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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Missouri's diverse landscape-from the Ozark Plateau with its caves and springs to the agricultural plains of the north-creates varied groundwater conditions for private well owners. The state's extensive karst topography presents unique water quality considerations that well owners should understand.
Missouri does not have a statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale. The state takes a recommendation-based approach, encouraging testing while leaving the decision with individual well owners.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and county health departments provide resources for well owners. While testing isn't required by state law, Missouri's karst geology-with limestone bedrock, sinkholes, and underground streams-makes understanding your specific water quality particularly important.
Missouri 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.
State health guidance recommends testing as a matter of good practice, but compliance is voluntary. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and DHSS encourage regular testing, particularly in karst areas where wells may be more vulnerable to contamination.
County health departments may have local programs that encourage or facilitate testing. Some areas with known contamination issues may have more active testing programs. Check with your local health department for resources in your area.
Real estate transactions often include testing. Mortgage lenders-particularly for FHA, VA, and USDA loans-frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence. In karst areas, testing is particularly prudent.
The baseline testing recommended everywhere applies in Missouri: total coliform bacteria and E. coli for sanitary integrity, plus nitrates which pose health risks to infants and pregnant women. Annual testing for these parameters is standard practice.
Missouri's karst topography creates specific water quality considerations. Karst areas have limestone bedrock with fractures, sinkholes, caves, and underground streams. Surface contamination can travel quickly into groundwater through these pathways. Wells in karst regions may be more vulnerable to bacteria and other surface-derived contaminants.
Agricultural activity across Missouri-cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans-can contribute to nitrate levels in groundwater. If you're in an agricultural area, nitrate testing is particularly important.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), iron and manganese (common aesthetic issues), and any contaminants your county health department identifies as local concerns. After heavy rains in karst areas, additional bacteria testing may be prudent.
Every year
For new properties and every 3-5 years thereafter
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Missouri 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.
County health departments across Missouri may provide well water testing services or can direct you to certified labs. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources can provide information on testing resources.
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.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. Allow adequate time for sample collection, analysis, and any follow-up if issues are found.
Missouri well owners can choose from certified laboratories, county health department programs, sampling services, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use labs certified for drinking water analysis in Missouri.
County health departments 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 explain local concerns-especially important if you're in a karst area.
Given Missouri's karst geology in many areas, bacteria testing is particularly important. Wells in karst can be vulnerable to surface contamination, especially after heavy rains. Make sure your chosen provider can handle bacteria samples with proper timing and cold-chain requirements.
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 Missouri, from requirements to karst geology concerns.