Water Testing Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Whether purchasing a home or refinancing your mortgage loan will require a disinterested third-party to collect the water sample. This provides a chain of custody that the water has been taken from the property that is being mortgaged.

The EPA levels for acceptable E. coli and Total Coliform is ZERO. Any level of these bacteria can be dangerous to your health and are not acceptable. A microanalysis can be performed by the lab to determine what type and count is present (not included in basic testing). However, disinfecting your well and water supply system is recommended if these bacteria are found regardless of the type and count (Levels).

Changes in your health or if you notice any changes in the waters appearance, taste, or smell. However, there can be contaminants within the water that can go unnoticed for a long time.

Excessive levels of nitrates can cause infantile methemoglobinemia, or “Blue Baby" Syndrome. Infants most at risk are those 6 months old and younger, or infants who are already sick and consume food that is high in nitrates, or who drink water or formula that is mixed with water that is high in nitrates. 

Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L (reported as nitrogen) can cause infantile methemoglobinemia. This condition occurs when nitrate is ingested and then converted to nitrite (NO2) by stomach bacteria. The nitrite then reacts with hemoglobin in the blood to form methemoglobin. The buildup of methemoglobin reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. If the level of methemoglobin becomes high enough, the baby’s skin will turn a bluish color and suffocation can occur. Untreated methemoglobinemia can be fatal, but it is reversible with prompt medical attention.

The EPA recommends testing your Well water yearly for at least bacteria. The water quality of a Well is solely the responsibility of the Well owner.

It is a good idea to chlorinate your well at least once a year, preferably in the spring. Outside of that, there are several other circumstances under which chlorinating your well becomes necessary:

• If your annual water test results show that bacteria is present.
• If you notice a change in the color, smell or taste of your drinking water, you should test for bacteria and will need to chlorinate the water if the test comes up positive. You should also determine the water constituent that caused the change in water quality and take measures to treat the water to remove anything unpleasant or unsafe.
• If the well is new, or has recently undergone repairs, new pipes, or repairs/additions to the plumbing water distribution system have been done.
• If the well has been contaminated by flood water, or if the water turns muddy or cloudy after a rainfall.
• When you are preparing to abandon the well or if it is a well that is new to you.

• If the water test is for your own information/use, then water samples can be taken anywhere YOU choose.
• If the water test is for an FHA, VA or USDA purchase or refinance, the water sample will need to be taken from an interior fixture. Most of the time the kitchen sink is required.
• If the water test is to satisfy a food manufacturing permit, cottage food or food truck then the sample will need to be taken from the prep sink.
• If the water test is for a vacation rental or other rental property the sample should be taken from an interior fixture, typically the kitchen sink.