Best place to send water for testing
The best place to send drinking water for testing is a laboratory certified for the specific tests you need — usually under the state program that covers your well or your closing rules. It is not a brand of strip and not a filter retailer.
Match the lab to the question: private well bacteria, city-tap lead, or a PFAS panel are different scopes.
Match the question to the lab
- Private well: Bacteria and nitrate are common starting points; add metals or organics if you have a reason.
- City / municipal tap: Lead and copper from plumbing often drive homeowner tests; the utility’s CCR is a different document.
- PFAS: Often a separate certified panel. Confirm the lab’s PFAS scope before you order bottles.
How to choose without shopping kits
1) Pick your state in the finder. 2) Call two labs with the analyte list. 3) Ask about collection, shipping, and whether the report is informational only.
Official contacts: EPA certified laboratory contacts. Ask county health or Extension whether they already run a cheap or free well program.