Well Water Testing Requirements in Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas does not require ongoing private well testing. New wells must pass a bacteria test. The Arkansas Department of Health provides water testing services at a subsidized cost through local health units. The state has approximately 170,000 private wells.
Required Contaminant Tests in Arkansas
Arkansas requires testing for the following 1 contaminants for new wells:
Common Contaminants in Arkansas Well Water
Based on geological conditions, land use patterns, and historical testing data, these contaminants are commonly found in Arkansas private wells. Even if not required by law, testing for these contaminants is recommended.
Testing Requirements by City in Arkansas
Local testing requirements may vary from state-level regulations. Some counties and municipalities have stricter rules than the state minimum. Below are details for major cities in Arkansas.
| City | Testing Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | No | State capital; Pulaski County |
| Fayetteville | No | Northwest Arkansas; karst geology |
| Fort Smith | No | Near Oklahoma border |
| Hot Springs | No | Natural spring area; unique geology |
| Jonesboro | No | Northeast Arkansas; alluvial aquifer |
Testing Recommendations for Arkansas Well Owners
- Even though your state does not require testing, the EPA recommends testing private well water annually for bacteria and nitrate.
Understanding Arkansas's Well Water Regulations
Testing Frequency
Arkansas does not require ongoing testing of private well water. However, the EPA recommends all private well owners test annually for bacteria and nitrate, regardless of state requirements. Proactive testing is the only way to ensure your well water is safe.
New Well Requirements
Arkansas requires testing when a new well is constructed or an existing well is significantly modified. The required tests include bacteria (coliform/e. coli), and the well must pass these tests before being put into service for drinking water. Well construction must comply with state standards and a permit is required before drilling.
State Laboratory and Testing Resources
Arkansas operates a state laboratory or participates in a state lab network that provides water testing services, often at subsidized rates below commercial laboratory prices. Contact your state health department or environmental agency for current pricing and sample submission procedures. Many county health departments also offer basic bacteria testing, sometimes at no cost. The average cost for a comprehensive well water test in Arkansas is approximately $125, though a basic bacteria and nitrate screen may cost significantly less.
How Arkansas Compares
Arkansas has a minimal level of well water testing regulation. Below are other states with similar regulatory approaches.
| State | Testing Required | Test at Sale | Required Tests | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | No | No | 1 | $125 |
| Alabama (AL) | No | No | 1 | $150 |
| Alaska (AK) | No | No | 2 | $200 |
| Arizona (AZ) | No | No | 2 | $175 |
| California (CA) | No | No | 2 | $250 |
| Colorado (CO) | No | No | 1 | $175 |
Check Other States
Use our well water testing lookup tool to check requirements for any state, or browse all 50 states ranked by testing strictness. If you are moving to or buying property in Arkansas, understanding the testing requirements is an important part of your due diligence.