| Requirement Level | Who Pays | Result Validity | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| No state mandate; loan-required | Negotiated | Per loan type | Georgia EPD Drinking Water Program |
Overview: Georgia Well Water Rules
Georgia's diverse geology includes crystalline bedrock in the north (arsenic risk) and sand/clay aquifers in the south. The state has no point-of-sale testing mandate. EPD-certified laboratories can provide testing statewide. Many counties in north Georgia have elevated natural arsenic levels worth proactive testing.
What Must Be Tested in Georgia
| Parameter | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | Absent | Loan-required |
| Nitrate | ≤10 mg/L | Loan-required |
| Arsenic | ≤0.010 mg/L | Elevated risk in north Georgia crystalline bedrock |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 | Acidic water common in some granite areas |
Finding a State-Certified Lab in Georgia
Georgia requires testing through a state-certified laboratory. To find a lab:
- Contact your county health department — many maintain a local lab referral list
- Search the Georgia EPD Drinking Water Program website for a list of certified labs
- Use our national certified lab finder guide for resources
Do not use a DIY kit or an uncertified online mail-in service for loan transactions or state-required testing. Results must come from a Georgia EPD-certified laboratory.
Federal Loan Requirements in Georgia
Regardless of Georgia's state requirements, federal loan programs impose their own standards:
- VA loans: Always require a water quality test, results valid 90 days. VA guide →
- FHA loans: Require testing when proximity triggers are met (well within 100 ft of septic, etc.). FHA guide →
- USDA loans: Always require testing, results valid 180 days. USDA guide →
I’m buying with cash in Georgia — do I need a well water test?
For a cash purchase in Georgia, there is no legal requirement in most situations. However, conducting your own water quality test is strongly recommended. A basic certified lab test costs $100–$200 and is far less expensive than discovering contamination after closing.
How much does well water testing cost in Georgia?
A basic certified lab panel in Georgia (coliform + nitrates + pH) typically costs $75–$150. A comprehensive panel meeting loan requirements runs $150–$350. Some county health departments offer subsidized testing programs — call your county health office to check. See our full cost guide for more detail.
← Back to all state requirements
Disclaimer State requirements change. Always verify current rules with your Georgia EPD Drinking Water Program and your transaction’s real estate attorney before relying on this information.