Well Water Testing Requirements in New Hampshire (NH)
New Hampshire strongly recommends testing at property sale through lender requirements, and many transactions effectively require it. The state requires comprehensive new well testing. Arsenic, radon, and uranium are major concerns due to granitic bedrock. PFAS contamination has emerged as a significant issue. The state has approximately 150,000 private wells.
Required Contaminant Tests in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires testing for the following 15 contaminants at property sale:
Common Contaminants in New Hampshire Well Water
Based on geological conditions, land use patterns, and historical testing data, these contaminants are commonly found in New Hampshire private wells. Even if not required by law, testing for these contaminants is recommended.
Testing Requirements by City in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire.
| City | Testing Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Yes | Hillsborough County; largest city |
| Nashua | Yes | Hillsborough County; PFAS contamination history |
| Concord | Yes | State capital; Merrimack County |
| Portsmouth | Yes | Rockingham County; Pease PFAS site |
| Keene | Yes | Cheshire County; southwestern NH |
Testing Recommendations for New Hampshire Well Owners
- Even though your state does not require testing, the EPA recommends testing private well water annually for bacteria and nitrate.
- Arsenic is a known contaminant in your state. Test for arsenic at least once, even if not required.
- Radon in water is a concern in your state. Consider testing for radon, especially in bedrock wells.
- PFAS (forever chemicals) have been detected in your state. Consider testing for PFAS compounds.
- Your state requires well water testing when selling property. Budget for testing costs in your sale preparation.
Understanding New Hampshire's Well Water Regulations
Testing Frequency
New Hampshire requires well water testing at property sale. This means that when a home with a private well is sold, the seller (or in some cases the buyer) must obtain water test results from a certified laboratory. The results must be provided to the buyer before closing. Beyond the sale requirement, regular testing is recommended but not mandated by the state.
New Well Requirements
New Hampshire requires testing when a new well is constructed or an existing well is significantly modified. The required tests include bacteria (coliform/e. coli), nitrate, nitrite, 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
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire is approximately $350, though a basic bacteria and nitrate screen may cost significantly less.
How New Hampshire Compares
New Hampshire has a moderate level of well water testing regulation. Below are other states with similar regulatory approaches.
| State | Testing Required | Test at Sale | Required Tests | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire (NH) | No | Yes | 15 | $350 |
| Oregon (OR) | Yes | Yes | 3 | $200 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | Yes | Yes | 2 | $125 |
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 New Hampshire, understanding the testing requirements is an important part of your due diligence.