What is a Well Water Quality Test?

A well water quality test is performed to examine your water for impurities or contamination, offering a comprehensive view of the presence of various substances ranging from water bacteria and parasites to heavy metals and organic chemicals.

To conduct the well water quality test, a certified Ronin Home inspector will visit your residence and collect a sterile sample from your water source. Typically, water will be collected from both the well and your tap for comparison purposes. This enables a more accurate identification of the potential source of contamination and ensures a thorough evaluation.

Subsequently, the collected water samples will be sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. In many instances, results can be obtained within 24 hours. Upon receiving the comprehensive report from the lab, your inspector will personally review it with you and assist in determining the most suitable treatment options for any identified issues. Often, the solutions can be as simple as implementing a well water filtration system.

Why Should I Get a Well Water Quality Test?

The Environmental Protection Agency advises individuals who rely on well water to have it tested on a yearly basis. Since well water is not subject to regulations, the surrounding activities can quickly alter and greatly affect its overall quality. Some of the primary sources of well water contamination include:

• Agricultural practices involving the use of pesticides and fertilizers
• Disposal of waste from animals and livestock
• Mining and industrial operations
• Improper storage of household chemicals
• Proximity to septic tanks or leach fields
• Natural events like floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

If any of these occurrences are taking place in close proximity to your well, they have the potential to result in a range of health consequences, both immediate and long-lasting, with varying degrees of severity. When runoff infiltrates your well and is contaminated with animal waste, it may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which can induce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, the presence of chemicals or heavy metals like lead and mercury can give rise to more serious health problems, including organ failure and the development of cancer.

Not only do mortgage lenders want to know about potential health hazards, but they also may require a water quality assessment for homes with well water. Thankfully, Ronin Home Inspection's team of certified inspectors can assist you with this crucial step during the standard home inspection process.

Want to learn more? 

You can read a guide from the EPA: Private Drinking Water Wells.

Contact Ronin Home Inspections at (517) 318-1742 today to to have a Well Water Quality Test completed. Well water quality in Michigan is extremely important to your health and requires expert attention.

GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU BUY OR SELL A HOME