Frequently Asked Questions About Well Water Testing in Maine
Chanalytical Laboratories is an independent, Maine-based water testing laboratory in Gorham. Here are answers to the questions homeowners, home inspectors, and treatment professionals ask us most.
How do I test my well water in Maine?
Order a test kit from our online shop or call (207) 747-1815. Collect your sample following the simple instructions included with the kit, drop it off at any of our seven Maine drop-off locations, and your results arrive by email as a clear PDF report — typically the next business day.
What should Maine well owners test for?
At minimum: coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates. Maine’s granite bedrock geology also makes arsenic, radon, and uranium common in private wells — roughly one in ten Maine wells exceeds recommended arsenic levels. PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are an increasing concern statewide. None of these contaminants have any taste, color, or odor, so laboratory testing is the only way to know they are present.
How much does well water testing cost in Maine?
Chanalytical’s retail pricing: Bacteria Water Test $65, Basic Safety Test (meets FHA/VA loan requirements) $120, Expanded Safety Test $195, Comprehensive Safety Test $235, Radon Water Test $170. PFAS screening is priced separately — contact us at (207) 747-1815. Volume partner pricing is available for home inspectors and treatment companies.
How fast will I get my water test results?
Most tests are processed and reported the next business day after your sample reaches the lab. Results are delivered by email as a report-ready PDF that is easy to read and share with your real estate agent, lender, or treatment provider.
Does Chanalytical test for PFAS?
Yes. Our PFAS Check kit screens well water for PFAS compounds including PFOA and PFOS, with a clear detect/non-detect result in 8–15 business days. If PFAS is detected, or you need quantified results by EPA Method 533 or 537.1, call the lab at (207) 747-1815 and we will arrange the confirmation test. PFAS contamination has been identified at sites across Maine, and private wells are not covered by any government monitoring — testing is the homeowner’s responsibility.
Where can I drop off a water sample?
Nine locations across Maine: the Chanalytical lab in Gorham, Focused Property Inspections in Gorham, Plummer’s/Ace Hardware in Gorham, Fontus Water Treatment in Scarborough, The Mailing Center in Auburn, The Mailing Center in Augusta, A-Z Water Systems in New Gloucester, Ward Water/Critical Plumbing in Steep Falls, and Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop in Hermon. See the drop-off locations page for addresses, hours, and pick-up times.
Do I need a water test when buying a home in Maine?
If the home has a private well and you are using FHA or VA financing, your lender requires a water test covering nitrates, nitrites, and coliform bacteria — our Basic Safety Test covers exactly that. Even without a lender requirement, a current water test is one of the least expensive ways to avoid an expensive surprise after closing, and many buyers add radon, arsenic, or PFAS screening based on the property’s location.
How do I collect a water sample correctly?
Each kit includes step-by-step instructions for your specific test. In general: use the bottle provided, sample from an indoor tap before any treatment equipment, and deliver the sample promptly — bacteria samples are time-sensitive. If anything is unclear, call us before you collect; a real person answers the phone.
What is included in the Comprehensive Safety Test?
Nitrate, Nitrite, Coliform/E. coli, Arsenic, Lead, Uranium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Hardness, pH, Fluoride, Chloride, Antimony, Chromium, Cadmium, and Sulfate — the broadest single panel we offer, suited to full-disclosure real estate transactions, older wells, and first-time baseline testing.
Does Chanalytical work with home inspectors and treatment companies?
Yes. We run a partner program for Maine home inspectors and water treatment professionals with volume pricing, batch submissions, and consolidated billing. As an independent lab with no equipment affiliation, our objective results give your clients a factual basis for decisions. Apply for a partner account — most applications are reviewed within one business day.
Why test with a local Maine lab?
Local turnaround means results in days, not weeks — critical during a real estate closing. Our scientists live and work in Maine, understand Maine groundwater and its common contaminants, and are available by phone at (207) 747-1815 when you have questions about your results.