Well Water Testing Guide for New Hampshire
Where to test, what to test for, what it costs, and how to get help paying for it.
State Testing Resources
NH DES Environmental Lab
The NH Department of Environmental Services operates a state laboratory that performs water testing for private well owners. The state lab offers competitive pricing and is specifically set up for NH well water testing.
Contact NH DES at (603) 271-2513 or visit the DES website for sample kits and instructions.
Free PFAS Testing
If your well is within an NH DES PFAS investigation area (Saint-Gobain/Merrimack/Bedford/Litchfield, Pease/Portsmouth area, or other designated sites), PFAS testing is free. Contact NH DES to determine if you qualify.
Certified Testing Labs
These labs are certified to test NH private well water:
-
NH DES Environmental Laboratory
29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302 · (603) 271-2513
State lab — comprehensive panels at competitive prices. - Eastern Analytical (EAI) Concord, NH · Full-service environmental lab with PFAS capabilities.
- Nelson Analytical Serving NH since 1986. Private well testing specialists.
- Alpha Analytical Westborough, MA (serves NH) · Large regional lab with comprehensive PFAS testing.
- Granite State Analytical Services Derry, NH · Local lab serving southern NH.
What Does Testing Cost?
| Test | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform / E. coli bacteria | $30-$75 | Basic safety test. Should be done annually. |
| Standard panel (bacteria, nitrates, minerals) | $100-$200 | Good baseline. Covers most basic parameters. |
| Arsenic | $20-$50 | Essential for any NH bedrock well. Test at least once. |
| Radon in water | $25-$50 | Important given NH's geology. |
| Uranium | $25-$75 | From granitic bedrock. Test at least once. |
| PFAS panel | $200-$400 | Free if in DES investigation area. Otherwise costly but important near known sites. |
| Comprehensive panel (everything) | $300-$600 | Covers bacteria, minerals, metals, and VOCs. Does not always include PFAS. |
What Should You Test For?
Every Year
- Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli)
- Nitrate
- pH and conductivity
At Least Once (and after any changes)
- Arsenic — essential for any NH well. See our arsenic guide.
- Radon — from NH's granitic bedrock. See our radon guide.
- Uranium — naturally occurring in NH bedrock
- PFAS — especially if near a known contamination site. See our PFAS guide.
- Manganese — common in NH groundwater
- Fluoride
Test Again If
- Your area experiences flooding
- You notice any change in taste, odor, or appearance
- Anyone has unexplained gastrointestinal illness
- Your well was recently repaired, deepened, or had pump work
- You just purchased the property
- You're reopening a seasonal property
Community-Specific Priorities
| Area | Priority Tests Beyond Basics |
|---|---|
| Merrimack / Bedford / Litchfield | PFAS (free from DES), arsenic, radon |
| Portsmouth / Pease area | PFAS (free from DES), arsenic, chloride |
| Londonderry / Derry | Arsenic, radon, uranium, manganese |
| Concord area (Bow, Hopkinton) | Arsenic, radon, uranium, manganese |
| Keene / Cheshire County | Arsenic, radon, uranium, hardness |
| Lakes Region (Wolfeboro) | Bacteria (seasonal), arsenic, radon, nitrates |
| North Conway / White Mountains | Arsenic, radon, uranium, manganese |
Test first, then check rebate eligibility. If any results exceed health-based standards, you likely qualify for $5,000-$10,000 in NH rebates toward a treatment system.
Sources
- NH DES — Private Well Testing Program
- NH DES — Environmental Laboratory Services
- EPA — Protect Your Home's Water: Test Your Well
- UNH Cooperative Extension — Well Water Testing Recommendations