State law does not require regular testing of private wells. The Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Drinking water, however, does recommend the testing private wells for the constituents below at prescribed intervals or when a problem is suspected (odd taste, smell, color, etc.) to ensure that water is safe to drink. Since groundwater quality changes over time, testing frequency depends on the constituent. Note that all testing must be performed by certified laboratories. Tests that are required for new wells and real estate transfers are italicized.

Initially, then annually:

Coliform Bacteria
Nitrate / Nitrite (especially in case of newborns or pregnancy)
Color
Turbidity
Sodium
Chloride

Initially, then every 3 to 5 years:

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

Initially, then every 5-10 years:

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

Additional testing may depend on:

local land-uses
well type
underlying geology
proximity to known sources of contaminants
requirement by the local building official

Examples:

Arsenic tests for wells near existing or old orchards
Beryllium test for wells in certain types of bedrock (see map below or larger map)

IMPORTANT: If water quality test results are positive for bacteria water should be boiled for at least one minute before consumption until results shows no bacterial contamination. A procedure to disinfect the well and household plumbing can be found in the Bacteria in Private Drinking Water Wells fact sheet. This procedure should also be followed anytime a well pump is fixed or the plumbing is altered or repaired.

Required Testing for new wells & at time of property transfer

New regulations have been promulgated which establish rules and guidelines for testing new private wells and testing at time of real estate transfer and issuance of the certificate of occupancy. These regulations create two new license categories, Samplers and Interpreters, to ensure the quality of sampling and interpretation of of private wells tests performed by certified laboratories with respect to health issues. The training program and applications necessary for these license types are currently under development.

Water Sampler/Interpreter Applications

The Private Well Sampler/Interpreter license application is now available as a fillable form . (help filling out the form)

Notes:

Handwritten applications will not be accepted
Applications must be notarized
Licensee information will be posted.
Allow 4-6 weeks for review and processing
Sampler training program is under development. Locations and times will be posted here
Applications will be held until required training has been successfully completed

If you have any questions contact Patrick Craft (401) 222-3436

Private Well Testing

Required Testing for new wells & at time of property transfer

Water Sampler/Interpreter Applications

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