Free & Low-Cost Well Water Testing by State
If you have a private well, no federal agency tests it for you. Some states and counties offer free or low-cost testing, and every state certifies labs. Below is what each state’s official sources say, with links so you can check for yourself.
What to test for: federal guidance
The U.S. EPA does not regulate private wells. Owners are responsible for testing. CDC recommends:
- Testing at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH.
- Using a state-certified laboratory.
- Asking your local health department which contaminants are common near you (for example arsenic, lead, radon, uranium, VOCs, or PFAS) and testing for those too.
- Testing again after flooding, well repairs, or a change in taste, color, or smell, and when someone in the home is pregnant or there is a new baby.
Sources: CDC: Guidelines for testing well water; EPA: Private drinking water wells; EPA: Protect your home's water; EPA: Potential well water contaminants. CDC also lists the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791.
How to use this guide
- Find your state below and open the official program page.
- Call or check your county or local health department. Many free or low-cost programs run at the county level and aren’t listed statewide.
- If the state or county doesn’t test, pick a lab from your state’s certified lab list and ask which tests it runs for private wells.
Each state is labeled with one of these categories:
- Free statewide program 4 states
- Free for some areas or people 6 states
- State or county lab, fee-based 21 states
- Use a certified private lab 19 states
The categories are our simplified summary of the sources cited for each state. “Use a certified private lab” means we did not find a state-run test. Your county may still offer one.
State list at a glance
| State | Testing option |
|---|---|
| Alabama | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Alaska | Use a certified private lab |
| Arizona | Use a certified private lab |
| Arkansas | State or county lab, fee-based |
| California | Free for some areas or people |
| Colorado | Free for some areas or people |
| Connecticut | Use a certified private lab |
| Delaware | Free statewide program |
| Florida | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Georgia | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Hawaii | Use a certified private lab |
| Idaho | Free statewide program |
| Illinois | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Indiana | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Iowa | Free statewide program |
| Kansas | Use a certified private lab |
| Kentucky | Use a certified private lab |
| Louisiana | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Maine | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Maryland | Use a certified private lab |
| Massachusetts | Use a certified private lab |
| Michigan | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Minnesota | Free for some areas or people |
| Mississippi | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Missouri | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Montana | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Nebraska | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Nevada | Use a certified private lab |
| New Hampshire | Use a certified private lab |
| New Jersey | Use a certified private lab |
| New Mexico | Free statewide program |
| New York | Use a certified private lab |
| North Carolina | State or county lab, fee-based |
| North Dakota | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Ohio | Use a certified private lab |
| Oklahoma | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Oregon | Use a certified private lab |
| Pennsylvania | Use a certified private lab |
| Rhode Island | State or county lab, fee-based |
| South Carolina | Free for some areas or people |
| South Dakota | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Tennessee | Use a certified private lab |
| Texas | Free for some areas or people |
| Utah | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Vermont | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Virginia | Use a certified private lab |
| Washington | Use a certified private lab |
| West Virginia | State or county lab, fee-based |
| Wisconsin | Free for some areas or people |
| Wyoming | Use a certified private lab |
State-by-state details
Alabama State or county lab, fee-based
County health departments collect private well samples for the state Bureau of Clinical Laboratories; the lab fee is currently waived (bacteria only), though a county collection fee may apply.
Official private well program
What the state says
- Private well samples are collected through county health departments; ADPH notes there may be a collection fee. Source: ADPH Well Water page
- The state lab's private water sample form says the testing fee "is currently waived" and covers bacteriological testing (total coliform / E. coli), not chemicals. Source: ADPH BCL private water sample form (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Alaska Use a certified private lab
The state does not sample or test private wells. DEC recommends using a State of Alaska certified lab, with annual nitrate and coliform testing and arsenic testing in some areas.
Official private well program
Alaska DEC: Private Drinking Water Wells & Systems
What the state says
- DEC says the State of Alaska Drinking Water Program "does not sample, test, or regulate water quality of private drinking water wells"; only Anchorage and North Pole have local private-well standards. Source: Alaska DEC private wells page
- DEC recommends at minimum annual nitrate and coliform bacteria analyses, testing for arsenic in certain areas, and radon in water if radon was found in indoor air. Source: Alaska DEC private wells page
Find a state-certified lab
Arizona Use a certified private lab
Well water is tested by licensed private labs for a fee. ADHS publishes a guide to labs and recommended tests.
Official private well program
ADHS: Labs to test well water samples (PDF)
What the state says
- ADHS says private laboratories test well water for a fee, and lists recommended tests for new wells (arsenic, bacteria, fluoride, lead, nitrates, TDS, uranium), bacteria and nitrates every year, and arsenic, fluoride and uranium about every five years. Source: ADHS labs guide (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Arkansas State or county lab, fee-based
Get a collection kit from your local health unit; the state Public Health Lab tests for total coliform and E. coli only, at $17 per sample.
Official private well program
ADH Water Microbiology Laboratory
What the state says
- Kits come from your local health unit. The lab tests private drinking water for total coliform bacteria and E. coli only (no minerals, parasites, or chemicals); samples must arrive within 30 hours. Source: ADH Water Microbiology Lab
- ADH asks for a $17 check or money order per sample. Source: ADH Water Microbiology Lab
Find a state-certified lab
California Free for some areas or people
Free testing programs funded or regulated by the State or Regional Water Boards exist in certain areas; otherwise use an ELAP-accredited lab.
Official private well program
State Water Board: Private Domestic Well Testing
What the state says
- The State Water Board says free domestic well testing programs funded or regulated by the State or Regional Water Boards are available in certain areas. Source: State Water Board well testing page
- The GAMA program publishes resources for domestic well owners. Source: GAMA well owners page
Find a state-certified lab
Colorado Free for some areas or people
Free PFAS testing is offered for any Colorado private well. The state lab offers bacterial testing for a fee; its chemistry testing is temporarily suspended.
Official private well program
CDPHE: Drinking water from private wells
What the state says
- CDPHE offers free PFAS testing for private wells in Colorado. Source: CDPHE PFAS testing page
- The state lab's water testing page says chemistry testing is temporarily suspended while bacterial testing remains available for a fee. Source: CDPHE lab water testing services
Find a state-certified lab
Connecticut Use a certified private lab
Owners are responsible for testing; local health departments and districts have authority over private wells. Use a state-certified lab.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DPH says private well owners are responsible for testing their own drinking water, and CT local health departments and districts have authority over private wells. Source: CT DPH private wells page
Not fully verified: We did not find a statewide free or state-lab testing program for private wells on DPH pages. Ask your local health department.
Find a state-certified lab
Delaware Free statewide program
Delaware announced free private well testing statewide in September 2026, including PFAS. The Public Health Lab provides test kits at no charge.
Official private well program
Delaware DPH: Private Drinking Water
What the state says
- On Sept. 14, 2026, the state announced free private well water testing for PFAS and other contaminants (DNREC and DHSS). Source: Delaware news release, 2026-09-14
- The DPH environmental lab page says test kits are provided at no charge and links a sampling request form. Source: Delaware DPH private drinking water page
Find a state-certified lab
Delaware's own lab-certification page did not load during our check, so we link EPA's directory instead.
Florida State or county lab, fee-based
Get a kit from your county health department. State labs test for coliforms/E. coli: $40 for private submitters, $17 for county health departments (county fees vary).
Official private well program
What the state says
- FDOH's public health labs test well water for total coliforms and E. coli. The listed fee is $40 for private submitters and $17 for county health departments; what the county charges you can vary. Source: FDOH well water testing page
Find a state-certified lab
Georgia State or county lab, fee-based
Annual bacterial testing may be available through your county Environmental Health office. Chemical screening goes through the UGA Agricultural & Environmental Services Labs for a fee.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DPH recommends an annual bacterial test, which may be available through your County Environmental Health office, and points to UGA for chemical screening. Source: Georgia DPH well water page
- UGA's lab (Cooperative Extension) publishes a per-test fee list for drinking water, for example nitrate and total coliform/E. coli tests. Source: UGA AESL water testing
Find a state-certified lab
Hawaii Use a certified private lab
Hawaii has no regulations for private drinking water wells. Owners are responsible for bacteriological and chemical testing.
Official private well program
Hawaii DOH: Private Water Wells (PDF)
What the state says
- DOH says there are no regulations for private wells and owners are responsible for testing their water for bacteriological and chemical contaminants. Source: Hawaii DOH private wells fact sheet (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Check with each lab on the list to confirm it accepts samples from private owners.
Idaho Free statewide program
Idaho Health and Welfare lists free private well water testing as "Available Fall 2026." Check the page for launch details.
Official private well program
IDHW: Drinking Water and Private Wells
What the state says
- IDHW's private wells page announces "Free Idaho Private Well Water Testing (Available Fall 2026)." Source: IDHW private wells page
Not fully verified: Eligibility and the tests included were not yet published in detail when we checked.
Find a state-certified lab
Illinois State or county lab, fee-based
Local health departments provide sample bottles for coliform bacteria and nitrate testing of private wells.
Official private well program
What the state says
- IDPH's well-sampling fact sheet covers coliform and nitrate testing, with sample bottles available from local health departments. Source: IDPH well sampling fact sheet
Not fully verified: Fees are set locally and were not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
Indiana State or county lab, fee-based
The Indiana Department of Health lab tests well water: $10 each for bacteria, nitrate, or fluoride and $20 for arsenic/lead/copper, plus shipping.
Official private well program
IDOH Laboratory: Well Water Testing
What the state says
- IDOH lists $10 for bacteria, $10 for nitrate, $10 for fluoride, and $20 for arsenic/lead/copper, plus shipping. Source: IDOH well water testing page
Find a state-certified lab
Iowa Free statewide program
Iowa's Private Well Grants Program pays for free well testing for private well owners through county programs (funding varies by county).
Official private well program
Iowa DNR: Private Well Testing
What the state says
- Iowa DNR says the Private Well Grants Program provides free testing for private well owners, administered through counties. Source: Iowa DNR well testing page
Not fully verified: County funding can run out during the year. Contact your county environmental health office.
Find a state-certified lab
Kansas Use a certified private lab
The state lab stopped routine coliform testing for private wells. Free testing is available only when a physician or public health professional suspects a problem. Otherwise use a KHEL-certified private lab.
Official private well program
KDHE: Testing of Private Water Wells
What the state says
- KDHE says the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories discontinued routine coliform testing of private wells. A free coliform test is available only when a physician or public health professional suspects a water-related problem; otherwise use a KHEL-certified private lab and contact your local health department or sanitarian. Source: KDHE private well testing page
Find a state-certified lab
Kentucky Use a certified private lab
The Kentucky Division of Water recommends annual testing through a certified lab. Some local health departments may help.
Official private well program
KY Division of Water: Groundwater owner assistance
What the state says
- The Division of Water advises well owners to test annually through a certified laboratory, and to contact a certified driller, the local health department, or the Division after flooding. Source: KY DOW well owner assistance
Not fully verified: Local health department testing services and fees vary by county and were not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
Louisiana State or county lab, fee-based
Parish health units offer bacteriological testing: $40 per sample if you collect it, or $150 if a sanitarian collects it (lab fee included).
Official private well program
What the state says
- LDH lists $40 per self-collected sample and $150 for sanitarian-collected bacteriological testing (including lab fee), through parish health units. Source: LDH well testing page
Find a state-certified lab
Maine State or county lab, fee-based
The state Health and Environmental Testing Lab sells well test kits, such as a $127 New Well Test. Maine CDC offers a form for information or a test kit if you have a low income.
Official private well program
What the state says
- Maine CDC provides a request form for information or a test kit for low-income households. Source: Maine CDC private well page
- HETL lists a "New Well Test" at $127. Source: HETL web shop
Find a state-certified lab
Maryland Use a certified private lab
MDE's "Be Well Wise" program recommends sampling every year through a state-certified lab.
Official private well program
What the state says
- MDE recommends annual sampling at a state-certified laboratory. Source: MDE Be Well Wise
Not fully verified: Some Maryland counties may run their own testing programs. We have not verified them yet.
Find a state-certified lab
Massachusetts Use a certified private lab
Testing isn't required by the state, though your lender or local Board of Health may require it. MassDEP recommends a state-certified lab, with bacteria and nitrate/nitrite tested every year.
Official private well program
MassDEP: Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells
What the state says
- MassDEP says there is no state requirement to test (a mortgage lender or local Board of Health may require it) and recommends a state-certified lab. Its schedule calls for coliform bacteria and nitrate/nitrite yearly, and a standard analysis, radon, VOCs, PFAS6 and (bedrock wells) gross alpha at least every ten years. Source: MassDEP private well testing guide
Find a state-certified lab
Michigan State or county lab, fee-based
EGLE recommends testing for coliform and nitrates every year. Contact your local health department. The EGLE lab lists Total Coliform & E. coli at $23.
Official private well program
What the state says
- EGLE recommends annual coliform and nitrate testing and suggests contacting your local health department. Source: EGLE drinking water testing
- EGLE's lab fee schedule (effective 10/01/2026) lists Total Coliform & E. coli at $23. Source: EGLE fee schedule (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Minnesota Free for some areas or people
MDH recommends testing for coliform bacteria every year. Free well tests may be available in eight southeast Minnesota counties.
Official private well program
What the state says
- MDH recommends testing for coliform bacteria every year and gives a schedule for other contaminants. Source: MDH testing tips
- MDH says a free well test may be available in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties. Source: MDH SE Minnesota nitrate page
Find a state-certified lab
Mississippi State or county lab, fee-based
The Mississippi State Department of Health tests private wells for bacteriological contamination only. You can apply online.
Official private well program
What the state says
- MSDH tests private wells for bacteriological contamination only, with an online application. Source: MSDH private well testing page
Not fully verified: Fee not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
Missouri State or county lab, fee-based
The State Public Health Laboratory tests private wells for bacteria for a $10 handling fee. Kits are available through local public health agencies.
Official private well program
Missouri SPHL: Private drinking water bacteriological testing
What the state says
- SPHL charges a $10 handling fee and distributes kits through local public health agencies. Source: Missouri SPHL page
Find a state-certified lab
Montana State or county lab, fee-based
The DPHHS Environmental Laboratory tests private water for a fee, for example $25 for total coliform presence/absence.
Official private well program
DPHHS private water bacteria test form (PDF)
What the state says
- The DPHHS private bacteria form lists $25 for Total Coliform Presence/Absence and $42 for a coliform count. Source: DPHHS private bacteria form (PDF)
- The full environmental lab fee schedule lists chemistry tests such as nitrate + nitrite. Source: DPHHS fee schedule (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Nebraska State or county lab, fee-based
The Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory (NPHEL) offers water testing for a fee, including a "Total Water Quality (New Well)" package. See its price list.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DHHS's lab price list page links the NPHEL Total Water Quality (NEW WELL) fee list and kit ordering. Source: Nebraska DHHS lab price list
Not fully verified: We could not confirm specific dollar amounts from page text, and we have not yet found a DHHS private well program page.
Find a state-certified lab
Nevada Use a certified private lab
NDEP directs domestic well owners to certified labs and describes a routine domestic well test panel.
Official private well program
What the state says
- NDEP's drinking water testing page explains how to use a Nevada-certified lab and describes the routine domestic well panel. Source: NDEP drinking water testing
Not fully verified: We did not find a statewide free program.
Find a state-certified lab
New Hampshire Use a certified private lab
NHDES recommends regular testing through an accredited lab. Arsenic, radon, manganese, bacteria, PFAS, and MTBE are common NH concerns.
Official private well program
What the state says
- NHDES recommends regular testing at an accredited lab, offers a well-testing guide and the "Be Well Informed" results tool, and highlights arsenic, radon, manganese, bacteria, PFAS, and MTBE. Source: NHDES private wells page
Find a state-certified lab
New Jersey Use a certified private lab
Under the Private Well Testing Act, wells must be tested at property sale (and by landlords) through an NJDEP-certified lab.
Official private well program
What the state says
- NJDEP's Private Well Testing Act page covers testing at real estate sale and by landlords, using NJDEP-certified labs. Source: NJDEP Private Well Testing Act
Not fully verified: Partly verified. NJDEP's site blocks automated reading, so we confirmed these links load but could not machine-check the page text. The landlord re-test interval (reported as every 5 years) is not stated here until verified.
Find a state-certified lab
New Mexico Free statewide program
NMED runs two programs that offer free testing: Water Fairs and field-office screenings.
Official private well program
What the state says
- NMED says it "has two programs that offer FREE testing," including community Water Fairs. Source: NMED free well testing
Find a state-certified lab
New York Use a certified private lab
NYSDOH recommends testing for bacteria at least once a year and other contaminants every 3 to 5 years, using an ELAP-certified lab.
Official private well program
What the state says
- NYSDOH recommends bacteria testing at least once a year and other contaminants every 3 to 5 years through an ELAP-certified lab. Source: NYSDOH private wells page
Not fully verified: County health departments may offer testing help. Not verified county by county.
Find a state-certified lab
North Carolina State or county lab, fee-based
New wells must be tested within 30 days. Testing goes through the State Lab (via your local health department) or a certified commercial lab, and fees vary by county.
Official private well program
NCDHHS: Private well water FAQs
What the state says
- NCDHHS says new wells must be tested within 30 days, tests are done by the State Laboratory through local health departments or by certified commercial labs, and fees vary by county. It recommends coliform yearly, metals/nitrate/lead/copper every two years, and pesticides/VOCs every five years (or as advised). Source: NCDHHS well water FAQs
Find a state-certified lab
North Dakota State or county lab, fee-based
The state lab tests private water for a fee (bacteria payment listed as $27). DEQ publishes a private well sampling guide.
Official private well program
What the state says
- ND HHS's water testing page lists a $27 payment for bacteria testing. Source: ND HHS water testing
- ND DEQ publishes a private well sampling guide. Source: ND DEQ sampling guide (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Ohio Use a certified private lab
Local health districts handle private water systems. ODH explains water quality testing, including testing required for permits.
Official private well program
ODH: Private water systems - water quality
What the state says
- ODH directs private water system owners to local health districts and explains testing tied to permits. Source: ODH water quality page
Not fully verified: Fees and services vary by local health district. Not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
Oklahoma State or county lab, fee-based
The DEQ State Environmental Lab offers a Private Well Annual Test List (coliform/E. coli, nitrate/nitrite, pH, conductivity) for $75.
Official private well program
Oklahoma DEQ: Request a water test
What the state says
- DEQ's FY27 fee schedule lists the Private Well Annual Test List at $75 and a diagnostics package at $175. Source: Oklahoma DEQ fee schedule FY27 (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Oregon Use a certified private lab
Oregon requires domestic well testing during real estate transactions, and samples must go to an accredited lab. OHA's Domestic Well Safety Program has more guidance.
Official private well program
OHA: Domestic Well Safety Program
What the state says
- OHA's testing regulations page covers required testing at real estate transactions: samples must be tested by an accredited laboratory and results are valid for one year. Source: OHA testing regulations
Not fully verified: Regional free-testing efforts (for example in the Lower Umatilla Basin) were reported but not yet verified from official page text.
Find a state-certified lab
Pennsylvania Use a certified private lab
PA DEP recommends annual testing (coliform, nitrate, TDS, pH) at a state-certified lab and sells bacterial test kits at regional offices. Penn State Extension also runs a testing lab.
Official private well program
PA DEP: Private well water testing
What the state says
- DEP recommends testing every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, TDS, and pH using a state-certified lab, and says bacterial test kits can be bought from DEP regional offices. Source: PA DEP water testing page
- Penn State's Agricultural Analytical Services Lab (Extension) offers homeowner drinking water test packages. Source: Penn State AASL
Find a state-certified lab
Rhode Island State or county lab, fee-based
RIDOH explains private well testing through the State Health Laboratories or certified private labs.
Official private well program
RIDOH: Testing your well water
What the state says
- RIDOH describes testing options through the State Health Laboratories and certified analytical labs. Source: RIDOH well testing page
Not fully verified: Current State Health Laboratories prices not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
South Carolina Free for some areas or people
SCDES tests well water ($20 per coliform test). Residents over 65 or on public assistance can get one coliform test and one metals/minerals test free each year.
Official private well program
SCDES: Well water quality testing services
What the state says
- SCDES lists coliform testing at $20 per test. Residents over age 65, or receiving public assistance, can get one coliform and one metals/minerals test free each year. Source: SCDES testing services
Find a state-certified lab
South Dakota State or county lab, fee-based
The SD Department of Health lab sells private well sample bottles. DANR links to a free private well assessment from Midwest Assistance Program.
Official private well program
SD DANR: Private well sampling
What the state says
- DANR's private well sampling page links to Midwest Assistance Program's free private well assessment. Source: SD DANR private well sampling
- SD DOH explains how to order bottles to test a private well. Source: SD DOH test a private well
Find a state-certified lab
Tennessee Use a certified private lab
TDEC strongly recommends testing private water supplies for bacteria every year.
Official private well program
What the state says
- TDEC says it is strongly recommended that private water supplies be tested annually for bacteria, and that a well testing positive should be disinfected and retested. Source: TDEC well water page
Not fully verified: We did not verify whether a state or county lab offers low-cost private well tests.
Find a state-certified lab
Texas Free for some areas or people
Some groundwater conservation districts test private wells for free or at reduced cost. TCEQ publishes a private well guide.
Official private well program
TWDB: Private water well sampling
What the state says
- TWDB notes that some groundwater conservation districts offer free or reduced-cost testing. Source: TWDB private well sampling
- TCEQ publication GI-433 is a guide for private well owners. Source: TCEQ GI-433 (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Utah State or county lab, fee-based
The Utah Public Health Lab recommends annual tests for nitrate, pH, TDS, and total coliforms. Total Coliforms/E. coli is listed at $20.90.
Official private well program
What the state says
- UPHL recommends annual testing for nitrate, pH, TDS, and total coliforms. Source: UPHL private wells
- UPHL's fee schedule lists Total Coliforms/E. coli at $20.90. Source: UPHL fee schedule
Find a state-certified lab
Vermont State or county lab, fee-based
The Health Department recommends a Homeowner Testing Package every 5 years and bacteria testing every year.
Official private well program
VDH: How to test your drinking water
What the state says
- VDH recommends the Homeowner Testing Package every five years and bacteria testing every year. Source: VDH testing page
Not fully verified: Package price not verified from page text. Free radon-in-water kits have been offered through a limited study.
Find a state-certified lab
Virginia Use a certified private lab
VDH does not test private wells. Virginia Cooperative Extension runs low-cost household water clinics in many counties.
Official private well program
What the state says
- VDH states that it "does not test private wells." Source: VDH private well program
- The Virginia Household Water Quality Program (Virginia Tech / Extension) holds drinking water clinics across the state. Source: VAHWQP
Not fully verified: Clinic fee not verified.
Find a state-certified lab
Washington Use a certified private lab
DOH says private well owners are responsible for testing and recommends testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate every year. Your county health or planning department has local requirements.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DOH says owners are responsible for testing their own water, recommends annual coliform and nitrate tests, and points to county health or planning departments for local requirements (for example, at home sales). Source: WA DOH testing page
Find a state-certified lab
West Virginia State or county lab, fee-based
The state Office of Laboratory Services sells water test bottles, with fees listed on its request form (for example, nitrate $15).
Official private well program
WV OEHS: Individual water supplies
What the state says
- OLS's bottle request form lists per-test fees (for example, nitrate $15 and iron $20) and includes private well testing recommendations. Source: WV OLS bottle request form (PDF)
Find a state-certified lab
Wisconsin Free for some areas or people
DNR recommends testing every year. The DHS Well Water Testing Assistance Program (WellTAP) offers no-cost testing to eligible households through local or Tribal health departments.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DNR recommends annual testing. Source: WI DNR well testing
- DHS describes WellTAP no-cost testing for eligible households through local and Tribal health departments. Source: WI DHS private wells
Find a state-certified lab
Wyoming Use a certified private lab
DEQ's "Know Your Well" program recommends sampling every year, plus extra tests near oil and gas development.
Official private well program
What the state says
- DEQ recommends sampling well water annually and additional constituents in areas of potential oil and gas development. Source: WY DEQ Know Your Well
Not fully verified: We did not find a statewide free program.
Find a state-certified lab
If your state or county doesn’t test wells
Use a lab certified by your state. Each state section above links to the official list, and EPA keeps a national directory of state lab certification programs.
Some companies sell mail-in kits that are analyzed by certified labs, such as Tap Score. Before you buy, confirm the lab is certified in your state for the tests you need, especially if a lender or local rule requires a specific lab.
Be careful with “free water tests” offered by companies that sell treatment equipment. Get an independent certified-lab result before you buy a treatment system.
Coming soon
We haven’t covered these yet: District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands. County-level programs within each state are also coming soon.