Your well is your lifeline. Ensure safe, reliable water with professional well testing that covers flow rate, water quality, and system components.
We inspect every component of your well system - from the pressure tank and storage tank to the pump controls, pressure switch, and water lines.
Our comprehensive testing includes flow rate measurement, pressure cycling evaluation, and water quality sampling to ensure your well system is performing properly.
Unlike municipal water systems, private wells are not regulated by the EPA or state agencies. You are responsible for ensuring your well water is safe to drink and that your well system can meet your household needs. Professional well testing gives you the information you need to protect your family and make informed decisions about water treatment.
We measure your well's output in gallons per minute (GPM) to ensure it can meet your household demands. This test reveals whether your well can support daily activities like showers, laundry, and irrigation.
Laboratory analysis of your well water for contaminants that could affect your health. We test for bacteria, nitrates, and other common Colorado groundwater concerns.
Visual inspection of accessible well components to identify potential problems, age-related wear, and maintenance needs.
Review of available well records including drilling logs, permits, and maintenance history to understand your well's characteristics and history.
We coordinate timing and ask you to avoid heavy water use for 4-6 hours before testing for accurate flow rate results.
We run water at full capacity while measuring output to determine your well's sustainable yield in gallons per minute.
We collect water samples following proper protocols and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Visual inspection of wellhead, pressure tank, switches, and accessible components to assess condition and operation.
Water quality results are typically available within 5-7 business days from a certified testing laboratory.
You receive a detailed report covering flow rate, water quality results, system condition, and any recommendations.
| Test | Why It Matters | Colorado Concern Level |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform Bacteria | Indicates potential contamination from surface water or sewage | Essential - test annually |
| E. coli | Indicates fecal contamination - immediate health risk | Essential - test annually |
| Nitrates | From fertilizers, septic systems - dangerous for infants | High in agricultural areas |
| Arsenic | Naturally occurring in Colorado groundwater - cancer risk | Elevated in many areas |
| Uranium | Naturally occurring radioactive element in Colorado geology | Common in Front Range |
| Hardness | Calcium/magnesium levels - affects appliances and soap | Generally high in Colorado |
| Iron & Manganese | Causes staining, metallic taste - aesthetic concern | Moderate in some areas |
| pH Level | Affects corrosion, taste, and treatment effectiveness | Varies by location |
Private wells serve thousands of homes throughout Northern Colorado, particularly in rural areas of Larimer County, Weld County, and the surrounding communities. Unlike municipal water users who receive treated water from a regulated utility, well owners are responsible for the safety and maintenance of their own water supply. Understanding your well system is essential for protecting your family's health and your property value.
Most residential wells in Northern Colorado are drilled wells that access groundwater from underground aquifers. The depth of these wells varies significantly based on location and geology, ranging from as shallow as 50 feet to over 500 feet deep in some areas. Deeper wells generally access older, more protected aquifers with more consistent water quality, while shallower wells may be more susceptible to contamination from surface activities.
Well construction in Colorado is regulated by the State Engineer's Office, and most residential wells require a permit. When purchasing a property with an existing well, reviewing the well permit and drilling log provides valuable information about the well's depth, construction, and expected yield. Quality Home Inspections can help you understand these documents and what they mean for your water supply.
Flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), is one of the most important characteristics of a well. It determines whether your well can meet your household water demands. A typical household needs at least 3-5 GPM for basic domestic use, but larger homes, homes with multiple bathrooms, or properties with irrigation needs may require 10 GPM or more.
It's important to understand that flow rate can vary seasonally and over time. Wells may produce less water during drought conditions or as the well ages. A flow rate test provides a snapshot of your well's current performance and helps identify potential issues before they become emergencies. If a well tests below acceptable flow rates, solutions may include deepening the well, hydrofracturing, or installing additional storage tanks.
Colorado's geology creates unique water quality challenges for well owners. The state's mineral-rich soil and rock formations mean that naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic and uranium are found in groundwater throughout the Front Range and Northern Colorado. These contaminants have no taste or odor, making testing the only way to know if they're present in your water.
Agricultural activities in Weld County and parts of Larimer County introduce additional concerns. Nitrates from fertilizers and animal waste can infiltrate shallow aquifers, posing particular risks for infants and pregnant women. Properties near feedlots, irrigated farmland, or older septic systems should test for nitrates regularly.
Bacterial contamination is a concern for all well owners. While properly constructed and maintained wells are generally protected from bacteria, improper wellhead seals, damaged casings, or nearby contamination sources can allow bacteria to enter your water supply. Annual testing for coliform bacteria is recommended for all private wells, with immediate testing if you notice changes in water taste, odor, or appearance.
Well testing should be a standard part of any home purchase involving a private water supply. This is your opportunity to verify that the well can meet your needs and that the water is safe to drink before you commit to the purchase. Both flow rate testing and water quality testing are recommended, and many lenders require well testing for FHA and VA loans.
The results of pre-purchase well testing can be used in negotiations. If testing reveals issues like low flow rate or elevated contaminants, you may be able to negotiate repairs, treatment system installation, or price adjustments. Having this information before closing protects you from unexpected expenses after you own the property.
The EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health recommend annual testing for bacteria and nitrates at minimum. Annual testing establishes a baseline for your water quality and helps identify changes over time that could indicate developing problems. Many well owners choose to test more frequently if they have known risk factors or have experienced previous contamination.
Flooding, nearby construction, changes to your septic system, or any event that could potentially contaminate your well should prompt immediate testing. Wells that have been submerged by floodwater should be assumed contaminated until testing proves otherwise. Shock chlorination and retesting may be necessary after such events.
If you notice changes in your water's taste, color, odor, or clarity, test immediately. These changes could indicate contamination, problems with your well system, or changes in your aquifer. Don't wait for your next scheduled test—changes in water quality warrant prompt investigation.
The wellhead is the above-ground portion of your well, typically consisting of a casing pipe extending above the ground surface with a sanitary cap or seal. The wellhead should be properly sealed to prevent contamination from surface water, insects, or animals. During our inspection, we check that the wellhead is in good condition, properly sealed, and extends at least 12 inches above the surrounding ground.
The pressure tank stores water and maintains system pressure so your pump doesn't have to run every time you open a faucet. A properly functioning pressure tank extends pump life and ensures consistent water pressure. Signs of a failing pressure tank include rapid cycling of the pump, air spurting from faucets, or inconsistent pressure. We check tank condition, pre-charge pressure, and operation during our inspection.
The pressure switch turns your pump on when pressure drops and off when it reaches the set point. Standard settings are 30/50 or 40/60 PSI (on/off). A malfunctioning pressure switch can cause pump problems, inconsistent pressure, or complete loss of water. We verify proper operation and settings during our inspection.
Most residential wells use submersible pumps located deep in the well. While we cannot physically inspect the pump without specialized equipment, we can assess its operation through flow rate testing, amp draw measurements, and observing cycling behavior. Unusual sounds, low flow rates, or frequent cycling may indicate pump problems that warrant further investigation by a well contractor.
Quality Home Inspections provides professional well testing services throughout Northern Colorado's rural communities. We serve homebuyers, sellers, and homeowners in Loveland, Fort Collins, Berthoud, Wellington, Windsor, Greeley, Johnstown, Timnath, Estes Park, and surrounding rural areas. Our inspectors understand the unique groundwater characteristics and common well issues in each of these communities, providing thorough testing you can trust.
We also serve properties in rural Weld County, where agricultural wells and domestic wells often share aquifers with irrigation and livestock operations. Understanding these local conditions is essential for interpreting test results and making appropriate recommendations for water treatment or system improvements.
Our well inspection includes flow rate testing (GPM), visual inspection of the wellhead and pressure tank, pressure switch operation, water sample collection for laboratory analysis, and review of available well documentation.
Basic flow rate and system inspection costs $150-200 when added to a home inspection. Water quality lab testing adds $100-300 depending on which tests are selected. Package pricing available.
A minimum of 3-5 GPM is needed for typical household use. Larger homes or properties with irrigation may need 6-12 GPM or more. We'll help you determine if your well meets your specific needs.
On-site testing typically takes 1-2 hours. Water quality laboratory results are usually available within 5-7 business days. You'll receive a complete report with all findings.
FHA and VA loans often require well testing to ensure adequate flow rate and safe water quality. Even if not required by your lender, well testing is highly recommended for any property with a private well.
We'll explain the results and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include treatment systems, well rehabilitation, or further testing. Many water quality issues can be addressed with proper treatment.
Drew provides comprehensive well system testing for rural properties throughout Northern Colorado, including flow rate, water quality, and equipment assessment.
Trusted by Rural Property Buyers Throughout Northern Colorado
"Bought a rural property in Wellington and Drew's well testing was essential. He tested flow rate, checked the pressure tank, and collected water samples. The report helped us understand exactly what we were getting."
Google Review - Wellington
"Our FHA loan required well testing and Drew made it easy. He explained everything clearly and the test results showed our water was safe. Professional and thorough!"
Google Review - Berthoud
"Drew found that our well's flow rate was marginal for our needs. This info helped us negotiate with the seller for a larger storage tank. Worth every penny of the testing fee."
Google Review - Weld County
Don't take chances with your water supply. Schedule professional well testing today.