We are licensed as a Maryland Department of the Environment Water Sampler and work with partner certified drinking water laboratories to perform water sampling services for real estate transfers, use & occupancy permits, new well certifications, adoptions, refinances, day care licenses, etc. It is recommended that every residential well have its water tested for bacteria once per year.
Conventional Loans: Typically require a test for Nitrates, E-Coli, Total Coliform (Bacteria), Turbidity, and pH.
FHA/VA Loans: Typically require a test for Lead, Nitrates, Nitrites, E-Coli, Total Coliform (Bacteria), Turbidity, and pH.
Other Common Residential Tests: Arsenic, Calcium, Chloride, Conductivity, Copper, E-Coli, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, MTBE, Nitrate, Nitrite, Radon, Sulfate, Total Coliform (Bacteria), Total Dissolved Solids, Turbidity
Please verify which tests are required prior to scheduling. Because of laboratory hours, water sampling is typically not conducted on Friday or Saturday.
Pricing
$110 ($140 without a home inspection) – Typical Conventional loans (Nitrates, e. Coli, Total Coliform Bacteria, Turbidity, pH)
$170 ($200 without a home inspection) – Typical VA/FHA loans (Nitrates, Nitrites, e. Coli, Total Coliform Bacteria, Iron, Lead, Turbidity, pH)
Many other packages for one or more contaminants are available. Turnaround for most tests is 2-5 business days. Payment is required at the time the sampling occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I just take a bottle of water to a lab on my own?
If the water testing results are going to be submitted to a regulatory agency (MDE, EPA, County Health Department, financial institution), it likely requires a certified sampler to collect and deliver the samples to a certified lab. This ensures a proper chain of custody and allows the results & procedure to be defended in court or to be negotiable as part of a real estate contract. Different tests require different containers and procedures. It is not worth the risk to save a few bucks by performing an amateur DIY test.
What about these plumbing companies that provide free testing?
Unfortunately, most of the time they are offering the testing because they want to sell their treatment services. In other cases, the free test is very basic with additional tests for a fee. We are an independent third-party who holds nothing to gain by whatever the results say and will not up-sell you.