How much does water testing cost?
A basic well test for bacteria costs about $35 at a state lab, and adding nitrate brings it to about $70. A full homeowner package runs about $450 at Wisconsin's state lab. National mail-in kits from certified labs cost roughly $189 to $1,125 depending on how many contaminants they cover. Your local certified lab is usually cheapest for a few tests.
Certified labs near you
Estimate your cost
Tick the tests you want. Prices come from one state lab's published fee list, so you have a fair benchmark when a local lab quotes you.
Real prices from a state lab
The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene publishes its fees. These took effect July 1, 2026:1
| Test | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacteria (presence or absence) | $35 |
| Nitrate | $35 |
| Arsenic | $38 |
| Lead | $38 |
| Metals screen | $97 |
| HUD/FHA/VA loan package (coliform, E. coli, lead, nitrate, nitrite) | $146 ($292 rush) |
| Homeowner package (bacteria, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, metals, hardness, VOC and atrazine screens) | $450 |
Your own state lab or a local certified lab may charge more or less, but this gives you a fair baseline.
Mail-in kits from national labs
Mail-in kits ship sample bottles to your door, then a certified lab runs the tests. Tap Score's prices as of October 2026:2
| Kit | City water | Well water |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $189 | $209 |
| Advanced | $299 | $399 |
| Extended | $815 | $1,125 |
Which option fits
| You want | Best value |
|---|---|
| The yearly basics (bacteria, nitrate) | Local certified lab or state lab |
| A home loan test | Lab's loan package, collected by the lab or inspector |
| A broad screen of many contaminants | State lab homeowner package or a mail-in kit |
| A specific worry like PFAS or uranium | A lab certified for that test, by quote |
How to save
- Test the basics every year, as the EPA recommends,3 and do the big screen once, then repeat it every few years or when something changes.
- Ask your county about free bacteria or nitrate screening events.
- Skip extras that don't apply. Ask your health department what's actually found near you.
Certified labs near you
Show all 40
Bad result? Get help from water treatment pros near your area
Tell us what your test found and we'll connect you with up to three local water treatment companies.
What happens next
- We match your ZIP to water treatment companies nearby.
- They contact you directly to talk through your results.
- Compare options and pick one, or none. No fee, no obligation.
Free, no obligation. We don't sell your details to anyone else.
Just need a lab? Every certified lab is listed above with directions.
Common questions
How much does a well water test cost?
About $35 for bacteria alone at a state lab, about $70 with nitrate, and roughly $150 to $450 for a package. National mail-in kits range from about $189 to over $1,000.
Is a cheaper home test strip good enough?
Strips are fine for a rough look at hardness or chlorine, but they aren't certified results. For drinking water safety, a home sale, or choosing treatment, use a certified lab.
Why do mail-in kits cost more than my local lab?
You're paying for shipping, a broad test menu, and a report written for non-experts. They make sense when you want many contaminants at once or don't have a convenient local lab.
Does my county test well water for free?
Some health departments offer free or discounted bacteria or nitrate tests, especially for new wells or after floods. Check with your county health department.
Sources
- Public environmental and water testing prices (effective July 1, 2026) Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
- Tap Score water testing (prices as of October 2026) SimpleLab Tap Score
- Protect Your Home's Water US EPA