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Private well water sampling and laboratory results checklist

A private-well water-quality checklist for selecting analytes based on state guidance, local geology, nearby land use, flooding, treatment and transaction needs; using a certified or accepted laboratory and correct bottles, preservatives, taps and flushing; documenting chain of custody and field conditions; preventing sample contamination; interpreting bacteria, nitrate and locally relevant chemical or radiological results against applicable health guidance; responding to invalid, acute or treatment-affected results; completing repair, disinfection, treatment or confirmatory sampling and retaining trend records without assuming clear, odorless water is safe.

6 items to check

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Analytes and timing reflect local risks, users, well history and treatment

Critical item

Testing should go beyond a generic panel when site conditions warrant.

Laboratory, bottles, preservation, hold times and instructions are confirmed before sampling

Critical item

Analytical validity starts before water enters the bottle.

Sampling tap and treatment status match the question being asked

Critical item

Raw well and treated household water may need separate samples.

Flushing, hygiene, bottle handling, preservatives and chain of custody follow protocol

Critical item

Poor technique can cause false results.

Results, units, detection limits and applicable health guidance are reviewed by qualified sources

Critical item

A nondetect or aesthetic pass does not prove universal safety.

Invalid, bacterial, nitrate or other concerning results trigger appropriate restrictions, investigation and retesting

Critical item

Treatment should address source and be verified after correction.

Use at least as required by state guidance and whenever risk, repair, flooding, pregnancy or a transaction warrants. CDC recommends regular testing and more testing when conditions change. Do not enter septic tanks, wells, pits or excavations; lean over open tanks; breathe confined-space gases; touch exposed wiring; operate pumps dry; drink unverified water; add chemicals to mask a failing system; or drive heavy equipment over tanks and drainfields. Openings require secure barriers and qualified control. Private-well and septic rules vary substantially by jurisdiction.

Reference standards

  • Applicable state, tribal and local onsite-wastewater, private-well, plumbing, health, environmental, electrical and building requirements; local health department and water or sewer authority records; approved site evaluation, design and permits; property survey and easements; qualified inspection, drilling, laboratory and service reports; and exact tank, pump, alarm, treatment, well, pressure-system and disinfection instructions
  • CDC Guidelines for Testing Well Water, EPA private-well guidance and applicable state laboratory and analyte requirements

    • Tools

  • Property survey, septic and well permits, as-builts, pumping and service records, water results, utility maps, disclosures, manuals, receipts and photographs
  • Camera, tape, flashlight and owner-safe observation tools; qualified probing, locating, pumping, camera, hydraulic, electrical, yield, pressure and laboratory testing where permitted
  • Qualified onsite-wastewater professional, septic designer, installer, pumper, plumber, electrician, well contractor, pump professional, certified laboratory and health department as applicable

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