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+ Every year-
  • Coliform Bacteria
  • Nitrate / Nitrite (For existing wells, especially for pregnant women or newbors who drink from the well.)
  • Color
  • Turbidity
  • Sodium
  • Chloride
• Initially, then every 3 to 5 years+ Initially, then every 3 to 5 years-
  • 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
• Initially, then very 5-10 years+ Initially, then very 5-10 years-
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • MTBE
• Additional testing for Well Water+ 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

Site Specific Testing

Note: The interactive testing tool is down for maintenance. The information below is to assist well owners until it is back online.

If a well is located near a known source of groundwater contamination, it should be tested for chemicals that may be present at elevated levels. In particular, the Department of Health recommends testing for Berlylium in areas where the bedrock is close to the surface and for Arsenic in areas where there are, or have been, orchards since that element has been used in pesticides. The map below can give you rough guidance as to whether you might need these tests. Areas to test for Berylium are largely in the central part of the state. Areas to test for Arsenic are smaller and scattered throughout the state. If you are uncertain about whether you need to test, please contact us.