Prince George's County, MD well water testing
Short answer: Hire a Maryland-certified drinking water lab from MDE's certified lab list; in the county, EMSL Analytical in Beltsville is certified for microbiological tests. University of Maryland Extension says to test for coliform bacteria and nitrate every year. Report well water problems to the county Health Department's Environmental Engineering/Policy Program at 301-883-7681.
Use a Maryland-certified lab
University of Maryland Extension recommends a lab certified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). [source] MDE's certified drinking water lab list, revised October 1, 2026, includes two labs in Prince George's County:
| Lab | Address | Phone | Certified for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMSL Analytical, Inc. – Beltsville | 10752 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705 | 301-937-5700 | Microbiology groups 3, 4 and 5 |
| AMA Analytical Services, Inc. | 4475 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, MD 20706 | 301-450-3346 | Metals group 1 (lead and copper); asbestos |
Source: MDE certified lab list [source] and MDE's key to its test groups. [source] The full list covers labs across Maryland and out of state.
What and how often to test
- Every year: total coliform bacteria, E. coli and nitrate.
- Initially or every 3 years: chloride, copper, hardness, lead, manganese, pH, sulfate and total dissolved solids, plus any contaminant of local concern.
- Also test when someone is pregnant or an infant lives in the home, after unexplained stomach illness, after a nearby spill, when taste, odor or color changes, or after well repairs. [source]
County health department
The Prince George's County Health Department's Environmental Engineering Program issues well permits, evaluates replacement well sites and investigates complaints about well water not meeting standards. To report loss of pressure, taste, color, odor or other well water issues, submit a county service request under "Drinking Water Quality/Wells." For records on your property's well, email EnvironEngProgram@co.pg.md.us. [source]
If a county potability test fails
| Test | Unsatisfactory result | County's next step |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | Total or fecal coliform present | Disinfect the well |
| Nitrate | Above 10 | Contact the well driller |
| Turbidity | Above 10 | Run water out, retest, contact the well driller |
| pH | Below 6.5 or above 8.5 | Neutralizer; contact the well driller |
After disinfection or other fixes, call the Environmental Engineering/Policy Program at 301-883-7681, weekdays 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., to arrange another bacteria test. [source]
See our Maryland guide for MDE's statewide advice. [source]
FAQ
Where can I get my well water tested in Prince George's County, Maryland?
Hire a Maryland-certified drinking water lab from MDE's certified lab list; in the county, EMSL Analytical in Beltsville is certified for microbiological tests. University of Maryland Extension says to test for coliform bacteria and nitrate every year. Report well water problems to the county Health Department's Environmental Engineering/Policy Program at 301-883-7681.
Does the Prince George's County Health Department test private wells?
Its Environmental Engineering Program issues well permits and investigates well water complaints, and arranges a repeat bacteria test after a failed county potability test. For routine testing, University of Maryland Extension recommends an MDE-certified lab.
How often should I test my well in Prince George's County?
University of Maryland Extension recommends testing every year for total coliform, E. coli and nitrate, and initially or every three years for lead, copper, manganese, pH, hardness and other minerals.
Sources
- MDE – Maryland's Certified Drinking Water Laboratories (revised 10/1/2026, PDF) (accessed 2026-10-26)
- MDE – List of Approved Contaminants for Certified Drinking Water Labs (PDF) (accessed 2026-10-26)
- University of Maryland Extension – Water Testing (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Prince George's County – Wells and Septic Systems on Private Property (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Prince George's County – Failed Potability Inspection (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Maryland Dept. of the Environment – Be Well Wise (accessed 2026-10-21)
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