If you rely on a private well in Mid Valley, how do you know your water is safe? Many contaminants have no taste, smell, or color, which makes routine testing essential for daily use and for real estate closings. Whether you are a long‑time homeowner or you are under contract on a Hailey property, a simple plan keeps you protected and on schedule.
In this guide, you will learn what to test, when to test, how to collect samples, where to send them, and what results mean for you. Let’s dive in.
Why Mid Valley well testing matters
Private wells are not regulated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, so you are responsible for testing and maintaining your water quality. The CDC recommends routine testing for key contaminants to protect your household. You can review the CDC’s guidance on private well testing to understand the basics and timing of tests (CDC well water guidelines).
Local geology and history also matter. Regional reporting notes that groundwater in the Wood River Valley can include naturally occurring minerals and metals, with attention on nitrate, arsenic, and radionuclides in some areas (Sun Valley water quality overview). Seasonal events like heavy rain or flooding can raise the risk of microbial contamination, especially in shallow wells.
What to test and when
Test every year
- Total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Test after flooding, well work, or any change in taste, odor, or color. The CDC lists bacteria as a top annual check.
- Nitrate. Test annually. The federal reference level is 10 mg/L as nitrogen. Infants and pregnant people are at higher risk from nitrate exposure (CDC well water guidelines).
- TDS and pH. Helpful for treatment choices and to watch for corrosion or scaling.
Every 3 to 5 years, or at purchase
- Arsenic and a metals panel that includes lead, manganese, iron, and copper. Idaho DEQ highlights these as important baseline checks (Idaho DEQ contaminants).
- Radionuclides such as uranium and radium if local geology suggests risk. The EPA recommends testing private wells on a multi‑year interval when geologic conditions warrant it (EPA radionuclides in wells).
Test if conditions suggest a risk
- VOCs if near fuel tanks, gas stations, or after known spills.
- Pesticides or herbicides if adjacent to farmland or heavy landscape chemical use.
- PFAS if near airports, firefighting training areas, or certain industrial sites. PFAS testing costs more and requires specialized laboratories. Idaho DEQ notes PFAS as an emerging issue (Idaho DEQ contaminants).
How to collect a good sample
Follow your lab’s instructions exactly. A clean sample is the only way to trust the result.
- Contact a state‑certified lab and request test kits and instructions. Idaho DEQ maintains public information and lab contacts (Idaho DEQ public information).
- Use the lab’s bottles. Do not rinse them or remove preservatives.
- Choose a cold water indoor tap served directly by the well. Remove the aerator first.
- Run cold water for 2 to 5 minutes to flush the line, then reduce to a steady stream and fill to the mark without touching the inside of the cap or bottle. See common steps in this sampling guide (how to take a sample).
- Keep samples chilled on ice but do not freeze them. Bacteria samples usually must reach the lab within 24 hours.
- Complete the chain‑of‑custody form with the property address, date and time, and tests requested.
Where to send samples near Hailey
Use a state‑certified drinking water laboratory. Many Mid Valley owners ship or drop off to regional certified labs and state resources listed by public health agencies. Central District Health publishes guidance and referrals for well testing and water quality (Central District Health well guidance).
Owners often use certified labs in Boise that accept deliveries. Analytical Laboratories, Inc. is one example commonly referenced for Idaho well testing. Confirm current services and hours with the lab before sampling (Analytical Laboratories in Boise). Plan Monday through Wednesday sampling so your bottles do not sit over a weekend.
Typical cost and timing
Costs vary by lab and test type. As a general guide, basic bacteria testing often ranges from about 20 to 60 dollars, nitrate from about 20 to 40 dollars, and metals, radionuclides, VOCs, and PFAS can range into the hundreds per sample. Check with your chosen certified lab for current pricing and turnaround time. Regional public health pages share similar expectations and encourage owners to call for quotes (private well owner costs overview).
What results mean and what to do next
- If total coliform or E. coli is detected, disinfect the well and plumbing and then re‑test. Many owners use shock chlorination performed by a licensed well professional. Local public health provides step‑by‑step guidance and follow‑up testing advice (Central District Health well guidance).
- If nitrate is above 10 mg/L as nitrogen, avoid using the water for infant formula and consult public health. Treatment options include reverse osmosis at the tap or ion exchange. Idaho DEQ provides contaminant information and treatment overviews (Idaho DEQ contaminants).
- If arsenic or radionuclides exceed health guidance, consider point‑of‑use reverse osmosis, adsorption media, or whole‑house treatment. The EPA outlines radionuclide testing intervals and general treatment options for private wells (EPA radionuclides in wells).
- PFAS requires specialized treatment such as granular activated carbon, anion exchange, or reverse osmosis configured for PFAS. Idaho DEQ notes PFAS testing and treatment considerations for Idaho well owners (Idaho DEQ contaminants).
Buying or selling a Mid Valley home
Many lenders require recent, certified lab results for private wells. Common requirements include bacteria and nitrate, collected and analyzed within 60 to 90 days of closing, though exact details vary by program. Review your lender’s checklist early and coordinate test timing with your lab and agent. FHA policy materials illustrate how lenders set documentation windows for water quality (FHA loan policy reference).
In our market, sellers sometimes provide recent clean tests, and buyers often order confirmatory testing during inspections. There is no statewide Idaho requirement for private well testing at sale, but lender and local public health expectations still apply. Idaho DEQ offers public guidance and contacts for questions about labs and testing cadence (Idaho DEQ public information).
Quick checklist for Mid Valley wells
- Test annually for bacteria, nitrate, TDS, and pH.
- Every 3 to 5 years, add arsenic, a metals panel, and radionuclides if geology suggests risk.
- Test after flooding, well repairs, or changes in taste, odor, or color.
- Use a state‑certified lab and follow bottle and hold‑time instructions.
- Keep all lab reports and maintenance records for future reference or a sale.
If you need help aligning testing with your purchase or sale timeline, or you want local insight on Mid Valley wells, reach out to the team you can trust. Contact Stevenson Real Estate Group for steady, local guidance.
FAQs
What should Mid Valley well owners test first?
- Start with annual bacteria and nitrate tests, then add TDS and pH. Every few years, include arsenic, a metals panel, and radionuclides based on local geology and guidance from Idaho DEQ.
How much does private well testing cost in Idaho?
- Basic bacteria and nitrate tests often total 40 to 100 dollars combined, while metals, radionuclides, VOCs, and PFAS can add tens to hundreds more depending on the panel and lab.
How long do lab results take for a real estate closing?
- Many labs return bacteria and nitrate results within a few business days, but timing varies. Plan sampling early in your inspection period and confirm the lender’s acceptable test window.
Do I need PFAS testing in the Hailey area?
- Consider PFAS if your property is near known sources like airports or firefighting training sites. Because PFAS testing is specialized and costly, discuss it with Idaho DEQ or a certified lab first.
What if my water tests positive for coliform bacteria?
- Disinfect the well and plumbing, then re‑test to confirm clearance. Work with a licensed well professional and follow local public health instructions on shock chlorination and sampling.
