Certified water-testing labs in Rhode Island

How often to test

• The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends three routine sets of tests for private wells. Every year: coliform bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, color, chloride, sodium and turbidity. Every three to five years: metals, corrosivity and hardness. Every five to 10 years: volatile organic compounds and MTBE. If you have had problems before or are at higher risk for certain things (such as iron-rich soil or worn copper pipes), RIDOH says to test for those more often. [1]
• RIDOH says you may also test any time you are concerned about your water. Wells are at higher risk for bacteria after a flood or if the well is damaged, and you may want to test after installing a treatment system to check that it works. [1]
• In some areas of Rhode Island, RIDOH says it may be a good idea to test for arsenic, beryllium and/or PFAS. Its online map tool shows whether your home is in an area where these special tests are recommended. [1]

Free testing

We found no statewide free testing program in Rhode Island. Ask your county health department whether it runs one.

Testing programs and help

• Under the federal Emerging Contaminants for Small and Disadvantaged Communities (ECSDC) grant program, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is testing private wells near targeted areas named in the Statewide PFAS Source Investigation Report. If your well is in a sampling area, RIDEM will contact you by mail or in person. [1]
• RIDOH and the University of Rhode Island (URI) offer tip sheets on common well issues such as bacteria, iron and nitrates. You can call RIDOH's Private Wells Program or URI's Water Quality Program about your concerns, or ask the lab that tested your water to let you speak to a licensed interpreter. [1]

Buying or selling a home

• RIDOH says Rhode Island law requires private well water to be tested when a new well is installed and before a home with a private well is sold or transferred. The requirement is in RIDOH's Private Drinking Water Systems regulation (216-RICR-50-05-2, section 2.12), which sets a minimum list of tests. RIDOH's buying-a-home tip sheet explains which tests are needed and who is responsible for them. [1]
• The regulation requires every well used for drinking water to be tested before a certificate of occupancy is issued, before the property is sold or transferred, and when a new well is added (216-RICR-50-05-2, section 2.12.1). [2]
• PFAS is not currently on the list of tests state law requires for new wells or when a home served by a well changes ownership, such as a real estate sale. Homeowners and potential buyers can choose to test for PFAS. [1]

State lab and rules

• RIDOH says to use a certified water testing lab. Store-bought test kits, or testing by companies that do not use a certified lab, may not give accurate results. A certified lab provides bottles and step-by-step sampling instructions; results usually take 10 to 15 business days. [1]
• The State Health Laboratory in Providence tests private well water. Fill in RIDOH's Lab Order Form for Private Well Water, which lists its prices, and pick up bottles at the lab's Central Receiving area at 150 Richmond St. (RIDOH recommends calling first). Payment is due when you drop off the sample, and private well samples cannot be dropped off on Fridays or the day before a state holiday. [1]
• RIDOH certifies labs in Rhode Island and the surrounding area to test drinking water. They test for a fee, and RIDOH does not endorse or recommend any of them. [3]
• Private testing laboratories set their own rates; RIDOH suggests calling or checking online for price lists. [1]
• For PFAS, RIDOH lists Rhode Island Analytical and ESS Laboratory as certified labs that have confirmed they currently accept private well PFAS tests. RIDOH says the list may not be complete and is not an endorsement. [1]