If your home is served by a community water system, get a copy of your annual water quality report before you test your drinking water. This report will tell you what contaminants have been found in your drinking water and at what level. After you've read this report, you may wish to test for specific contaminants (such as lead) that can vary from house to house, or any other contaminant that concerns you.
If the water in your home is supplied by a private well, water testing is the homeowner's responsibility. Always submit water samples to a state-certified lab to ensure accurate results. Local health departments or Extension offices should be able to provide lists of labs and recommendations for important tests to perform on a private well in your area. Local water testing laboratories may also be found online or in your phone book.
Laboratories often provide sample bottles and instructions on the proper procedure for collecting a water sample. A water test can cost $15 to hundreds of dollars depending on how many contaminants you decide to test for.
