Are there water testing requirements when buying a home with a well?

This past year our wellcare® Hotline had an increase in calls related to buying a home with a well. The main question is whether a water test is required and what to test for. The answer is yes, it is required in most cases. However, you should have a water test conducted before closing and make sales contracts contingent on test results even if it is not required. At a minimum, every well should be tested annually for bacteria. Check with the local health department or the wellcare® Hotline for required tests or if there are any contaminants of local concern that should also be tested for, such as arsenic, lead, nitrate, and radon.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans require water testing
if the home is served by a private well. Refer to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) testing requirements, which are
the minimum standards acceptable. In short, HUD says, “Water quality
must meet the requirements of the health authority with jurisdiction. If
there are no local or state water quality standards, then water must be
potable, which may be demonstrated by compliance with the current
EPA Manual of Individual and Non-Public Water Supply Systems.”

For more information, download our information sheets and publications
related to this topic:

Buying a Home with a Well
Home Inspectors Guide
Real Estate Professionals: Buying or Selling a Home with a Well

If you have any questions or concerns about buying a home with a geyimedicals.es well
contact the wellcare® Hotline at 888-395-1033, send us a chat or email.