Water Wells - Private

well water

Unlike municipal water, private well water is not regulated or routinely tested by government agencies. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Testing your well water helps identify potential contaminants that could pose health risks, damage plumbing, or affect the taste, smell, or appearance of your water.

Common concerns include bacteria (such as Coliform and E. coli), which can indicate the presence of harmful pathogens; nitrates, which are especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women; and heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and copper, which can lead to long-term health problems. Radon in water also poses a potential cancer risk, particularly when released into the air during showering or cooking. Minerals such as iron, manganese, and those affecting pH and hardness can reduce appliance lifespan and cause staining or unpleasant taste. Regular testing—at least once per year—is strongly recommended. If your prospective home has a private well, Massachusetts Home Inspections encourages testing the bacteriological quality of the water before purchase. Ideally, testing should be completed before the close of escrow and repeated annually thereafter. I offer Water Quality testing through a State-certified laboratory, with results typically available within two days via email or the lab’s website.

The results of your test may reveal contaminants that are aesthetic in nature but not necessarily health risks. The lab will help differentiate between harmless and potentially dangerous contaminants, as well as identify likely sources. In addition to annual testing, your well water should be tested immediately if there is any noticeable change in its clarity, color, taste, or odor—or if there has been a change in nearby land use. With regular monitoring and testing, you can help ensure the microbial and chemical safety of your water supply year-round.

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Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

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Hi Dave,

I want to thank you for the home inspection you did for us at 144 Avis Ave. in Dracut MA. We did not get the house because the home owners did not want to split the cost of fixing that wall. I had gotten two estimates, one from a landscaper and one from a Mason. Both gave an estimate of $15,000.00, for which I am grateful for your inspection and pointing out the wall problem. It would of been an undue burden on us, not to mention I am also grateful about the radon testing also. I just got the results today and they came back at 7.5 and 8.4, so that would of been another expense. I do hope that when we find a new house that you will be able to do our home inspection. Your fee was a drop in the hat, to what it would of cost us to fix the wall and then the cost of venting the basement. My husband was also very impressed with your report and how well it was written. Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what happened, and hopefully will be doing business with you again very soon.

Have a Good Day
Jackie Sliney