Water Quality Testing
Details Home Inspections offers water quality testing with well flow testing, and a standalone service. If you are purchasing a property with a private water source you should consider a water quality test be done prior to purchase. It’s recommended that private water sources be tested annually. We will take the water sample via lab directions, and take to to local lab for analyst on rush order usually 7 business days. Schedule Now.
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 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).
