Water Testing Information For Private Well Owners

Well water quality depends on many factors including: soil and rock types, local land uses, and well type. Well water quality can change over time; so make sure yours is safe to drink. Insure accuracy of results by using licensed private well samplers, labs, and  interpreters.

Testing Schedule

The following tests are recommended for existing well maintenance and some are required by Rhode Island law to be performed for new wells, certificates of occupancy, or property transfers. Required tests are italicized.

Every year, test for:

• Coliform Bacteria
• Nitrate / Nitrite (For existing wells, especially recommended if there are newborns or pregnant women who drink from the well.)
• Color
• Turbidity
• Sodium
• Chloride

Every 3 to 5 years, test for:

• Fluoride
• Iron
• Lead
• Manganese
• Copper (if you have copper plumbing)
• Zinc and Cadmium (if you have galvanized plumbing)
• Sulfate
• pH
• Tests for Corrosiveness
• Alkalinity
• Calcium
• Total Dissolved Solids
• Hardness
• Specific Conductance

Every 5-10 years, test for:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
• MTBE

Additional testing for Well Water

Depending on soil and land use conditions where you well is located, you may need to do additional well-water tests. In addition, make sure to check your city or town ordinances for other required tests. To find out specific recommendations for your well location use the Interactive Private Well Testing Tool

Interactive Private Well Testing Tool

The Private Well Program has developed an online tool to determine additional testing recommendations for your specific location. For example, if you live near orchards you may need to test for arsenic. This system is updated on a regular basis. If new groundwater contaminants are reported and they might impact your well you will be able to see any changes in testing recommendations.

Check the tests needed for your well

• Launch the tool. (You may be prompted to download and install the Microsoft Silverlight Plugin if you have an older computer.)
• Locate your well. Type in your street address and click on "find".
• Move the mouse arrow over the property where you well is located.
• Right click on the map. A lost of recommended tests specific to your well will open. (The application does not work for locations outside of the state.)
• To print a list of recommended tests you will need to print the screen.

Launch the tool