Best Water Testing Labs: Where to Send Your Sample
Certified labs for home water testing and what each test costs.
Why use a certified lab
DIY test strips give rough estimates. A certified lab (look for state certification or NELAC accreditation) provides precise, legally defensible results. This matters for real estate transactions, health decisions, and choosing the right treatment system.
What to test and cost
Basic panel ($30-50): Hardness, pH, TDS, iron, manganese, bacteria. Enough for treatment sizing. Comprehensive panel ($100-200): Adds lead, copper, nitrate, arsenic, VOCs. Recommended for homes built before 1986 or near industrial areas. PFAS panel ($200-400): Tests for individual PFAS compounds. Recommended if your city has documented PFAS or you are near a military base.
How to sample correctly
Follow the lab's specific instructions precisely. For lead: first-draw sample after 6+ hours of no water use. For bacteria: use the sterile container provided, do not touch the inside. Label each sample clearly. Ship overnight in the provided packaging. Full testing guide.