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Maine has one of the highest percentages of residents relying on private wells in the country. From the rocky coast to the forested interior, Mainers draw their drinking water from bedrock aquifers that-while generally high quality-can contain naturally occurring contaminants that require attention.
Maine takes private well water quality seriously. While the state doesn't mandate testing for routine ownership, it has invested significantly in resources and recommendations for well owners. Arsenic is a particular concern in Maine-naturally present in bedrock in many parts of the state at levels that can exceed safe drinking water standards.
The Maine CDC provides extensive guidance on well water testing, strongly recommending that all well owners test for arsenic, uranium, and other contaminants. Some towns may have local requirements, and real estate transactions commonly include testing. Understanding what Maine recommends-and why-is essential for any Maine well owner.
Maine does not have a blanket statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale, though testing is strongly recommended by the Maine CDC and is common practice in real estate transactions. Some towns may have local requirements.
What Maine does have is one of the strongest recommendation-based systems in the country. The Maine CDC recommends testing for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, manganese, radon, and bacteria at minimum-not just annually, but as a baseline for understanding your specific well's water quality.
Real estate transactions in Maine commonly include well water testing. While not uniformly required by state law, many lenders require it, many buyers request it, and the prevalence of naturally occurring arsenic makes testing particularly prudent for any property purchase.
For new wells, local requirements may apply. Check with your town and the Maine CDC for current guidance. Given Maine's known arsenic issues, testing a new well before use is standard practice even where not explicitly required.
Maine's testing recommendations go beyond the basics that apply in most states. The Maine CDC specifically recommends testing for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, manganese, radon, and bacteria at minimum. This reflects the reality of Maine's bedrock geology.
Arsenic is Maine's most significant naturally occurring contaminant concern. It's present in bedrock across much of the state and can occur at levels exceeding EPA drinking water standards. Because it's odorless, tasteless, and colorless, testing is absolutely the only way to know if it's in your water.
Uranium and radon are also naturally occurring in Maine bedrock. Radon in water can contribute to indoor air radon levels when water is used. Manganese, while not as immediately hazardous as arsenic, can affect neurological development in children at elevated levels.
Beyond these Maine-specific priorities, the standard baseline still applies: annual testing for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and nitrates. Lead testing is prudent if you have older plumbing. The Maine CDC provides detailed guidance on testing panels appropriate for Maine wells.
Every year
At minimum once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on initial results and local conditions
Well water testing costs in Maine vary based on the panel. Given Maine's recommended testing for arsenic, uranium, radon, and other parameters, a comprehensive initial test will cost more than a basic bacteria/nitrate screen-but it's essential for understanding your water.
Several certified labs serve Maine well owners, and the Maine CDC maintains resources on testing options. Some labs offer Maine-specific panels designed to cover the recommended contaminants. Check current pricing from multiple providers.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days, chemical tests within 5-10 business days. Radon in water testing may have its own timeline. If you're testing for a real estate transaction, factor in adequate time for the full panel.
The Maine CDC has worked to make testing accessible and has resources on their website about testing options and programs. Check for any current subsidized testing programs, which Maine has offered in the past for specific contaminants.
Maine well owners should use certified laboratories that can test for the full range of recommended contaminants-not just bacteria and nitrates. Make sure your chosen lab can test for arsenic, uranium, radon in water, and other Maine priorities.
The Maine CDC provides resources and recommendations for testing. They maintain information on certified labs and can guide you toward appropriate testing panels for Maine conditions.
Given Maine's specific concerns, look for labs with experience serving Maine well owners. They'll understand the local geology and can help interpret results in context. Some labs offer packages designed specifically for Maine's recommended testing.
For radon in water testing, confirm the lab uses appropriate methods. Radon requires specific collection and analysis procedures. Not all labs that test for other contaminants offer radon testing.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Maine, from arsenic concerns to finding certified labs.