A basic well water test costs $130 to $200 and tests for the following:

• Microbes and bacteria (including Coliform and E.Coli)
• Minerals and metals
• Mercury and lead
• Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Sulfate

More advanced well water tests cost up to $750 and check for additional contaminants that can include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), industrial chemicals, silica, pesticides, flame retardents, and radiological particles.

There are several places where you can get your well water tested for free, including:

• Local health department – Many local health departments offer free or low-cost well water testing. Contact your local health department to see if they offer this service and what contaminants they test for.
• State and federal government agencies – Some state and federal government agencies offer free or low-cost well water testing. For example, the EPA offers a program called Well Owner Network (WON) that provides free well water testing for certain contaminants.
• Nonprofit organizations – Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost well water testing for low-income homeowners. One example is the National Ground Water Association that offers a program called Water Well Testing for Disadvantaged Households.

You should get your water tested at least once a year, or more often if you have concerns about your water's safety. If you have a private well, you are responsible for testing your own water. You can collect a sample and send it to a certified laboratory for testing or purchase a home water testing kit.

If you get your water from a public water system, the system is required to test the water regularly and provide you with a copy of the results. Contact your water utility to request a copy of the water quality report.

A well inspection costs $250 to $550 and should be done every 1 to 2 years to ensure your drinking water is safe. However, you should not wait to have an inspection if you notice these signs:

• A change in the smell, taste, or color of your water
• Cloudy water
• Changes in water pressure
• Constant well pump cycling
• Water that tests positive for bacteria, metals, or other potential health concerns

A reputable well water testing company should be happy to answer your questions. Consider asking the following:

• How much do you charge to test my water?
• What contaminants will you test for?
• How do you test the water?
• How long will it take for you to send my results?
• Are you certified by any state or other organization?
• Do you offer discounts for seniors or low-income families?

Knowing your drinking water is safe offers peace of mind. Select a well water testing company that you can trust by following these suggestions:

• Only work with companies that have been testing water in your area for several years.
• Ask about their testing certifications.
• Ask what contaminants they test for and their testing methods.
• Be sure your test includes a complete report of results mailed to you in a timely manner.