Private well answer guide

Annual Private Well Water Test Checklist

At minimum, many private well owners test total coliform, E. coli, and nitrate annually, then add local contaminants and chemistry based on location, plumbing, and past results.

Search: annual private well water test checklistUrgency: Routine

What to test

Total coliform
E. coli
Nitrate
pH
TDS
Local contaminants

What to do next

Test bacteria and nitrate every year or after repairs, flooding, or changes in taste or odor.
Retest arsenic, lead, uranium, PFAS, or other local concerns on a schedule recommended for your area.
Track pH, hardness, iron, manganese, TDS, chloride, and sulfate for treatment maintenance.
Keep all lab reports so trends are easy to spot.

Common questions

How often should a private well be tested?

At least annually for bacteria and nitrate is common advice, plus after flooding, repairs, nearby spills, or sudden water changes.

Should I test more often if I have a baby?

Yes, many households test nitrate and bacteria before using well water for infant formula and retest if conditions change.

Related well water guides

Total coliform

Understand bacteria present/absent results and what they mean for private wells.

Testing after flooding

See recommended lab panels after flooding, repairs, and contamination events.

Rotten egg smell and bacteria clues

Compare odor, bacteria, and treatment clues before choosing equipment.

Keep your well history

Interpret once on the web. Track forever in the app.

Save test history, set annual reminders, compare results over time, and create a shareable report for your family or water professional.

Save this result in the iOS app