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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Tennessee has significant private well usage, particularly in rural areas across the state. The geology varies from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Highland Rim and the Mississippi River valley in the west, creating different groundwater conditions.
Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and local health departments.
Known contaminants of concern vary by region. Karst geology in middle Tennessee creates unique groundwater vulnerability. Some areas have naturally occurring contaminants. Testing is essential to know what's in your specific well.
Tennessee does not have a statewide law requiring private well water testing for property sales. Testing is recommended but voluntary for existing private domestic wells.
For new well construction, testing may be required as part of the permitting process. Requirements are administered through local health departments. Check with your county for specific requirements when drilling a new well.
TDEC and local health departments recommend regular testing for all private well owners. Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is recommended as a baseline.
Real estate transactions often include testing. Mortgage lenders frequently require water quality documentation. Many buyers request testing during due diligence.
The baseline testing recommended everywhere applies in Tennessee: 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.
Tennessee's karst geology-particularly in middle Tennessee-creates sinkholes and underground drainage that can make groundwater more vulnerable to surface contamination. In karst areas, bacteria testing is especially important.
Agricultural areas may have elevated nitrate levels. Some Tennessee groundwater has naturally occurring iron, manganese, or sulfur that affect water quality aesthetically.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), pH, iron and manganese (common aesthetic issues), 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 Tennessee depend on what you're testing for and which provider you use. Basic bacteria and nitrate tests are generally affordable. Adding comprehensive panels or specialty tests increases the cost.
Local health departments across Tennessee may provide or facilitate well water testing. Private certified labs also serve Tennessee well owners. Check with your county health department for local options.
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.
Tennessee well owners can choose from certified laboratories, local health department programs, and mail-in test kit providers. For accurate, defensible results, use labs certified for drinking water analysis.
Local health departments can be valuable resources. They may offer testing, maintain lists of certified labs, and understand local groundwater conditions-particularly important in karst areas.
Given Tennessee's varied geology, local knowledge matters. Middle Tennessee's karst has different considerations than East Tennessee's mountains or West Tennessee's alluvial areas.
TDEC provides resources for private well owners. Using certified labs ensures your results are reliable.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Tennessee, from requirements to regional concerns.