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 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