Well water testing is a critical component of the VA loan process when the property relies on a private well. This specialized testing ensures that the water is safe and potable, meeting stringent standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as local health authorities. Before a VA loan can be approved, the well water must be thoroughly analyzed for contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, and other harmful substances. Compliance with these regulations protects the health of future homeowners and ensures the property meets all safety requirements mandated during the loan approval process.

• Well water testing is required for VA and FHA loans to verify that the property's water supply is safe for human consumption. Both loan programs mandate this testing to protect the health of homebuyers by ensuring that no harmful contaminants are present in the water.

  The testing confirms the absence of dangerous levels of bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, and lead, which can pose serious health risks. Without this certification, loan approval cannot proceed, making well water testing a crucial step in the home buying process when using VA or FHA financing.

  The standard VA and FHA well water test includes the following components:

  • Total Coliform Bacteria: This test serves as a general indicator of microbial contamination in the water, signaling potential presence of disease-causing organisms.

  • E. coli: Detecting E. coli bacteria indicates fecal contamination, which poses a significant health risk.

  • Nitrates & Nitrites: These chemicals can be especially harmful to infants and pregnant women, making their levels critical to assess.

  • Lead: A toxic metal that can lead to serious long-term health issues, especially in children.

  By meeting these testing requirements, homebuyers and lenders can be confident that the water supply meets safety standards required under VA and FHA loan programs.

Water samples for well water testing must typically be collected by an approved third-party professional. Self-collected samples are not accepted for VA or FHA loan compliance to ensure accuracy and maintain the integrity of the testing process. This requirement helps guarantee that samples are handled properly, meeting all regulatory standards and lending guidelines.

Most well water test results are available within 3–5 business days, depending on the lab’s processing time. Some tests, such as bacteria and nitrate analysis, typically fall within this timeframe. More comprehensive or specialized tests may take longer. We prioritize timely delivery while ensuring accurate and reliable results to help you make informed decisions about your water quality.

If the water test fails, meaning contaminants exceed the allowable limits, corrective measures must be implemented to address the issues. This may involve installing treatment systems, repairing or replacing well components, or other remediation steps as necessary. After these corrections, the water must be retested and must meet safety standards before the real estate transaction or loan can move forward. This process ensures the safety and quality of the well water for the property's occupants.Item description

Yes! We offer a pay-at-closing option for well water testing, radon testing, and VA/FHA inspection checklists. This convenient payment method allows you to defer payment until the closing of your real estate transaction. Please note that a small convenience fee applies, and all fees must be collected in full at closing to ensure timely processing and reporting of your inspection results. This option is designed to simplify your home buying or selling process while maintaining the high standards of our testing and inspection services.