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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Rhode Island, despite being the smallest state, has significant private well usage in areas outside of public water service. The state's geology-primarily crystalline bedrock-creates groundwater conditions similar to other New England states.
Rhode Island has more comprehensive private well requirements than many states. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) requires testing in certain circumstances, and local boards of health may have additional requirements.
Known contaminants of concern in Rhode Island include arsenic, uranium, and radon-all naturally occurring in the bedrock formations common in New England. Testing is essential to know what's in your specific well.
Rhode Island has testing requirements that apply in certain situations. For real estate transactions involving properties with private wells, testing may be required depending on local board of health regulations.
For new well construction, testing is required before the well can be approved for use. This typically includes bacteria, nitrates, and other parameters specified by regulation.
RIDOH recommends annual testing for all private well owners. The baseline recommendation includes bacteria and nitrates, with arsenic, uranium, and radon testing also strongly encouraged given Rhode Island's geology.
Local boards of health in Rhode Island cities and towns may have their own requirements. Check with your local health department for specific rules that apply in your municipality.
RIDOH recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates as a minimum. These baseline parameters apply to all Rhode Island well owners and provide essential safety information.
Arsenic is a significant concern in Rhode Island groundwater. It occurs naturally in the bedrock formations and can be present at levels exceeding safe drinking water standards. Testing for arsenic is strongly recommended.
Uranium and radon are also naturally occurring contaminants in Rhode Island's crystalline bedrock. Radon in water is released into indoor air when water is used. Testing for these parameters is recommended.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), pH (low pH can cause corrosion and leach metals from pipes), and any contaminants your local health department identifies as concerns.
Every year
At least once, repeat every 3-5 years
Based on location and circumstances
Well water testing costs in Rhode Island depend on what you're testing for. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are affordable. Adding arsenic, uranium, radon, or comprehensive panels increases the cost but is important given Rhode Island's geology.
RIDOH's State Health Laboratory offers some testing services at competitive rates. Private certified labs also serve Rhode Island well owners. Local health departments may provide information on testing options.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive), chemical tests within 5-10 business days. Rhode Island's small size makes sample transport relatively easy.
For new well construction or real estate transactions, understand any required testing early in the process. Allow adequate time for sample collection, analysis, and any follow-up.
Rhode Island well owners can choose from certified laboratories, the RIDOH State Health Laboratory, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use certified labs.
The RIDOH State Health Laboratory provides testing services for various parameters. Check their current offerings and submission requirements. This can be a cost-effective option for many tests.
Given Rhode Island's bedrock geology, make sure your chosen provider can test for arsenic, uranium, and radon at appropriate detection limits. Not all basic panels include these important parameters.
Local boards of health can provide guidance on testing requirements and options in your municipality. They understand local conditions and any specific local requirements.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Rhode Island, from requirements to New England concerns.