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How to test well water for the sale of real estate

How to Test Well Water for the Sale of Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide

When selling real estate that relies on well water, it is crucial to ensure the water quality meets health and safety standards. This guide aims to provide a step-by-step approach to testing well water, emphasizing its importance and benefits in the sale of real estate. By following these guidelines, you can confidently assess and present the quality of your well water to potential buyers.

I. Why Test Well Water for Real Estate Sale?

  • Protects the health of potential buyers.
  • Demonstrates transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Enhances the value and marketability of the property.

II. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Test Well Water

  1. Identify the Testing Parameters:

    • Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, coliforms)
    • Physical characteristics (e.g., color, turbidity)
    • Chemical contaminants (e.g., nitrates, heavy metals)
    • Mineral content (e.g., hardness, pH)
  2. Collecting Water Samples:

    • Use clean, sterile containers.
    • Follow proper sampling techniques.
    • Collect samples from various locations within the well system.

What is Well Water? Well water is a private water source taken directly from the earth. To create a private well, a hole is drilled into the ground down to the aquifer—a permeable layer of rock that contains water. A pump system is then used to carry that water up and into your home.

Is it legal to drill your own well in Pennsylvania?

§ 47.1.

(a) All water well drillers, as defined in act of May 29, 1956 (P. L. 1840) (32 P. S. § § 645.1—645.13), shall be licensed. Farmers and other persons drilling at their own residence are not required to obtain a license.

What does it mean when a well is capped?

Overview. Water wells that are not being used, but that might be needed in the future, can be sealed with a cap that covers the top of the well casing pipe to prevent unauthorized access and contamination of the well.

How do I know if my well water is safe?

You should have your well tested once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well. However, spend time identifying potential problems first, as these tests can be expensive.

What to know before buying a house with a well?

Nine Questions to Ask When Buying a House with a Well
  • What is the water like in the area you are purchasing?
  • What are the local regulations for wells in the area?
  • What is the quality of the well you are purchasing?
  • What is the well quantity?
  • How large is the property?
  • Is this a drilled well?
  • How old is the well?

What happens if house fails water test?

Your water may not be safe to drink or use without proper treatment such as ultraviolet disinfection. Failed total coliform on your water test could indicate that your water has Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, or Shigella bacteria.

What is a water failed coliform test?

Coliform bacteria in a water system are generally either a result of a failure to maintain a “closed” system and/or equipment failure. Visually inspect the system including wells, tanks, chlorinator, etc. Look for areas where soil, leaves, insects, animals, sewage or animal wastes could get into your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does potable water mean in real estate?

Potable water, also known as drinking water, comes from surface and ground sources and is treated to levels that that meet state and federal standards for consumption.

What is potable water test report?

The microbiological test will identify total coliforms (a type of bacteria) and faecal coliforms in drinking water. The faecal coliform test (most commonly tested for thermotolerant coliforms or Escherichia coli) will indicate the level of faecal contamination in the water and how safe the water is to drink.

Is potable water same as tap water?

Potable water is water that has been treated and tested as safe for human consumption, otherwise known as drinking water. This includes tap water, bottled water, filtered water, and any other water considered safe for drinking and food preparation.

How do you test well water?

To get started with testing. Contact your local public health or environmental. Services.

How do I prepare for a water test?

Do not take a sample from an outside faucet or the garden hose. Turn on the cold water for two to three minutes. This will help remove standing water from your plumbing system. Disinfect the end of the faucet spout with an alcohol swab or diluted bleach solution.

What should I look for when testing water?

Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels, especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.

FAQ

What are the three tests for water?

Physical tests indicate properties detectable by the senses. Chemical tests determine the amounts of mineral and organic substances that affect water quality. Bacteriological tests show the presence of bacteria, characteristic of faecal pollution.

Do I need a lawyer to sell my house in Pennsylvania?

Attorney fees: You aren't required to hire a real estate attorney to sell a home in Pennsylvania. But you probably should: It's always smart to have a legal expert on your side for such a complex and big-ticket transaction. The attorney fees are a cost worth paying.

Can you sell a home as is in Pennsylvania?
Yes, in Pennsylvania, even if you sell your house as-is, you're required to complete a Seller's Property Disclosure form. This document requires you to disclose known material defects that can affect the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the property.

Who pays well water testing in real estate sale in pennsylvania seller or buyer

Testing well water cost $15 at the Health Dept. here, I'd be crazy to let that get in the way of buying a house. Here is a link that might be useful: Health 

How much does a well and septic inspection cost in Michigan?

Foote says the cost for a well and septic inspection typically runs between $600-$700 for the inspection process and lab fees. The cost to pump a septic tank is typically $350.

How to test well water for the sale of real estate

What questions to ask when buying a house with a well? Nine Questions to Ask When Buying a House with a Well
  • What is the water like in the area you are purchasing?
  • What are the local regulations for wells in the area?
  • What is the quality of the well you are purchasing?
  • What is the well quantity?
  • How large is the property?
  • Is this a drilled well?
  • How old is the well?
Who pays for home inspection in California?

Buyer

Typically, a buyer pays for a home inspection in California. Home inspection costs are also considered a part of closing costs, but they are paid at the time of inspection. Sellers may pay for a home inspection if they perform one anytime before putting their house up for sale or before accepting an offer.

How much is a well inspection in Michigan?

Well inspection cost

ServiceAverage cost
Well inspection$250 – $550
Well water testing$100 – $350
Well inspection and water testing$350 – $900
Well and septic inspection$400 – $650
Does Michigan require septic inspection? Eleven of Michigan's 83 counties have septic codes requiring inspections. The only one in West Michigan is Ottawa County.

Real estate sales who paus for well inspection

Oct 22, 2021 — In most other cases, the buyer is financially responsible for a well inspection, particularly if it is necessitated by their lender or insurer.

  • How do you test water directly from a well?
    • Follow the instructions closely that the laboratory sends you for collecting the sample. And also for returning the sample. The lab will send you a report with the results.

  • How much does it cost to test well water in Massachusetts?
    • Routine: includes Coliform Bacteria, pH, Conductivity, Iron, Copper, Sodium, Nitrates, and Manganese ($55.00) Real Estate Package: includes Coliform Bacteria, pH, Conductivity, Iron, Copper, Sodium, Nitrate, Manganese and VOCs ($140.00)

  • What is the well water law in New Jersey?
    • The PWTA is a consumer information law that requires sellers (or buyers) of property with potable wells in New Jersey to test the untreated groundwater for a variety of water quality parameters, including up to 43 human health concern, and to review the test results prior to closing of title.

  • What are the requirements for well testing in NJ?
    • All wells must be tested for the following contaminants: total coliform bacteria, iron, manganese, pH, all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), nitrate, arsenic, 48-hour rapid gross alpha particle activity, lead, 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), ethylene dibromide (

  • How long does it take to test a water well?
    • A typical inspection normally takes 1 ½ to 2 hours, and we run the water for up to an hour as needed.

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