Well Water
About 23 million U.S. households drink from a private well — and no one tests that water unless you do. These guides explain when to test, what the numbers mean, and what to do if something comes back wrong.
Start with the complete well water testing guide or the well water tester guide if you are choosing a kit or certified lab, then dig into coliform bacteria in well water, why every well needs an arsenic water test, and a simple yearly well pump maintenance routine. For state health department links, see our official resources by state.
Manganese in Well Water: What to Do With Your Result
Interpret your manganese well-water result, understand Minnesota infant-water guidance, and compare treatment proposals with a practical checklist.
Chloroform in Water Test: Not Coliform
A chloroform in water test is a chemical panel, not a bacteria result. See how to read TTHMs, confirm the lab analyte, and choose the next well-water step.
Well and Septic Testing Before You Buy
Coordinate well inspections, water-quality testing and septic evaluations before closing, with a records checklist and practical follow-up decisions.
Arsenic Water Testing: What Your Well Report Means
Learn what to do about elevated arsenic, how to order a certified lab test, interpret your results, and verify that treatment reduces arsenic levels.
Coliform in Well Water: What a Positive Test Means
Understand total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli results, protect your drinking water, and arrange repeat testing and repairs with professional guidance.
Hard Well Water: Read Your Test and Decide Whether to Soften
Use your hardness result, scale problems, and household needs to decide whether a water softener makes sense—and what to ask before buying one.
Nitrate in Well Water: Read Your Result and Choose Treatment
Understand nitrate as nitrogen versus nitrate as NO3, when to switch water sources, and how to verify that your nitrate treatment works correctly.
Well Pump Maintenance: What to Watch and When to Call a Pro
Know what to observe around your well pump, what an annual professional check should cover, and how to report low pressure, rapid cycling, or no water.
Well Water Check: Annual Testing Calendar and Record
Plan annual well water tests, know when events call for extra testing, and keep a usable record of results, follow-up actions, and next due dates.
Well Water Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers
Plan a well inspection covering construction, equipment, water flow and laboratory testing, with clear deliverables and questions to resolve before closing.
Why Well Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs and What to Check
Locate a rotten-egg odor in hot water, cold water, softened water, or a drain, then choose the right water testing and professional next step.
How to Choose a Well Water Tester: Labs, Kits, Strips and Meters
Compare certified laboratories, mail-in kits, test strips and handheld meters. Learn what each can tell you, what to ask and how to collect a useful sample.
How to Choose a Well Water Test Panel
Choose annual basics, local additions, or targeted tests for your private well. Compare certified local labs with Tap Score’s three well-water panels.
Iron in Well Water: Stains, Smell, Tests
Interpret iron in well water using sample location, iron form, manganese, pH and hardness, then compare treatment proposals and maintenance needs.
Free well test reminders
Tell us when you last tested and we’ll email you when your annual bacteria and nitrate tests come due.