Testing well water

If you are considering purchasing property that has a water well, you should have that water tested prior to ownership. Everyone who already owns property with a water well should have those tests done on a regular basis. Doing so is crucial for homeowners, especially in rural areas of Texas where groundwater can contain various contaminants. The Wildcat Inspections Team are qualified to help you with your testing needs. Here are some reasons why you should give us a call:

Lack of Water Testing Regulations

Understanding that private wells are not regulated by the EPA is of utmost importance. Most Texans agree that more regulations is not a good thing. But with the lack of those regulations comes responsibility to the well owner. The homeowners are ultimately accountable to ensure their water is safe to drink.

Health Risks

Well water can be vulnerable to contamination. Contaminants like E. coli and Total coliform bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, lead, and arsenic can pose serious health risks. Some of these contaminants are invisible, tasteless, and odorless but can cause serious health risks. This is especially true for children and older adults. Regular testing ensures your water meets safety standards and protects your family from illness. Here are some examples:

  • Coliform bacteria may indicate the presence of harmful pathogens, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
  • Nitrates and nitrites are particularly dangerous for infants, potentially leading to conditions like methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome”.
  • Heavy metals like lead and arsenic can lead to long-term health issues, including neurological damage and cancer.

Environmental Factors

Monitoring your well also helps prevent issues like groundwater contamination, which can affect your neighbors’ wells and even ecosystems. For instance, Texas groundwater can be affected by many factors including agricultural runoff, industrial activities, and even natural geological factors. Regularly testing your well water helps you detect and address issues before they become serious. That gives you peace of mind knowing your water is fresh and free from harmful substances. But it’s not just about protecting your home; it’s also about being a responsible community member.

Legal and Financial Safeguards

When purchasing a property, understanding water quality can prevent future issues. Those might include liabilities, such as the cost of water treatment systems or health-related expenses. A homeowner might also face legal ramifications if they are uneducated about ecological hazards related to their onsite water well.

Learn More

To sum up, testing well water before purchasing property and on a routine basis afterward is a proactive step to protect health, maintain property value, and ensure a reliable and safe water supply. Regular attention to this step is not just a recommendation, it’s a responsibility every well owner should take seriously.

You can learn more about this important subject by checking out one of our informative articles in our PRO TIPS. Water Test Requirements For Buyers offers insights into what tests are required by lenders. You can also research more on this topic at the Center For Disease Control (CDC) website.

Well Water Test Pricing

  • Water Tests Stand-alone — Our fee for testing drinking water of a single water well for E. coli and Total Coliform is $250.00.
  • Add $35.00 each additional water test. — Our water well inspection fee includes providing lab results for E.coli and Total Coliform. Some FHA and VA loans often require testing for Nitrates, Nitrites, Lead, Arsenic and others.
  • Call for pricing for other water tests.  For instance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends additional testing for PH, Total Dissolved Solids, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). 
  • Mileage: call for pricing to farther locations — No additional charge for inspections within Harris, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Liberty, Polk, Ft Bend Counties.
  • Give us a call for a quote to have your water tested by an accredited laboratory. 

Don’t forget that you can save $$$ by bundling your water tests with a home inspection. Check out our prices.