Water Testing
is your well water safe?
A water test is usually required when buying a home with a well, and it should be done before closing. Testing can help ensure the water is safe to drink and can ease concerns for buyers and lenders. In some cases, testing is mandatory depending on the agencies or companies involved in the sale. For example, water testing is required for homes with private wells that are financed with Federal Housing Administration (FHA), USDA, or VA loans.
Testing requirements, and therefore, testing prices vary depending on the lender's requirements and the complexity of the testing needed.
Conventional loans - bacteriological analysis from potable supply. $150 (includes $53 lab fee!)
FHA/VA loans - analysis for lead, nitrate plus nitrite, coliform bacteria (total) and coliform bacteria (E. coli). $225 (includes $119 lab fee!)
Health and Water Quality Test - analysis for conductivity, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, pH, dissolved solids, iron, potassium, sodium, hardness, sodium adsorption ration, nitrate plus nitrite, coliform bacteria (total) and coliform bacteria (E. coli). Livestock and plant suitability information included. $325 (includes $215 lab fee!)
Standard lab turn around time is approximately 7-10 business days so please plan accordingly with your closing date.