Testing Labs
Find a Certified Water Testing Lab
Use a state-certified or NELAP-accredited lab for drinking water and private well testing. Always verify current certification directly with the lab or your state program before submitting samples.
Verify Before Submitting Samples
Lab certifications change. Always confirm that a lab's current certification covers the specific contaminants you need tested before submitting samples. Check with your state's laboratory certification program for the authoritative, up-to-date list.
Authoritative Resource
EPA National Certified Lab Directory
The EPA maintains the definitive national database of certified drinking water testing laboratories organized by state and contaminant type. This is the most comprehensive and current resource — always use it to find certified labs.
Search EPA Certified Lab DatabaseTesting Guides by Contaminant or Concern
Start with the guide that matches your specific concern — each covers what to test, how, what results mean, and next steps.
PFAS Water Testing
Lab methods required (EPA 537.1 / 533), cost, and what PFAS results include
Lead Water Testing
First-draw sample protocol, benchmarks, and filter options
Nitrate Water Testing
EPA MCL, infant health risk, and which filters remove nitrate
Well Water Testing
What private well users should test for and how often
What To Test For
Full contaminant guide matched to your water source and situation
How To Read Results
Interpreting lab reports — units, MCLs, ND, and next steps
Water Testing Cost
Current cost ranges by test type, plus free and subsidized options
Public Utility vs. Private Well: Who Needs to Test?
I'm on a public water utility
- Your utility is required to test and report results to EPA
- Check compliance records and the PFAS Watchlist first — it may answer your question without testing
- If concerned about lead: test at your own tap using a first-draw sample
- If concerned about PFAS: check PFAS Watchlist records before ordering a test
I have a private well
- Private wells are not covered by federal EPA utility monitoring rules
- Testing is your responsibility — no required schedule exists federally
- Most state programs recommend annual bacteria and nitrate testing at minimum
- Additional tests depend on your location, local geology, and nearby land use
How to Choose a Water Testing Lab
Match certification to contaminant
Not all labs are certified for all tests. A lab may be NELAP accredited but not specifically certified for PFAS analysis using EPA Method 533 or 537.1. Ask for the specific certification before submitting.
Use state-certified labs for legal purposes
If results will be used for regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, or formal documentation, the lab must be certified by your state program — not just nationally accredited.
Mail-in kits vs. local labs
Many certified labs offer mail-in sampling kits with chain-of-custody forms. These are valid for most purposes. Local labs can provide faster turnaround and in-person guidance on sampling technique.
State Certification Programs
Each state runs its own laboratory certification program. These are the authoritative sources for finding certified labs in your state.
Testing Private Well Water?
Private well testing requirements vary by state. See our state-specific well water guides for testing recommendations and links to each state's certified lab program.
View Well Water Testing Guides →Before You Test
Check your utility's EPA compliance record first
Before ordering a lab test, review what EPA has already recorded for your utility — violations, PFAS monitoring data, and detected contaminants. This helps you decide which contaminants to prioritize in your test panel.
Testing and Treatment Path
Look up your utility's EPA compliance record
Search by ZIP code or utility name — violations, PFAS, and official sources
Official PFAS monitoring records (EPA UCMR 5)
Search which utilities have PFAS above the minimum reporting level
Reverse osmosis — removes PFAS, lead, nitrates, and arsenic
Most comprehensive point-of-use filtration. NSF certified options available.
Activated carbon filters — PFAS and DBP reduction
Whole-home or under-sink carbon block filters. NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 options.
PFAS contamination records and watchlist
EPA limits, health context, utility violations, and removal methods
Lead violations and utility compliance records
EPA limits, health context, utility violations, and removal methods
Nitrate violations and well water guidance
EPA limits, health context, utility violations, and removal methods
Data sources and methodology
How EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, and CCR data is sourced and displayed
Common Water Testing Questions
What do my utility's EPA records show before I test?
Search by ZIP code or utility name for violations, PFAS records, and official source links
Which water systems have PFAS monitoring data?
Official EPA UCMR 5 PFAS monitoring records by utility and compound (2023–2025)
What treatment removes PFAS from drinking water?
Reverse osmosis is the most effective point-of-use method for PFAS, lead, and arsenic
What does EPA compliance data tell me about my water?
How EPA SDWIS violations, UCMR 5 PFAS data, and CCR reports are sourced and displayed
What contaminants should I test my well water for?
State-by-state well water testing guidance — coliform, nitrate, arsenic, and more
How do I choose between reverse osmosis and carbon filtration?
Side-by-side comparison of contaminant removal, cost, and maintenance