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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Louisiana's unique geography-from the coastal marshes and bayous to the piney woods of the north-creates varied groundwater conditions for private well owners across the state. The state's relationship with water is complex, and understanding what's in your well is an important part of living with a private water supply.
Louisiana does not have a statewide requirement for private well water testing at the time of property sale. The state recommends testing but leaves the responsibility with individual well owners. The Louisiana Department of Health provides guidance, emphasizing that testing is the owner's decision and obligation.
Parish health units across Louisiana can assist well owners with testing resources and guidance. While testing isn't mandated by state law, these local resources help make it accessible. Given Louisiana's coastal influences, flooding potential, and varying aquifer conditions, regular testing is particularly important for Louisiana well owners.
Louisiana does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for property sales. There's no state mandate for routine testing during ownership, and no annual testing requirement imposed on private domestic well owners.
The Louisiana Department of Health recommends testing but places responsibility with well owners. Testing is voluntary from a state law perspective, though the state provides guidance and resources to encourage well owners to understand their water quality.
Parish health units may have local programs that facilitate testing, though mandatory requirements are typically driven by mortgage lenders, real estate contracts, or personal initiative rather than parish ordinances.
Real estate transactions often include testing anyway. Mortgage lenders-particularly for FHA, VA, and USDA loans-frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during their due diligence, especially in flood-prone areas where water quality concerns may be heightened.
The baseline testing recommended everywhere applies in Louisiana: total coliform bacteria and E. coli to check sanitary integrity, plus nitrates which pose health risks to infants and pregnant women. Annual testing for these parameters follows national public health recommendations.
Louisiana's coastal geography creates specific considerations. In areas near the coast or affected by salt water intrusion, chloride and sodium levels may be relevant. After hurricanes or flooding-a reality for many Louisiana well owners-testing for bacteria is especially important, as floodwaters can introduce contamination.
Some areas of Louisiana are near oil and gas operations, which may create different contamination considerations. If you're in such an area, your parish health unit can advise on relevant testing parameters. Iron and hardness are common aesthetic concerns in many parts of the state.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), arsenic (in some areas), and any contaminants that your parish health unit identifies as local concerns. After any flooding event, bacteria testing should be a priority before resuming use of well water.
Every year
For new properties and every 3-5 years thereafter
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Louisiana depend on what you're testing for and which provider you use. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding metals, expanded panels, or specialty tests increases the cost.
Parish health units may provide well water testing services or can direct you to certified labs. The Louisiana Department of Health can provide information on testing resources. Check with your local parish health unit for what's available in your area.
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. Louisiana's warm climate means paying extra attention to keeping bacteria samples cold during transport.
After hurricanes or flooding, labs may be busier than normal and turnaround may take longer. Plan accordingly if you're waiting to confirm water safety after a storm event.
Louisiana well owners can choose from certified laboratories, parish health unit programs, sampling services, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results-especially for real estate transactions-use labs certified for drinking water analysis.
Parish health units are often a good starting point. They may offer testing services, provide sample containers and instructions, or direct you to approved labs. They can also advise on contaminants of concern specific to your part of Louisiana.
Given Louisiana's climate, sample handling is important. Bacteria samples need to stay cold-make sure any provider has appropriate protocols for warm-weather sample handling. If you're using mail-in testing, confirm the service can maintain cold chain during shipping.
Treatment companies may offer testing, sometimes at reduced cost. While convenient for screening, remember their primary business is selling equipment. Independent verification is wise before investing in expensive treatment systems.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Louisiana, from requirements to hurricane-related concerns.