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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Arkansas sits at the intersection of several distinct geological regions-the Ozark Plateau in the north, the Ouachita Mountains in the west, and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain in the east. Each of these regions has different aquifer characteristics, which means well water quality can vary significantly depending on where you live. From the fractured limestone of the Ozarks to the delta's alluvial deposits, what's in your water depends a lot on local geology.
Like most states, Arkansas doesn't require private well owners to test their water. There's no state law mandating testing when you buy or sell a home, no annual requirement, and no specific trigger points that force you to test. The Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission regulates how wells are drilled and maintained, but once your well is operational, water quality is your responsibility.
That said, the Arkansas Department of Health laboratory does accept private drinking water samples for certain tests-it's a service they offer, not a requirement. And university extension programs provide testing resources as well. Many well owners in Arkansas choose to test before property sales, either because their lender requires it or because they want to know what they're buying. Testing is always recommended, even when it's not mandated.
Arkansas does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for real estate transactions or routine ownership. There's no state mandate that says you must test before selling your home, when you buy a property with a well, or on any regular schedule.
The state does regulate well construction through the Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission. Drillers must meet certain standards for well installation and repair. But these regulations focus on how wells are built, not on ongoing water quality monitoring.
Where testing commonly happens anyway is in real estate transactions. Many home buyers request well water testing as part of their due diligence, and mortgage lenders-especially for FHA, VA, and USDA loans-often require it as a condition of financing. So while it's not 'required by law,' it's frequently required by contract.
The Arkansas Department of Health offers laboratory testing services for private well owners. They'll analyze samples for coliform and E. coli bacteria under certain conditions. For chemical and mineral testing, you'll typically need to use a private certified lab or university extension services. Contact your county health unit or the state lab to understand what's available in your area.
The baseline testing that public health experts recommend everywhere applies in Arkansas: total coliform bacteria and E. coli to check for sanitary integrity, plus nitrates which pose particular health risks to infants and pregnant women. These should be tested at least annually.
Beyond the basics, what you test for depends on your local conditions. The Ozark region's limestone geology can result in harder water and may allow contaminants to move more easily through fractured rock. Agricultural areas-and there are plenty in Arkansas-may have elevated nitrate levels from fertilizers. The delta region's shallow wells may be more susceptible to surface contamination.
Consider expanding your testing panel if you notice any changes in taste, odor, or appearance; if your well has been flooded or recently repaired; if you're near agricultural operations, industrial sites, or old mining areas; or if you have infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals in the household.
For contaminants like arsenic, lead, or radon, periodic testing (every few years) may be appropriate depending on your location. If you're unsure what makes sense for your property, a local lab or extension service can help you determine which tests are most relevant.
Every year
Every 3-5 years or based on local conditions
As needed based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Arkansas vary depending on what you're testing for and who's doing the testing. Basic bacteria testing through the Arkansas Department of Health lab may be more affordable than private labs, but may have limitations on what tests are available. Private certified labs typically offer more comprehensive testing options at varying price points.
A basic bacteria and nitrate screen is generally the least expensive option. Adding metals like arsenic and lead increases the cost. Comprehensive panels that cover a wide range of analytes-including specialty tests like pesticides or VOCs-will cost more. University extension services sometimes offer testing at reduced rates, especially for agricultural wells.
Turnaround time varies by lab and test type. Bacteria results typically come back within a few days because samples have strict holding times and need to be analyzed quickly. Chemical tests for metals, minerals, and nitrates may take 5-10 business days. More specialized tests can take longer.
If you're testing for a real estate transaction with a deadline, make sure you factor in enough time for sample collection, transport, analysis, and any potential retesting if issues are found. Ask the lab about their current turnaround before you commit.
Arkansas well owners have several options for testing: the state health department lab, private certified laboratories, university extension services, and mail-in test kit providers. Each has advantages depending on your situation.
The Arkansas Department of Health laboratory accepts private drinking water samples for bacteria testing (coliform and E. coli) under certain conditions. This can be a good option for basic testing, though you may need to go elsewhere for chemical or mineral analysis. Contact them to understand current availability and requirements.
Private certified laboratories offer more comprehensive testing options and often have faster turnaround. Look for labs certified for drinking water analysis-they follow standardized methods and quality controls. Some accept drop-off samples; others offer mail-in service or work with sampling services.
University extension services-like those through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture-often provide testing resources for well owners. They may offer certain tests at reduced rates and can provide guidance on what to test for based on your location.
Mail-in test kits are convenient but vary in quality. Make sure any kit you use sends samples to a certified lab. For bacteria tests, which are time-sensitive, mail-in may not be practical unless the company has a good system for ensuring samples arrive within holding time limits.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Arkansas, from requirements and costs to finding labs and understanding results.