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Iowa's position in the heart of America's agricultural belt makes groundwater quality a particularly important topic for the state's many private well owners. With intensive corn and soybean production, livestock operations, and fertilizer application across much of the state, understanding what's in your well water isn't just good practice-it's essential.
Iowa does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing at the time of property sale. However, the state takes water quality seriously and strongly recommends testing. The Iowa DNR advises annual testing for bacteria and nitrates for all private well owners.
County boards of health across Iowa often provide testing programs and resources. While testing isn't mandated, these local programs make it accessible and affordable. Given Iowa's agricultural intensity and documented nitrate concerns in groundwater, regular testing is particularly important for Iowans with private wells.
Iowa does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for property sales. There's no state mandate for routine testing during ownership, though testing is strongly recommended by state agencies.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends annual testing for bacteria (total coliform) and nitrates for all private well owners. This recommendation reflects both national best practices and Iowa-specific concerns about agricultural impacts on groundwater.
County boards of health may offer testing programs and can provide guidance specific to your area. Some counties are more active than others in providing well owner resources. Check with your local county health department to understand what's available.
Real estate transactions often include testing anyway. Mortgage lenders-especially for FHA, VA, and USDA loans-frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence. Given Iowa's nitrate concerns, testing before purchase is particularly prudent.
The Iowa DNR specifically recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates-and in Iowa, this recommendation carries extra weight. Nitrate contamination is a well-documented issue in Iowa groundwater, stemming from the state's intensive agricultural activity.
Nitrates from fertilizers and livestock operations have been detected at elevated levels in wells across Iowa. Shallow wells and those in areas with permeable soils are particularly vulnerable. Infants and pregnant women are most at risk from high nitrate levels, making this testing essential for families.
Arsenic occurs naturally in some Iowa aquifers. Because it's odorless and tasteless, testing is the only way to know if it's present. If you're in an area where arsenic has been detected, or if your county health department recommends it, include arsenic in your testing panel.
Beyond the basics, consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), pesticides if you're in an agricultural area, and iron/manganese which cause common aesthetic issues. Changes in taste, odor, or appearance should always prompt testing to investigate the cause.
Every year
For new properties and every 3-5 years thereafter
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Iowa depend on what you're testing for and which provider you use. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests-the Iowa DNR's recommended annual panel-are generally affordable. Adding arsenic, pesticides, or comprehensive panels increases the cost.
County boards of health often provide well water testing at reasonable rates. The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa is a major resource for Iowans, offering a range of drinking water tests. Some county programs may offer subsidized testing for specific contaminants.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive and must reach the lab within 24-30 hours), chemical tests for nitrates and metals within 5-10 business days. Iowa's rural character means some areas are far from labs, so factor in shipping time.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. Allow adequate time for sample collection, transport or shipping, lab analysis, and any needed follow-up if issues are found.
Iowa well owners have several options: the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, private certified laboratories, county health department programs, and mail-in test kit services.
The State Hygienic Laboratory is a major resource for Iowa well owners, offering certified drinking water testing. They can test for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, pesticides, and other parameters. Check their current offerings and pricing.
County boards of health may provide testing services or can direct you to approved labs. They can also advise on contaminants of concern in your specific area of Iowa. Given regional variations in groundwater quality, local knowledge is valuable.
Given Iowa's agricultural intensity, make sure your chosen provider can test for nitrates and, if relevant, agricultural chemicals like atrazine. Not all basic panels include these, so confirm what's covered.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Iowa, from requirements to nitrate concerns.