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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Ohio has significant private well usage, particularly in rural and suburban areas outside of major metropolitan regions. The state's geology varies from the glaciated areas of the north to the unglaciated Appalachian plateau in the southeast, creating different groundwater conditions.
Ohio does not have a statewide mandate requiring private well water testing at property sale. The state takes a recommendation-based approach, with guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and local health districts.
Agricultural activity across much of Ohio can affect groundwater quality, with nitrates being a concern in farming areas. Some areas also have naturally occurring arsenic or elevated radium. Testing is essential to know what's in your specific well water.
Ohio does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for property sales. Testing is recommended but voluntary for existing private domestic wells under state law.
For new well construction, testing may be required as part of the permitting process. Ohio's private water systems rules are administered through local health districts. Check with your local health district for specific requirements when drilling a new well.
The Ohio Department of Health recommends regular testing for all private well owners. Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is recommended as a baseline, with additional testing based on location and circumstances.
Real estate transactions often include testing. Mortgage lenders frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence. Having test results facilitates smoother transactions.
The baseline testing recommended everywhere applies in Ohio: 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 recommended.
Agricultural activity across Ohio-corn, soybeans, livestock-can contribute to nitrate levels in groundwater. If you're in an agricultural area, nitrate testing is particularly important.
Some Ohio groundwater has naturally occurring arsenic or elevated radium levels. These contaminants are odorless and tasteless, so testing is the only way to detect them. Your local health district can advise on known concerns in your area.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), iron and manganese (common aesthetic issues), and any contaminants your local health district identifies as local concerns.
Every year
At least once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Ohio depend 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.
Local health districts across Ohio often provide or facilitate well water testing. Many offer bacteria testing at reasonable rates. Private certified labs also serve Ohio 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. Allow adequate time for sample collection, analysis, and any follow-up if issues are discovered.
Ohio well owners can choose from certified laboratories, local health district programs, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use labs certified for drinking water analysis in Ohio.
Local health districts are often a good starting point. They may offer testing directly, maintain lists of certified labs, and can explain any local requirements. They understand local groundwater conditions.
Given regional variation across Ohio-glaciated vs. unglaciated areas, agricultural vs. industrial-local knowledge matters. Your health district can advise on contaminants of concern for your specific area.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency maintains lists of certified laboratories. Using a certified lab ensures your results are reliable and defensible.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Ohio, from requirements to finding local services.