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.
Select a city to view local well water testing services near you.
New York has significant private well usage, particularly in suburban and rural areas outside of the major metropolitan regions. From the Adirondacks to Long Island, the Hudson Valley to the Southern Tier, groundwater conditions vary considerably based on local geology.
New York takes a county-based approach to private well regulation. While there's no single statewide mandate for testing at sale, some counties-like Suffolk County-have their own testing requirements. The New York State Department of Health provides guidance and recommendations for all well owners.
Known contaminants of concern vary by region. Arsenic occurs naturally in some bedrock areas. Long Island has its own set of concerns related to shallow aquifers. Agricultural areas may have nitrate issues. Understanding your specific water quality through testing is essential.
New York doesn't have a statewide mandate requiring water quality testing at sale for all private wells. However, some counties have their own requirements. Suffolk County, for example, requires testing for property transfers under certain circumstances.
For new well construction, testing is typically required. Specific requirements may vary by county and are administered by county health departments. Check with your local health department for requirements when drilling a new well.
The New York State Department of Health recommends annual testing for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and nitrates for all private well owners. Additional testing may be appropriate based on your location and any known contamination in your area.
Real estate transactions often include testing regardless of county requirements. Mortgage lenders frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence.
NYSDOH recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates as a minimum. These are baseline parameters for sanitary integrity and basic chemical safety that apply to all New York well owners.
Regional concerns vary across New York. Arsenic occurs naturally in some bedrock areas, particularly in parts of the Hudson Valley and other regions with crystalline bedrock. In these areas, arsenic testing is recommended.
Long Island has specific concerns due to its shallow aquifer system. Nitrates, pesticides, and VOCs may be more relevant in this region. Suffolk and Nassau County health departments provide guidance on appropriate testing for Long Island wells.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), radon in water (some upstate areas), and any contaminants your county health department identifies as concerns. After flooding, additional bacteria testing is prudent.
Every year
At least once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in New York vary based on what you're testing for and which provider you use. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding arsenic, comprehensive panels, or specialty tests increases the cost.
County health departments across New York often provide or facilitate well water testing. Many counties offer bacteria testing at reasonable rates. Private certified labs also serve New York well owners.
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 within 5-10 business days.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. If your county has specific testing requirements, understand them early in the process. Allow adequate time for sample collection, analysis, and any follow-up.
New York well owners can choose from certified laboratories, county health department programs, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results-especially if your county has specific requirements-use labs certified by the New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP).
County health departments are valuable resources. They may offer testing directly, maintain lists of certified labs, and can explain any county-specific requirements. They can also advise on contaminants of concern in your area.
Given regional variation across New York, local guidance matters. Long Island wells have different considerations than Adirondack wells. Your county health department understands local conditions.
For real estate transactions in counties with requirements (like Suffolk County), ensure your testing satisfies the specific parameters and certification requirements.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in New York, from county requirements to regional concerns.