Georgia well water testing: DPH recommendations and UGA Extension tests
Short answer: Go through your UGA County Cooperative Extension office. Georgia's Department of Public Health recommends a coliform test every year and its W-33C chemical screen, which adds arsenic and lead, every three years. Private wells in Georgia aren't regulated, so testing is the owner's responsibility. One extension office lists W-33C at $122.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that about 1.51 million people in Georgia supplied their own household water in 2015. USGS says the most common source of self-supplied water is a well. [source] [source]
Georgia's Department of Public Health (DPH) says private wells in Georgia are not subject to any regulatory authority, so the owner is responsible for monitoring water quality. [source]
What DPH recommends
| Test | What it covers | How often | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-35 | Total coliform / E. coli | Every year | County public health department or UGA County Cooperative Extension office |
| W-33C | Chemical screen for private wells, including arsenic and lead | Every 3 years | UGA County Cooperative Extension office |
Source: Georgia DPH. [source]
Example fees
UGA Extension's Oconee County office lists the Private Well Chemical Test (W33C) at $122 and the Total Coliform/E. coli test (W35) at $42. Fees and drop-off days can differ by county, so check with your own office. [source]
County guides
No county pages for this state yet. Your local health department is the first stop, per EPA guidance. [source]
FAQ
How do I get my well water tested in Georgia?
Go through your UGA County Cooperative Extension office. Georgia's Department of Public Health recommends a coliform test every year and its W-33C chemical screen, which adds arsenic and lead, every three years. Private wells in Georgia aren't regulated, so testing is the owner's responsibility. One extension office lists W-33C at $122.
Are private wells regulated in Georgia?
No. Georgia DPH says private water wells are not subject to any regulatory authority, so it is the owner's responsibility to monitor water quality.
Sources
- USGS – Estimated Use of Water in the United States, County-Level Data for 2015 (domestic self-supplied population) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- USGS – Domestic Water Use (accessed 2026-10-23)
- Georgia DPH – Recommendations for Well Water Testing (PDF) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- UGA Extension Oconee County – Testing Services (water test fees) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- US EPA – Protect Your Home's Water (accessed 2026-10-23)
Informational only, not health, medical, legal or real-estate advice. Programs and fees change; confirm with the official source. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.