For Homebuyers
Before purchasing a property with a private well in California, commission an independent water test. Sellers are not always required to disclose water quality issues, and visual inspection of the water tells you nothing about dissolved contaminants.
Key steps before closing
- Request all previous water test results from the seller
- Commission an independent test through a certified lab — do not rely solely on seller-provided results
- Test specifically for contaminants common in California: pH, Manganese, Nitrate, Hardness, Fluoride
- Factor treatment system costs into your offer if contamination is found — systems range from $400 to $4,000+ depending on the contaminant
- Download the free water quality report for the specific county you are buying in
Lender requirements
FHA and VA loans require a well water test before closing if the property uses a private well. The test must be performed by a state-certified lab and must meet EPA drinking water standards for coliform bacteria and nitrate at minimum. Some lenders require a broader panel. Build testing time into your closing timeline.
Find a Testing Lab in California