Well Water Testing Guide for Maine
Where to test, what to test for, what it costs, and how to get free testing. Maine has some of the best free testing programs in the country.
Free Testing Options
Maine CDC — Free Arsenic Testing
The Maine CDC offers free arsenic testing for all private well owners. No income requirement. No geographic restriction. You can request a free test kit by contacting the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program at (207) 287-4311.
This is one of the most comprehensive free testing programs in any state. There is no reason not to use it.
Maine DEP — Free PFAS Testing
The Maine DEP offers free PFAS testing for wells near known or suspected sludge-application sites and other PFAS sources. Check the Maine DEP PFAS investigation page to see if your property is in an investigation area, or call (207) 287-7688.
Certified Testing Labs
For comprehensive testing beyond the free programs, these labs serve Maine well owners:
-
Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL)
221 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333 · (207) 287-2727
The state lab. Offers private well water testing at reasonable rates. Arsenic, bacteria, fluoride, nitrate, and more. -
Nelson Analytical Lab
503 Main St, Kennebunk, ME 04043 · (207) 985-0815
Full-service environmental testing. Bacteria, metals, PFAS, radon, and comprehensive panels. -
Northeast Laboratory Services
Winslow, ME · (207) 873-7711
State-certified lab serving all of Maine. Well water testing, radon, PFAS, and more. -
Katahdin Analytical Services
Scarborough, ME · (207) 874-2400
Environmental testing including private well panels, metals, bacteria, and radon.
What Does Testing Cost?
| Test | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | FREE (Maine CDC) | No reason not to test. Contact Maine CDC for kit. |
| Coliform / E. coli bacteria | $25-$75 | Basic safety test. Should be done annually. |
| Comprehensive panel (metals, minerals, bacteria) | $100-$250 | Good baseline. Covers arsenic, manganese, uranium, bacteria, nitrate, pH, hardness. |
| PFAS | $200-$400 (or free near known sites) | Requires specialized analysis. Contact Maine DEP for free testing eligibility. |
| Radon in water | $25-$50 | Special collection required — radon escapes from water easily. |
| Uranium | $25-$75 | Should be tested if arsenic is elevated. |
What Should You Test For?
Maine's unique combination of bedrock contaminants and PFAS means testing should be more comprehensive than in most states.
Every Well, At Least Once
- Arsenic — free testing. No excuse not to.
- Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) — basic safety
- Nitrate — especially if near septic systems or agriculture
- pH
Strongly Recommended
- Radon — if your home has elevated indoor air radon or you're on bedrock
- Uranium — same geology as arsenic; test if arsenic is elevated
- Manganese — health concerns especially for children
- PFAS — if near former sludge sites, airports, or military bases
Test Again If:
- You notice any change in taste, odor, or appearance
- Anyone has unexplained gastrointestinal illness
- Your well was repaired, deepened, or had pump work
- You just purchased the property
- There has been flooding in your area
- It's been more than 3-5 years since your last comprehensive test
Community-Specific Priorities
| Area | Priority Tests Beyond Basics |
|---|---|
| Cumberland County | Arsenic, PFAS (near sludge sites), radon |
| York County | PFAS (especially Arundel area), arsenic, chloride (coastal) |
| Kennebec County | PFAS (Fairfield/Unity), arsenic, manganese |
| Oxford County | Arsenic, uranium, radon |
| Penobscot County | Arsenic, manganese, PFAS (near airport) |
| Androscoggin County | Arsenic (hotspot), manganese, radon |
| Hancock County | Arsenic, radon, chloride (coastal/island) |
| Somerset County | PFAS (sludge sites), arsenic |
| Waldo County | PFAS + arsenic (both), manganese |
| Lincoln County | Arsenic, radon, uranium, chloride (coastal) |
How to Collect a Sample
- Use the container provided by the lab (sterile for bacteria tests)
- For bacteria: remove the aerator, run cold water for 2-3 minutes, fill without touching the inside of the container
- For radon: follow lab instructions carefully — radon escapes from water quickly if agitated
- Keep samples cool (not frozen) and deliver to the lab within 24 hours for bacteria
- Label each container with your name, address, date, time, and sample location
Maine does not require well water testing at the time of home sale. It's strongly recommended, but not legally required. If you're buying a home with a private well, insist on comprehensive testing before closing — including arsenic, bacteria, and a metals panel at minimum.
Sources
- Maine CDC — Private Well Water Testing Program
- Maine DEP — PFAS Investigation and Testing
- Maine HETL — Laboratory Testing Services
- EPA — Protect Your Home's Water: Test Your Well