Is My Well Water Safe to Drink? How to Know for Sure
Here's what most well owners don't realize: the EPA does not regulate private wells. Unlike city water, which is tested and treated by your utility, your private well water is entirely your responsibility. And according to USGS data, 1 in 5 private wells has at least one contaminant above health-based benchmarks.
That doesn't mean your well water is unsafe — many wells produce excellent water. But the only way to know for sure is to test it.
The Scale of Private Well Use
Over 23 million U.S. households rely on private wells for their drinking water. That's roughly 15% of the population drinking water that's never been tested by a regulatory agency.
Common Contaminants in Private Wells
| Contaminant | Source | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria | Surface water infiltration | Indicates possible sewage contamination |
| E. coli | Fecal matter from animals or septic | Serious gastrointestinal illness |
| Nitrates | Fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste | Dangerous for infants (blue baby syndrome) |
| Arsenic | Natural rock formations | Cancer, skin damage, circulatory problems |
| Lead | Old pipes, fittings, solder | Brain damage, developmental issues in children |
| PFAS | Industrial sites, firefighting foam, landfills | Cancer, immune system effects, hormone disruption |
| VOCs | Gas stations, dry cleaners, industrial sites | Cancer, liver/kidney damage |
Warning Signs Your Well Water May Be Unsafe
While many contaminants are invisible and odorless, watch for these warning signs:
- Color changes — brown, yellow, or cloudy water
- Odor — rotten egg smell, chemical smell, musty odor
- Taste changes — metallic, salty, or chemical taste
- Nearby land use — farms (pesticides/nitrates), gas stations (VOCs), industrial facilities (PFAS)
- Recent events — flooding, nearby construction, septic problems
- Illness — recurring gastrointestinal issues in household members
How to Get Your Well Water Tested
State Health Department Labs
Most state health departments offer basic water testing (bacteria + nitrates) for $0–$50. Contact your local health department for sample kits and instructions.
Private Certified Labs
For comprehensive testing including heavy metals, PFAS, and VOCs, use a state-certified private lab. Companies like Tap Score offer mail-in test kits ($100–$500 depending on the panel).
DIY Test Kits
Home test kits ($20–$50) can screen for basic parameters but are not accurate enough for health decisions. Use them for quick screening only — always confirm with a certified lab.
Immediate Red Flags — Stop Drinking Your Water
If any of these show up in a certified lab test, stop using your water for drinking and cooking immediately:
- Any detectable E. coli — indicates fecal contamination
- Positive total coliform — shock chlorinate and retest
- Nitrates above 10 mg/L — especially dangerous for infants
- Arsenic above 10 µg/L — long-term cancer risk
- Any detectable lead above 15 µg/L — toxic at any level for children
Use bottled water until the issue is resolved. Contact your local health department for guidance on treatment and retesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is well water safe to drink without a filter?
It can be — many wells produce naturally clean, safe water. But you won't know without testing. Some contaminants like arsenic and bacteria are invisible and tasteless. Test first, then decide if treatment is needed.
How often should I test my well water?
The EPA recommends testing for bacteria and nitrates at least once a year. Test for a broader panel every 3–5 years, and always test after flooding, nearby construction, or if you notice any changes in taste, color, or odor.
Can well water make you sick?
Yes, if it contains bacteria (E. coli, coliform), high nitrates, or other contaminants. Symptoms range from gastrointestinal illness to long-term health effects from chronic exposure to arsenic or lead. Regular testing is the only way to prevent this.
Is boiling well water enough to make it safe?
Boiling kills bacteria and viruses but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like nitrates, arsenic, lead, or PFAS. In fact, boiling can concentrate these chemicals. For chemical contamination, you need a treatment system like reverse osmosis.
Who is responsible for testing private well water?
You are. The EPA regulates public water systems but has no authority over private wells. Your state may have some requirements (especially at home sale), but day-to-day water quality monitoring is entirely your responsibility.