Select a city below to view local well water testing services in your area. Each city page lists providers offering lab testing, field sampling, or mail-in well water tests.
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Alaska's vast and varied terrain-from permafrost regions in the interior to coastal areas and volcanic zones-creates unique groundwater conditions that can affect well water quality. Whether you're in a borough with established water infrastructure or a remote community where private wells are the only option, understanding what's in your water matters.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation doesn't require private well sampling, which means the responsibility falls squarely on you as the well owner. There's no state agency checking your water quality, no annual requirement, and no testing mandate when you buy or sell property. It's entirely on you to decide when and what to test.
That independence comes with responsibility. State guidance recommends at minimum annual testing for nitrates and coliform bacteria, with arsenic testing also advised in many areas. Given Alaska's geology-including volcanic regions and mineralized zones-naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic can be a real concern depending on where your well is located. Testing is the only way to know what you're dealing with.
Alaska does not require private well water testing. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation is clear on this: there's no state requirement to sample private well water. Not when you drill a new well, not when you sell your home, not on any regular schedule.
Well owners in Alaska are solely responsible for testing, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of their water. That's a consistent theme across state guidance-private wells are private responsibility. While the state provides educational resources and can point you toward testing options, they're not going to knock on your door asking for sample results.
There are some exceptions at the local level. The Municipality of Anchorage and the City of North Pole, for example, may have regulations around well construction. But even where local rules exist, they typically focus on how wells are built rather than ongoing water quality monitoring.
If you're buying property with a well, your lender may require testing even though the state doesn't. FHA, VA, and USDA loans often have water quality conditions. And regardless of what's required, testing is simply good practice-especially in a state where geological conditions can vary dramatically from one property to the next.
State guidance for Alaska well owners emphasizes a few key contaminants. At minimum, the recommendation is to test annually for nitrates and coliform bacteria-the baseline that public health experts recommend everywhere. Coliform bacteria indicate whether your well has sanitary integrity, while nitrates pose particular risks to infants and pregnant women.
What makes Alaska different is the emphasis on arsenic testing. The state specifically calls out arsenic as something well owners should test for, and in some areas, naturally occurring arsenic is a documented concern. Unlike bacteria or nitrates that might come from surface contamination, arsenic comes from the geology itself-it's in the rock and soil and can dissolve into groundwater.
Beyond those basics, consider your specific situation. Alaska's environmental risks are real: flooding from snowmelt or storm events can introduce contamination. Oil and fuel storage is common in remote areas, so petroleum compounds might be relevant. If you've noticed changes in taste, odor, or appearance-or if there's been any work on your well or nearby construction-that's a reason to test.
For newer contaminants like PFAS, testing may be worth considering if you're near airports, military installations, or areas where firefighting foam has been used. These aren't universal concerns, but they're increasingly on the radar for well owners across the country.
Every year
Every 3-5 years or upon moving to a new property
As needed based on location and circumstances
Testing costs in Alaska can be higher than in the Lower 48, and logistics can be more complicated. If you're in a remote area, getting samples to a certified lab within the required holding times-especially for bacteria, which typically needs to reach the lab within 24-30 hours-can be challenging.
Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally the most affordable option. Adding arsenic, metals, or other contaminants increases the cost, and comprehensive panels that cover a wide range of analytes will cost significantly more. The price also depends on whether you collect the sample yourself or have someone come to your property.
Turnaround time depends heavily on where you are. In Anchorage or Fairbanks, you may have access to local labs with relatively quick turnaround. In more remote areas, shipping samples adds time-and for bacteria tests, the clock is ticking from the moment you collect the sample. Some providers offer expedited shipping or work with local collection points to help with logistics.
Before you choose a provider, ask specifically about how they handle samples from your area. Make sure they can meet holding time requirements and understand any extra shipping costs or logistics involved.
Choosing a well water testing provider in Alaska means thinking about logistics as much as lab quality. You need a certified lab that can handle drinking water analysis, but you also need to figure out how to get your sample there in good condition.
Certified laboratories are the most reliable option for accurate results. Look for labs that are certified for drinking water analysis-they follow standardized methods and quality controls. Some labs in Alaska accept walk-in samples; others work through mail-in programs or partner with local collection services.
For remote areas, mail-in testing can work, but you need to be strategic. Bacteria samples are time-sensitive and may need overnight shipping with ice packs to stay viable. Some providers have worked out logistics specifically for Alaska, so ask about their experience serving your area before you commit.
On-site sampling services are available in some parts of the state, particularly around Anchorage and other population centers. These services handle collection and transport, which takes the guesswork out of proper sampling procedures. They're especially useful for tests that require specific collection protocols, like first-draw lead samples.
Whatever you choose, make sure you understand the full process: what sample containers you'll receive, how to collect properly, how to ship or deliver samples, and what the turnaround time looks like from your location.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Alaska, from arsenic concerns to logistics challenges.