What four public labs charge in 2026
Prices below are the fees each lab published on its website when we checked on November 4, 2026. Commercial labs set their own prices, so use these as a reference point, not a quote.
Wisconsin's prices took effect July 1, 2026. Penn State's fee table shows no date. Check the lab's current price before you order.
What one contaminant costs to test
If you only need one or two tests, most labs sell them one at a time. These are the published single-test prices from the Penn State and Wisconsin labs.
- Bacteria (coliform)$35 (Wisconsin) to $40 (Penn State)
- Nitrate$15 (Penn State) to $35 (Wisconsin)
- Arsenic$30 (Penn State) to $38 (Wisconsin)
- Radon in water$25 (Vermont kit) to $111 (Wisconsin)
Start with the yearly basics
EPA's advice for private wells is to test every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. Those four are what the cheaper basic packages cover.
Beyond that, what to add depends on where you live. Minnesota, for example, advises testing every well for arsenic at least once, and radon is worth testing for in granite regions such as New England. Wisconsin also sells a package built for HUD, FHA and VA home loans.
- If You test every year and nothing has changedA basic bacteria and nitrate test is usually enough.
- If Your well has never had a full testChoose a broad package once, so you know your baseline for metals and other chemicals.
- If There is a baby or someone pregnant in the homeMake sure nitrate is included, and ask your health department about free testing.
Testing your well is up to you
No utility or agency tests a private well for you. EPA says it can't test residential drinking water on request, and directs well owners to contact a certified laboratory and pay for the test. USGS puts it plainly: maintenance, testing and treatment of private water supplies are the sole responsibility of the homeowner.
EPA lists each state's laboratory certification program, which can point you to certified labs. Your local health department is also worth a call first: EPA notes some health departments test private wells for free, and Wisconsin says households with pregnant people and young children may qualify for free testing.
- Call your local health department
Ask whether it offers free or low-cost private well tests.
- Find a certified lab
Use your state's certification program list, linked from EPA.
- Pick the tests
Start with bacteria and nitrate every year; add arsenic, radon or a broad package as needed.
- Read the results
Compare your numbers against EPA limits, and keep the report for next year.
Know what's likely in your area first
Before ordering, check your state's well water page. It shows USGS's modelled arsenic and nitrate for your county, which can help you decide which tests are worth paying for.
- Private well water by stateCounty-level arsenic and nitrate estimates and testing guidance.Pick your state →
- Read your test resultsEnter your lab numbers to compare them against EPA limits.Read my results →
- Coliform in well waterWhat a positive bacteria test means and what to do.Read the guide →
- Water test kitsHome kits and mail-in lab kits compared.Compare kits →
This article summarizes published lab prices and public testing guidance from EPA, USGS and state agencies. It is not medical advice. If you are worried about your well water and your health, talk to a healthcare provider, and contact your local health department.