| Requirement Level | Who Pays | Result Validity | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required for new construction; lender-driven at resale | Seller/developer for new construction; negotiated at resale | Per loan type at resale; 1 year for VDH new construction | Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water |
Overview: Virginia Well Water Rules
Virginia's regulations require new well construction to pass a comprehensive VDH water quality panel before the well is approved for use. For existing wells at resale, no Virginia state law requires testing at point of sale — requirements come from loan type and lender policy.
What Must Be Tested in Virginia
| Parameter | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform bacteria | Absent | Required for new wells; loan-required at resale |
| Nitrate | ≤10 mg/L | Required for new wells; loan-required at resale |
| Lead | ≤0.015 mg/L | Required for new wells |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 | Required for new wells |
| Full VDH panel | See VDH | For new construction only |
Finding a State-Certified Lab in Virginia
Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water 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 VDH-accredited laboratory.
Federal Loan Requirements in Virginia
Regardless of Virginia'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 Virginia — do I need a well water test?
For a cash purchase in Virginia, 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 Virginia?
A basic certified lab panel in Virginia (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 Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water and your transaction’s real estate attorney before relying on this information.