Private well answer guide

How to Read Well Water Lab Report Units

Always compare a result with the correct unit. Nitrate as nitrogen is not the same as nitrate as nitrate, ppb is much smaller than mg/L, and bacteria are often reported as present or absent.

Search: how to read well water lab report unitsUrgency: Routine

What to test

  • Nitrate
  • Arsenic
  • Lead
  • Bacteria
  • pH
  • Hardness

What to do next

  • Find the analyte name exactly as written on the lab report.
  • Check the unit before comparing to a limit or treatment claim.
  • Prioritize present/absent bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, and other health flags.
  • Use the app to keep each result, unit, and retest date together.

Common questions

Is mg/L the same as ppm?

For many water results, mg/L is approximately ppm, but always follow the lab's units and contaminant-specific guidance.

Is ppb the same as ug/L?

For water, ppb is commonly equivalent to micrograms per liter, written as ug/L or mcg/L.

Related well water guides

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.

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