North Carolina well water testing: NCDHHS schedule and certified labs
Short answer: NCDHHS says to test every year for total and fecal coliform bacteria, every two years for heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, lead and copper, and every five years for pesticides and VOCs. Test through your local health department, which uses the State Laboratory of Public Health, or a state-certified commercial lab.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that about 2.41 million people in North Carolina supplied their own household water in 2015. USGS says the most common source of self-supplied water is a well. [source] [source]
Testing schedule (NCDHHS)
| How often | Test for |
|---|---|
| Every year | Total and fecal coliform bacteria; also inspect the wellhead |
| Every two years | Heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, lead and copper |
| Every five years | Pesticides and volatile organic compounds (yearly if a known pesticide is applied nearby) |
Also test after repairs, floods, a change in taste, color or odor, or if someone is pregnant or there's an infant at home (nitrates). [source]
Contaminants North Carolina highlights
NCDHHS says many wells in North Carolina have too much lead, arsenic, iron and manganese, low pH, and harmful bacteria. [source]
Where to test
- Your local health department can schedule a test through the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. Procedures and fees vary by county. [source]
- New wells must be tested before use, with bacterial and chemical tests within 30 days of completion. [source]
- Certified labs: State Laboratory certified laboratory search. [source]
- Questions: NCDHHS Private Well and Health Team, 919-707-5900. Its free StoryMap shows well test results by county. [source]
When a well exceeds health-based standards, the local health department and DHHS explain the results and next steps to the owner. [source]
County guides
No county pages for this state yet. Your local health department is the first stop, per EPA guidance. [source]
FAQ
How often should North Carolina well owners test their water?
NCDHHS says to test every year for total and fecal coliform bacteria, every two years for heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, lead and copper, and every five years for pesticides and VOCs. Test through your local health department, which uses the State Laboratory of Public Health, or a state-certified commercial lab.
Do new wells in North Carolina have to be tested?
Yes. NCDHHS says all new private wells must be tested by the State Laboratory of Public Health or a state-certified commercial lab before use, within 30 days of completion.
What contaminants are common in North Carolina wells?
NCDHHS says many NC wells have too much lead, arsenic, iron, manganese, low pH and harmful bacteria.
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)
- NCDHHS – Private Well Water Testing FAQs (accessed 2026-10-23)
- NCDHHS Division of Public Health – Is Your Well Water Safe? A Guide for NC Families (Jan 28, 2026) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- NC DEQ – Private Well Information (accessed 2026-10-23)
- NC State Laboratory of Public Health – Certified laboratory search (accessed 2026-10-23)
- US EPA – Protect Your Home's Water (accessed 2026-10-23)
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