Virginia well water testing: VAHWQP drinking water clinics
The Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP) offers drinking water clinics in around 70 Virginia counties every year through local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices. [source]
How a clinic works
- Pick up a sample kit at a local event or during a pick-up period.
- On the collection day, collect your sample following the instructions and drop it off locally.
- Samples go to Virginia Tech for analysis.
- About 4–5 weeks after collection, results come back by email, mail or at a local meeting. [source]
Cost and what's tested
Analysis is $70 per kit and covers 28 chemical and bacteriological constituents, including total coliform and E. coli, nitrate, lead, arsenic, iron, manganese, pH, hardness and more. VAHWQP says comparable analysis at a private commercial lab would cost more than $300. Financial assistance may be available through SERCAP. [source]
No clinic scheduled in your county?
VAHWQP's campus labs only handle samples during scheduled clinics. Contact your local Extension office to say you're interested, or use a certified private lab from their list. [source]
Buying or selling a home in Virginia
VAHWQP says Virginia has no regulations requiring private water supplies to be tested at the time of sale, but testing is part of a standard contract. Total coliform and E. coli testing is standard practice, and lead and nitrate are also recommended and required by some lenders. Ask your lender what's required. [source]
Contact: wellwater@vt.edu, 540-231-9058. [source]
FAQ
How much does VAHWQP well testing cost?
VAHWQP lists analysis at $70 per kit, covering 28 chemical and bacteriological constituents.
Does Virginia require well testing when a house is sold?
According to VAHWQP, there are no Virginia regulations requiring testing at sale, but testing is part of a standard contract and some lenders require lead and nitrate tests.
How long do VAHWQP results take?
Results are returned about 4 to 5 weeks after sample collection.
Sources
- Virginia Household Water Quality Program (Virginia Tech/VCE) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- VAHWQP – Private Water Supply Protection in Virginia (accessed 2026-10-21)
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.