My greater-Minnesota home has a private well. Should I test it during the inspection?

Yes. If you're buying a home outside the metro's municipal service area or on an acreage in greater Minnesota that's served by a private well, you should test both the water quality and the well system as part of your due diligence. A standard home inspection looks at the visible well components, the pressure tank, the pump's basic operation, and water pressure and flow at the fixtures, but it does not certify water safety. For that, we recommend a separate water test, typically for bacteria such as coliform and E. coli, plus nitrates, which can be elevated in agricultural areas of greater Minnesota, and sometimes arsenic, which is found in parts of Minnesota groundwater. We can also note the well's age, construction type, and whether it appears properly sealed and located a safe distance from any septic system. Minnesota requires a well disclosure at the sale of property, so ask for the well record and any prior test results. Knowing your water is safe and your well is sound protects your family's health and your wallet. To bundle well water testing with your inspection, add it when you use the free instant quote tool below, or call us to discuss your specific property.