Private Well Water Testing
in Northern VA
Private Well Water Testing
Know What’s Coming From Your Well
Private well water is not routinely monitored by a public water system, which makes regular testing an essential part of caring for your home. Joiner Micro Labs' private well testing examines a collected water sample for specific bacteria, minerals, metals, and other substances based on the tests you request.
Why It Matters
Helpful insight for your home and water supply.
Testing is especially useful after a property purchase, well repair, plumbing change, flooding event, or noticeable change in taste, odor, color, or appearance. However, routine testing is recommended even when your water seems fine.
For Private Well Owners
Unlike public water supply, private well water is the homeowner's responsibility to monitor after the well is approved for use.
Common Private Well Water Tests
Choose testing based on your water source, property, and concerns.
Bacteriological Testing
Total coliform testing looks for bacteria that may indicate a pathway for contamination into the well or water system.
Health-Related Testing
Depending on the property and concern, testing may include nitrate-nitrite, lead, copper, or other specific contaminants.
Water Quality Testing
Testing for pH, hardness, iron, manganese, sulfates, and total dissolved solids can provide information related to staining, scale, corrosion, taste, or odor.
How Private Well Testing Works
Each step is designed to protect sample integrity, support accurate analysis, and help operators keep required monitoring on track.
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Select Your Test
Choose the individual test or testing package that fits your reason for testing.
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Get the Proper Sample Containers
Water samples must be collected in the correct lab-provided containers, available by mail or lab pickup.
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Collect Your Water Sample
Follow the included instructions carefully; collection requirements vary by test.
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Deliver the Sample to the Lab
Bring or ship the sample to Joiner Micro Labs according to the handling and timing instructions provided.
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Receive Your Laboratory Report
Joiner Micro Labs provides a report showing results for each requested analysis. Turnaround time depends on the tests performed.
When Should You Test Your Well Water?
Private well owners should consider testing:
Routine Monitoring
As part of routine annual monitoring.
Property Sale or Purchase
When buying or selling a property.
New or Repaired Well
After installing a new well or repairing the well, pump, cap, or water line.
Flooding Near the Well
Following flooding near the well.
Water Changes
When the water changes in taste, odor, color, or appearance.
Nearby Concerns
When there are concerns related to nearby agriculture, septic systems, construction, or fuel storage.
Young Children at Home
When a pregnant person, infant, or young child lives in the home.
Annual Testing Recommendation: The EPA recommends testing private well water at least once each year, with coliform bacteria and nitrate commonly included in routine testing.
