How much does well water testing cost?
A bacteria test from a county health department or state lab costs $12 to $250 (typically $38) across the 38 counties below. Every figure is from the provider's own fee list. A trip fee, where staff take the sample, is shown next to it.
By county, cheapest first
| County | Bacteria | + nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland County, MI | $12 | – |
| Washtenaw County, MI | $15 | – |
| Ottawa County, MI | $20 | $45 |
| Kent County, MI | $23 | – |
| Lapeer County, MI | $23 | – |
| Livingston County, MI | $23 | – |
| Bucks County, PA | $25 | $60 |
| St. Clair County, MIStaff visit $55 | $25 | – |
| Wake County, NCStaff visit $50 | $25 | – |
| Marathon County, WI | $28 | $61 |
| Johnston County, NCStaff visit $30 | $29 | – |
| Brown County, WI | $30 | $78 |
| Licking County, OHStaff visit $35 | $30 | – |
| Portage County, WI | $30 | $78 |
| Randolph County, NCStaff visit $40 | $32.25 | – |
| Dane County, WI | $35 | $78 |
| Outagamie County, WI | $35 | $78 |
| Sheboygan County, WI | $35 | $78 |
| Waukesha County, WI | $35 | $78 |
| Centre County, PA | $40 | $60 |
| Chester County, PA | $40 | $60 |
| Lancaster County, PA | $40 | $60 |
| York County, PA | $40 | $60 |
| Wayne County, OH | $45 | – |
| Brunswick County, NC | $50 | $150 |
| Buncombe County, NC | $50 | – |
| Davidson County, NC | $70 | – |
| Nash County, NC | $70 | – |
| Union County, NC | $70 | – |
| Stark County, OH | $80 | – |
| Warren County, OH | $88.45 | – |
| Fairfield County, OH | $90 | – |
| Geauga County, OHStaff visit $55 | $90 | – |
| Portage County, OH | $105 | – |
| Delaware County, OH | $116.65 | – |
| Lorain County, OH | $150 | – |
| Iredell County, NC | $200 | – |
| Clermont County, OH | $250 | – |
State and university labs
Michigan
Michigan EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory (state lab)
Total coliform and E. coli: $23
Pennsylvania
Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory (Drinking Water Testing)
Standard (WD01): $60 · Agriculture / Septic (WD04): $70 · Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli): $40
Wisconsin
UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL)
Homeowner Package: $78 · Homeowner Package with Bacteria Count: $91 · Coliform/E. coli (present or absent): $30 · Coliform/E. coli (count): $41
Wisconsin
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Environmental Health Division
Bacteria (total coliform / E. coli), present or absent: $35
Quick answers
How much does well water testing cost?
At the 38 counties we list, the main provider's bacteria test costs $12 to $250, typically $38. Some counties add a trip fee when staff take the sample.
How much does a bacteria and nitrate test cost?
Where a provider sells bacteria and nitrate together, it costs $45 to $150, typically $78.