As of 2026-10-07. Federal guidance and limits are from US EPA. EPA says private wells aren't regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act nor by most states, and state rules and required tests vary, so check with your state and local health department.
Write down each answer and where it came from. If an answer matters, confirm it with the right professional or agency.
What type of well is it: drilled, driven, or dug/bored? (EPA: dug wells are shallow, about 10-30 ft; driven wells about 30-50 ft; drilled wells can be much deeper.)
How deep is it, when was it built, and by whom?
Is there a well construction record? (Where these are filed varies, so check with your state.)
What were the dates and results of past water tests? Can you share the full lab reports?
Is there treatment equipment? What does it treat, how old is it, and is it maintained?
What kind of pump (jet or submersible), how old, and has it been repaired?
Has the well been disinfected, repaired, deepened, or had parts replaced?
Has the well area ever flooded? (EPA: flooding is a common cause of private well contamination.)
Where is the septic system, and when was it last pumped or inspected?
Are there fuel-oil or other storage tanks on the property?
Are there any old or unused wells on the property?
Any changes in taste, odor, color, staining, pressure, or sediment?
Any health department notices about groundwater in the area?
The checklist turns these into a fill-in worksheet, adds walk-around notes for your inspector or well contractor, and covers testing and what to do if a result is high.