Well Water Testing Guide for Michigan
Where to test, what to test for, what it costs, and how to get free or low-cost testing.
Free and Low-Cost Testing
County Health Departments
Michigan's 83 county health departments are your first resource for well water testing. Many offer free or low-cost basic testing (bacteria, nitrates) and can refer you to certified labs for comprehensive panels. Some counties hold annual well water screening events.
Contact your local health department's environmental health division. They know the specific water quality concerns in your area and can recommend appropriate testing.
Michigan EGLE PFAS Testing
If you're near a known PFAS contamination site, Michigan's PFAS Action Response Team may offer free PFAS testing for your well. Check the Michigan PFAS Response website or call 800-662-9278.
Certified Testing Labs
For comprehensive testing, use a Michigan EGLE-certified laboratory:
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) EGLE maintains a list of certified drinking water labs at michigan.gov/egle. Start here to find a lab near you.
- State of Michigan Laboratory Lansing, MI. The state lab offers testing for Michigan residents at reduced rates.
- Private Certified Labs Numerous private labs throughout Michigan are certified for drinking water testing. Your county health department can provide referrals for labs in your area.
What Does Testing Cost?
| Test | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform / E. coli bacteria | $25-$60 | Basic safety test. Should be done annually. |
| Nitrate | $15-$40 | Annual test, especially near agriculture or septic. |
| Comprehensive mineral panel | $100-$200 | Hardness, iron, manganese, pH, TDS, sulfate. |
| Arsenic | $40-$100 | Test at least once. Essential in NE Michigan. |
| PFAS panel | $200-$600 | Specialized test. Not all labs offer it. |
| Radon in water | $40-$75 | If you have elevated indoor radon. |
What Should You Test For?
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
Every Year
- Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli)
- Nitrate
At Least Once
- Arsenic — essential for any Michigan well
- Hardness — to size treatment equipment
- Iron and manganese — the most common aesthetic concerns
- pH — affects treatment effectiveness and pipe corrosion
- PFAS — especially if near known contamination sites, airports, or military bases
Test Again If
- You notice changes in taste, odor, or color
- Anyone has unexplained gastrointestinal illness
- Your well was repaired, deepened, or had pump work
- There's been flooding in your area
- You just purchased the property
- Nearby land use changed (new construction, agriculture, industrial activity)
Community-Specific Recommendations
| Area | Priority Tests Beyond Basics |
|---|---|
| Livingston County | Arsenic, PFAS, hardness, iron |
| Washtenaw County | 1,4-dioxane (near Gelman plume), PFAS, arsenic |
| Oakland County (northern) | Arsenic, radon, PFAS, hardness |
| Genesee County | Arsenic, PFAS, lead/copper (older plumbing) |
| Kalamazoo County | PFAS (priority!), arsenic, nitrates |
| Kent County | PFAS (near Wolverine/Rockford), hardness, iron |
| Jackson County | Arsenic, hardness, nitrates |
| Mecosta County | Iron, arsenic, hardness |
| Grand Traverse County | PFAS (former NAS), nitrates, bacteria |
| Alpena / NE Michigan | Arsenic (essential!), hardness, hydrogen sulfide |
How to Collect a Sample
- Use the container provided by the lab (sterile containers for bacteria tests)
- For bacteria: remove the aerator, run cold water 2-3 minutes before collecting
- For chemical tests: run water 2-3 minutes to clear plumbing, then fill
- Keep samples cool (not frozen) and deliver within 24 hours for bacteria
- Label with name, address, date, time, and sample location
- For PFAS: use lab-provided containers only — PFAS can contaminate samples from standard containers
Sources
- Michigan EGLE — Certified Drinking Water Laboratories
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Private Well Testing Recommendations
- EPA — Protect Your Home's Water: Test Your Well
- Michigan PFAS Action Response Team — Free Testing Programs