What Is a Well Water Test and Do NH Homebuyers Need One?

🏡 What Is a Well Water Test and Do NH Homebuyers Need One?

In many towns across Central New Hampshire — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Woodstock, and Wentworth — homes rely on private wells instead of public water.

Because of that, a well water test is one of the most important inspections buyers can perform.

Here’s what it includes and why it matters.

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What Is a Well Water Test?

A well water test evaluates:

✔ Water quality

✔ Water safety

✔ Possible contaminants

✔ Mineral levels

✔ Overall well performance

This helps ensure the home’s water is clean, drinkable, and safe.

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What Does a Standard NH Well Test Check For?

Most New Hampshire well tests screen for:

Bacteria

Coliform

E. coli

Chemicals & Contaminants

Arsenic (NH is a hotspot)

Radon

Lead

Nitrates & nitrites

Minerals

Iron

Manganese

Hardness

pH levels

Many NH homes — especially older or rural ones — have elevated minerals or arsenic levels.

⭐

Why Well Water Testing Is Essential in NH

Because New Hampshire’s groundwater varies widely, testing protects buyers from:

✔ Health risks

✔ Expensive treatment systems

✔ Contaminated drinking water

✔ Failed water quality during underwriting (for FHA, VA, USDA loans)

✔ Future water safety issues

Some lenders won’t approve the loan without a passing well water test.

⭐

How the Well Test Works

A certified lab or water professional will:

1️⃣ Collect water samples from the kitchen faucet

2️⃣ Perform bacteria and contaminant testing

3️⃣ Test mineral levels and pH

4️⃣ Check well pump performance

5️⃣ Provide a full written report

Results typically return within 3–7 days.

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What If the Well Fails?

If the water does NOT meet safety standards, buyers can negotiate:

✔ Seller installs treatment system

✔ Seller repairs or replaces equipment

✔ Seller gives a credit

✔ Price reduction

✔ Canceling the contract (depending on contingencies)

Common fixes include:

Water softeners

Arsenic filtration

UV light disinfection

Reverse osmosis systems

⭐

How Much Does a Well Water Test Cost?

Typical pricing in NH:

💰 $150–$450 depending on the panel and lab

💰 + additional cost if radon-in-water testing is added

❓

Q&A

Q: Do I need a well test even if the seller says the water is “fine”?

A: Yes. Sellers often aren’t aware of hidden contaminants — only a lab test gives accurate results.

Keywords

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Contact Information / NAP

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com