The State of Florida does not have any requirements for private well water testing, but testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates is recommended. According to the Florida Department of Health, "Bacteria and nitrates can reach the ground water and wells through poorly maintained septic systems, livestock areas and fertilizer application, or as a result of poorly constructed wells. Chemicals can enter into the ground water from leaking gasoline storage tanks, pesticide applications, landfills, and improper disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes. As a private well owner, you should be aware of these potential risks to the ground water and your household water supply."

    Most county health departments in Florida provide water testing for a nominal fee, usually $30 to $40, and will give you instructions on how to properly collect the water sample. There are also state-certified private labs that can do the basic tests, and check for lead, iron, arsenic, and other contaminants for an additional fee.

Also, whenever a home has been unoccupied for an extended period of time we recommend disinfecting the well, especially if the electricity has been turned off at any time during that period. This is a situation we see often in country houses and mobile homes in our North Central Florida area that are for sale and have sat empty on the market for a while. The culprit you are trying to eliminate is E Coli bacteria.

    Yes, you can test the water first for bacteria, but the time and expense of testing is more trouble than if you just went ahead and disinfected the well. Plus, the odds are high that the test will be positive. 

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Here’s links to some of our other articles about WELLS:

• Why does my well pump turn on and off every time I use water? 

• What is the required water testing for an FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage application? 

• What are the pros and cons of steel versus PVC for well construction?

• What is the average life expectancy of a well? 

• What is the average life expectancy of a well pump?

• Should I buy a house with a well?

• What is the blue dumbbell-shaped tank at the well equipment?

• What is the tank marked "potassium permanganate" in the water treatment system for? 

• Does an abandoned well need to be capped or removed?

• Does a homeowner need a permit to drill a water well on their property in Florida? 

• Is a high iron level in well water a health hazard?

 • Should I test my well water for arsenic?

• What is the danger of radon in well water? 

• What size generator do I need to run my submersible well pump?

• Why would a well need to have a chlorinator/dechlorinator system? 

• How far away does a well need to be from a septic system in Florida? 

• Does a home inspector check the well?

• How high above ground does a well casing have to be  in Florida? 

• Can a well next to a house cause foundation problems?

• How can I determine the age of a Sta-Rite well water pump? 

• Why is the top of the well casing so far above the ground?

• Is a water softener bad for my water heater?

• How long does a well casing last?