDING WATER QUALITY TESTING SERVICES NEAR ME:

  • All of Clark County, Cowlitz, Lewis and Surrounding areas

    Vancouver - Battle Ground - Camas - Washougal - Ridgefield - Woodland - La Center - Longview - Kelso - Kalama - Brush Prairie - Hockinson - Hazel Dell - Salmon Creek - Felida - Cascade Park - Stevenson - Carson - Orchards - Yacolt

  • Portland OR - Clackamas County, Multnomah, Washington and surrounding areas

    Clackamas - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Oregon City - Boring - Damascus - Gresham - Sandy - Troutdale - West Linn - Lake Oswego - Gladstone - Canby - Estacada - Welches - Beaverton - Tigard - Hillsboro - Tualatin - Sherwood - Wilsonville

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and schedule.

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  • Yes, water quality testing is often mandatory for homes with private wells, especially for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Lenders typically require a “potable” result for Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates, and Arsenic. Details Home Inspections provides certified sampling that meets these specific lender and state regulatory standards.

  • You should test your well water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Test immediately after any repairs, flooding, or if you notice any changes in taste, odor, or appearance. Details Home Inspections can help collect water quality samples as a stand-alone service or with a home inspection.

  • Standard well water test results (Total Coliform Bacteria,
    E. Coli, Nitrates, and Arsenic) typically takes 5 business days from the lab we use. Because timing is critical for the inspection contingency period, Details Home Inspections can offer a “Rush” lab coordination with lab approval (additional fee applied). By bundling your water test with your home inspection, we ensure samples are at the lab the within 24 hours, preventing delays in you Vancouver or Portland real estate transaction.

  • A failed well water test (usually total coliform or E. Coli) is a remediable issue that rarely kills a deal if handled correctly. Typically, the well must be professionally “shocked” with a chlorine treatment by a licensed well contractor, flushed, and then re-tested by a certified water quality sampler like Details Home Inspections. We work closely with buyers and sellers to coordinate these fast turnaround re-tests, ensuring the water is potable and the loan stays on track for closing.

  • Yes. Our well water quality tests are fully compliant with HUD, FHA, and VA lender requirements in both Washington and Oregon. Choosing a one-stop show ensures that these critical “deal-stopper” documents are handled by an inspector who understands the urgency of lender deadlines.