Private well owners · Certified labs by state
Is your well water safe? Find a certified lab and test it.
Public water systems are monitored. Private wells usually aren't. We turn each state's official certified-lab list into a page you can use on your phone — with sources and the date we last checked.
Choose your state
- Minnesota25 lab listings · verified October 26, 2026
- Texas80 lab listings · verified October 26, 2026
- Vermont29 lab listings · verified October 26, 2026
More states are added regularly. Each one is copied only from an official state list.
Latest guides
All guides →Private wells aren't monitored like city water. These guides explain today's biggest risks — and how to get a certified test.
- 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.
- Lead in Well Water: Old Pumps, Plumbing, and Why Taste Won’t Warn YouLead doesn’t change how water looks or tastes. If your home has older plumbing or well equipment, testing is the only way to know your exposure.
- Coliform Bacteria in Well Water After a Flood: Test Before You DrinkFloodwater, septic systems, and runoff can push bacteria into private wells. Don’t drink until a certified lab clears your water.
- Your Private Well Isn’t Regulated by the Safe Drinking Water ActPublic water is monitored. Private wells usually aren’t. The Safe Drinking Water Act leaves testing to you — here’s what that means in practice.
What to test for
The EPA recommends an annual test for:
- Total coliform bacteria
- Nitrates
- Total dissolved solids
- pH
Nearby conditions point to extra tests. Intensive agriculture → nitrate, nitrite, pesticides, coliform. Stained fixtures → iron, copper, manganese. Lead plumbing → pH, lead, copper. Flooding → bacteria right away. EPA source
How it works
- Pick your state. Each page lists labs on the state's own certified list, by county where available.
- Call the lab. Ask for sample bottles and confirm it accepts private well samples for the tests you need.
- Read your results. If a result exceeds a health standard, the EPA says to contact your public health department and re-test to confirm.
Questions
How often should I test my private well?
The EPA recommends testing a private well every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH, and testing for other contaminants if you suspect them.
Where should I get my well water tested?
The EPA says to use only labs certified for drinking water testing. You can find one through your state's certification program, and your local health department may offer private well testing, sometimes for free.
When should I test right away?
The EPA says to test immediately if there are known groundwater problems in your area, if conditions near your well change significantly (such as flooding or new construction), if you replace or repair part of your well system, or if the water's odor, color, or taste changes.
Are private wells regulated like city water?
No. EPA rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act apply to public water systems, not most private wells. Well owners are responsible for testing.