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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Utah has private well usage particularly in rural areas outside of the Wasatch Front. The state's geology-from the Wasatch Range to the Colorado Plateau to the Great Basin-creates varied groundwater conditions and water quality characteristics.
Utah 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 Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local health departments.
Known contaminants of concern include arsenic in some areas and high mineral content typical of the arid West. Testing is essential to know what's in your specific well.
Utah 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 the Utah Division of Water Rights and local health departments. Check for specific requirements when drilling a new well.
Utah DEQ 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 Utah: 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.
Arsenic occurs naturally in some Utah groundwater. It's odorless and tasteless, so testing is the only way to detect it. If you're in an area with known arsenic occurrences, testing is recommended.
Utah's arid climate and geology often result in high mineral content-hardness, total dissolved solids, sulfate, and in some cases fluoride. While not always health hazards, these affect water taste and usability.
Consider testing for: lead (especially with older plumbing), arsenic, fluoride, 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 Utah 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 departments may provide or facilitate well water testing. Private certified labs also serve Utah well owners. The Utah State Public Health Laboratory may offer some testing services.
Turnaround time follows typical patterns: bacteria results within a few days (samples are time-sensitive), chemical tests within 5-10 business days.
For real estate transactions, plan ahead. Allow adequate time for sample collection, transport, analysis, and any follow-up if issues are discovered.
Utah well owners can choose from certified laboratories, local health department programs, state lab services, 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.
Given Utah's varied geology, local knowledge matters. The Wasatch Front has different considerations than rural southern Utah or the Uinta Basin.
Utah DEQ provides resources for private well owners. Using certified labs ensures your results are reliable.
Quick answers to common questions about testing well water in Utah, from requirements to regional concerns.