VA well water testing is a specialized process required for VA loans to ensure that a private well provides safe, potable water. The water must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local health standards before loan approval.

Both VA and FHA loan programs require proof that the property’s water source is safe for human consumption. The testing ensures there are no harmful levels of bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, or lead present.

The standard VA and FHA well water test covers:

Total Coliform Bacteria – general indicator of water contamination

E. coli – a specific bacteria that indicates fecal contamination

Nitrates & Nitrites – chemicals that can be harmful, especially to infants

Lead – a toxic metal that can cause serious health issues

Samples must typically be collected by an approved third-party professional. Self-collected samples are not accepted for VA or FHA loan compliance.

Most well water test results are available within 3–5 business days, depending on the lab’s processing time.

If contaminants exceed the allowable limits, corrective action must be taken. After remediation, the water must be retested and passed before the loan can proceed.