3 Things You Should Know About Well Water Testing in Florida

In the US, an estimated 23 million homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Well water provides a reliable and renewable source of drinking water, making them so popular. The EPA does not regulate these private wells, so homeowners are responsible for the safety of their well water.  

In Florida, 90% of the population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Although groundwater is better protected from contaminants than surface water, chemicals and bacteria can still reach them. As a result, well water testing is essential to know if your water is contaminated. 

Read on to learn more about testing well water in Florida to ensure your family’s water is safe. 

1. Florida Water Testing Laws 

Florida does not have any laws that require individuals to test well water when private homes are sold. But, some lenders like the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs will require water tests as part of their loan process. You, the homeowner, are responsible for setting up the water well testing to close on your loan. 

Florida has laws about public sources of drinking water being tested, but there are no laws that require private well owners do routine water testing. It is up to private individuals to test that their water meets EPA and local standards.  

Some counties in Florida have rules that call for well water testing when an individual builds a new private well or conducts repairs on one. Regardless, if you are building a new home and a new well, you should get the groundwater tested to ensure your water is safe. 

2. What Should Your Well Water Test Kit Check For?

You should test your well water for nitrates and bacteria. These are the two most common types of water contaminants found in Florida groundwater. But, you should also be aware of other pollutants common in your local area. 

Florida has a lot of agriculture which can cause runoff of toxins and pesticides to make their way into the groundwater. Sulfer is another common issue that Florida homeowners find in their drinking water. Some other contaminants you can test for include:

  • Ions
  • Fluoride 
  • Arsenic
  • Total Dissolved Solids

3. How Often Should You Do Well Water Testing?  

You may have had your water tested when your home was built, or you first bought it, but the quality of your well water changes over time. You should get a well water test at least once a year. A test for potability, nitrates, and bacteria should be a priority.  

You should test your water even if no one has gotten sick or there has been no change in taste or color. There could still be contaminants in your water that you don’t notice. If you do see a difference, it’s best to get a well water test kit and check for contaminants as soon as possible. 

When testing well water, you’ll want to test from two places, the source of your water and the tap. These sources will give you a clear idea of the safety of your drinking water. 

Make Sure Your Drinking Water Is Safe 

Well water testing is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your drinking water is safe. Testing on a routine basis will point out any issues, so you can hire a professional to help you get your drinking water safe again. 

Are you worried about your home’s well water? We here at Central Florida Building Inspectors can help you get back your peace of mind. Click here to schedule a well water test today. 

commercial construction

How to Hire the Best Commercial Construction Inspector for Your Project

Hiring a skilled commercial construction inspector can make or break your project, given that an experienced inspector uncovers hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line. At Central Florida Building Inspectors, we know that a thorough inspection is...
commercial construction

Common Reasons Tampa Commercial Construction Projects Fail Inspections

By the end of 2028, the US construction industry's value is estimated to be worth over $1.5 trillion. Much of this amount stems from the commercial construction space, particularly in growing cities like Tampa, FL. While completing commercial construction projects can...
pre drywall inspection

Top Benefits of Pre-Drywall Inspection Services in Winter Garden

Are you building a dream home in Winter Garden? Before the walls go up, make sure everything behind them is perfect. Pre-drywall inspection services are essential for catching home construction issues early. In this article, we'll explore the top benefits of Winter...
4 point home inspection

Essential Guide to 4 Point Home Inspection in Leesburg, FL

According to the National Association of Realtors, 65% of new homeowners discovered issues with their new home during a home inspection. That speaks to the importance of a thorough and proper inspection. In Florida, many insurance companies require a 4 point home...
foundation inspection checklist

Comprehensive Foundation Inspection Checklist for Ocala Homes

A recent study has predicted the annual expected repair costs for residential foundations in Florida could reach as much as $90 million by 2100 due to sea level rises in a changing climate. This is where a comprehensive foundation inspection checklist becomes crucial....
new home inspections

Top 5 Reasons New Home Inspections in Tampa Are Essential

House prices can change quite a bit with time, and they've fallen in Tampa over the last year. When investing in a property, the last thing you want to happen is for the value to drop. Sometimes, this will be inevitable, but it's also possible that the value can...
foundation inspection

6 Critical Signs You Need a Foundation Inspection Now

A 2023 survey revealed a nationwide housing shortage, with nearly 4 million missing homes, a 3% jump from the previous years. This shortage puts pressure on developers and buyers, making some to overlook crucial steps like a foundation inspection. Remember, while your...
pre-purchase home inspection

What to Expect During a Pre-Purchase Home Inspection

Homeownership dreams are alive for many Americans. In fact, nearly 1 in 8 (12% of Americans) intend to buy a home in 2024 -- with Florida being an attractive choice for many. If you're dreaming of owning a home in sunny Central Florida, doing a pre-purchase home...
phase 1 environmental assessment cost

How Much Does a Phase 1 Environment Assessment Cost in Ocala?

You've scouted out the perfect commercial property in Ocala, FL, and you're ready to make a move to buy it. But... hang on. There's a big step that needs to happen first: a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. You might be asking yourself what it is. And "What does...
Rental property inspection checklist

Rental Property Inspection Checklist for Ocala, Florida Residents

Regular property inspections can save Ocala landlords thousands of dollars. Though there's an upfront cost, the savings from missed maintenance issues are significant. These can include problems with your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof, and more. Florida also ranks...

Request Inspection

We perform thousands of inspections every year

Let our experience of residential and commercial property inspections in the Greater Orlando area work to your advantage!

Click Here To Schedule Online