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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Michigan has one of the largest populations relying on private wells in the country. Surrounded by the Great Lakes and underlain by diverse geology, the state's groundwater conditions vary from the Upper Peninsula to the thumb region to the southwestern fruit belt.
Michigan takes a strong recommendation-based approach to private well testing. While there's no statewide mandate requiring testing at property sale, EGLE (Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) and MDHHS strongly recommend regular testing. The state has invested in resources to help well owners understand their water quality.
Known contaminant concerns in Michigan include arsenic (naturally occurring in some areas), PFAS (particularly near certain industrial and military sites), and nitrates in agricultural regions. Understanding what's in your Michigan well water is essential-and testing is the only way to know for sure.
Michigan does not have a statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale. Testing is strongly recommended but voluntary for existing wells under state law.
For new well construction, testing is typically required. When a new well is drilled, it must meet construction standards and is often tested before being approved for use. Check with your local health department for specific requirements in your area.
State agencies-EGLE and MDHHS-strongly recommend that all private well owners test their water regularly. Given Michigan's known issues with arsenic and PFAS in some areas, following these recommendations is particularly important.
Real estate transactions commonly include testing. Mortgage lenders often require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence. Given Michigan's contaminant concerns, testing before purchase is prudent practice.
Michigan recommendations go beyond basic bacteria and nitrate testing. EGLE and MDHHS recommend testing for arsenic specifically, as it occurs naturally in many parts of the state. Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates remains the baseline.
Arsenic is a significant concern in Michigan. It's present in geological formations across much of the state and can occur at levels exceeding safe drinking water standards. Because it's odorless, tasteless, and colorless, testing is the only way to detect it.
PFAS contamination has affected some Michigan communities, particularly near certain industrial facilities, airports, and military installations. If you're in an area with known PFAS concerns, testing is important. Check EGLE's PFAS resources for information on affected areas.
Agricultural areas may have elevated nitrate levels. The thumb region and other farming areas should prioritize nitrate testing. Consider also testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), iron and manganese (common aesthetic issues), and hardness.
Every year
At minimum once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Michigan depend on what you're testing for. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding arsenic (strongly recommended) increases the cost. PFAS testing, if needed, is typically more expensive due to specialized analysis.
County health departments across Michigan often provide or facilitate well water testing at reasonable rates. Some offer testing programs with common panels at reduced cost. Check with your local health department for available services.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive), chemical tests within 5-10 business days. PFAS testing may take longer due to specialized lab requirements.
Michigan has multiple certified labs serving private well owners. The state's size means lab access varies-some areas have local options while others may need to ship samples. Plan accordingly for time-sensitive bacteria tests.
Michigan well owners can choose from certified laboratories, county health department programs, sampling services, and mail-in test kits. For accurate, defensible results, use labs certified for drinking water analysis in Michigan.
County health departments are often a good starting point. Many Michigan counties have environmental health programs that offer testing or can direct you to approved labs. They can also advise on contaminants of concern in your specific area.
Given Michigan's arsenic concerns, make sure your chosen provider includes arsenic testing or can add it to your panel. Not all basic panels include arsenic at appropriate detection limits. If you're in a PFAS-affected area, confirm the lab can handle PFAS analysis.
EGLE maintains resources for private well owners, including information on testing options. Their website provides guidance on recommended testing and how to find certified labs.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Michigan, from arsenic concerns to finding certified labs.