Well Water Test Results Interpretation: What Your Lab Report Means

Start with health risks first: bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, uranium, and other regulated contaminants. Then review maintenance and nuisance issues such as pH, hardness, iron, manganese, TDS, sulfate, chloride, odor, and staining.

Search: well water test results interpretationUrgency: Routine

Tests to run

Total coliform
E. coli
Nitrate
Arsenic
Lead
pH
Hardness
Iron
Manganese
TDS

Next steps

Match each result to its unit before comparing it with a limit.
Flag bacteria, nitrate over 10 mg/L as nitrogen, arsenic over 10 ppb, and lead detections before aesthetic issues.
Use trends over time, not one isolated test, for maintenance issues like hardness, pH, iron, and manganese.
Save the lab report, treatment notes, and retest dates so future results are easier to interpret.

FAQ

What is the most important result on a well water test?

Bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, and lead are usually reviewed first because they can affect health decisions quickly.

Can the app interpret a well water lab report?

Yes. The iOS app is designed to save results, explain common limits in plain English, track retest dates, and keep household water history in one place.

Download iOS App

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.

Download the iOS app

Educational guidance only. Always confirm important decisions with a certified laboratory, local health department, qualified water treatment professional, or clinician.