| Requirement Level | Who Pays | Result Validity | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| No state mandate | Negotiated (no mandate) | Per loan type | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) |
Overview: Texas Well Water Rules
Texas is a large state with enormous variation in groundwater conditions — from heavily agricultural areas with nitrate concerns in the Panhandle to naturally occurring arsenic in the Hill Country. Despite this, the state has no point-of-sale testing mandate. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) certifies labs but does not require homeowners to use them.
What Must Be Tested in Texas
| Parameter | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | Absent | For loans; recommended all |
| Nitrate | ≤10 mg/L | Priority in agricultural areas |
| Arsenic | ≤0.010 mg/L | Elevated risk in Edwards Aquifer and Hill Country |
| Additional parameters | Per region | Discuss with certified lab |
Finding a State-Certified Lab in Texas
Texas 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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 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 TCEQ-certified laboratory.
Federal Loan Requirements in Texas
Regardless of Texas'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 Texas — do I need a well water test?
For a cash purchase in Texas, 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 Texas?
A basic certified lab panel in Texas (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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and your transaction’s real estate attorney before relying on this information.