How Often Should You Test Your Well Water? A Nantucket Homeowner’s Guide
If your home gets its water from a private well, you’re on your own when it comes to making sure it’s safe. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells aren’t routinely tested or regulated by the state — that responsibility falls entirely on the homeowner. Here’s what that means in practice, and how often you should actually be testing.
The general rule: once a year, at minimum
The EPA recommends testing private well water at least once a year for bacteria, and more frequently if you notice a change in taste, odor, or color, or if there’s been flooding, nearby construction, or a new contamination concern in your area. Annual testing catches problems early — often long before they’re noticeable by taste or smell.
When a one-time test isn’t enough
A few situations call for testing beyond the annual basics:
- Buying or selling a home. Many lenders, buyers, and attorneys require a water test as part of a real estate transaction on Nantucket — and even when it’s not strictly required, it’s a smart thing to have in hand before you’re negotiating.
- PFAS concerns. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down naturally and have been found in groundwater in parts of Massachusetts, including Nantucket. They’re not something you can taste, see, or smell, which is exactly why targeted testing matters.
- Lead. Lead doesn’t usually come from the well itself — it’s more often a plumbing issue, from older pipes, solder, or fixtures. Testing is the only way to know for sure whether it’s present in your water.
What we test for
We offer three tests, individually or bundled together: a Real Estate test (the standard package for home sales), a PFAS test, and a Lead test. Each is available with standard turnaround (15 business days) or expedited turnaround (5 business days) if you’re working against a deadline.
Ready to test your water?
Appointments are available Tuesday mornings. Book your appointment online to get started.