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Private Well Water Testing

Buying a home with a private well? You might be surprised to learn that your mortgage loan could require water testing—and if you’re not prepared, this step could delay or even derail your closing.

Whether you’re applying for an FHA, VA, USDA, or Fannie Mae (conventional) loan, each program has specific guidelines regarding water quality, who can collect samples, and how long results remain valid.

In this post, we’ll break it all down for you so you can confidently move through the home buying process, without last-minute surprises.

Why Is Well Water Testing Required?

Private wells aren’t regulated the way public water systems are. That means it’s up to the buyer and the lender to ensure the water is safe to drink and free from harmful contaminants.

Lenders want to confirm that:

  • The water isn’t contaminated with bacteria, nitrates, or other pollutants

  • The well meets EPA or local water quality standards

  • The water source is a safe distance from potential hazards like septic systems or chemical storage

  • The test is recent and valid as of the closing date

Let’s look at how each loan program handles well water testing.

Well Water Testing Requirements by Loan Type

Fannie Mae (Conventional Loans)

  • Standards: Follows local health authority guidelines

  • Sample Collection: Determined by the lender based on local rules

  • Validity of Test Results: No older than 120 days at closing

  • Extra Notes: Lender must certify the water meets community standards and is far enough from any hazardous sites

FHA (Federal Housing Administration Loans)

  • Standards: Follows local guidelines or defaults to EPA standards

  • Sample Collection: Must be done by an approved party (not the buyer, seller, or agent)

  • Validity of Test Results: No older than 180 days

  • Extra Notes: Well must meet distance and flow rate requirements

VA (Veterans Affairs Loans)

  • Standards: Must comply with local or state health codes

  • Sample Collection: Only by a testing agency approved by the local health authority

  • Validity of Test Results: No older than 90 days

  • Extra Notes: Distance between the well and septic system must be measured

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture Loans)

  • Standards: Uses local guidelines or defaults to EPA standards

  • Sample Collection: Done by a state-certified lab or approved agency

  • Validity of Test Results: No older than 150 days

  • Extra Notes: Cisterns or storage systems may be used if approved by health authorities

Who Can Collect the Water Sample?

Here’s where many buyers and sellers make a costly mistake: assuming anyone can collect the sample.

In fact, loan programs are very specific about who is authorized.

Loan Type Who Can Collect the Sample
Fannie Mae Determined by the lender, following local rules
FHA Approved party only – typically local health authority, certified lab, or licensed engineer
VA Only the testing agency may collect the sample
USDA Must be state-certified and follow health authority standards

📌 Pro Tip: Ask your lender early in the process who is responsible for collecting the sample. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays and additional testing costs.

How Long Are Water Test Results Valid?

Each loan type also has its own timeline for how long water test results remain valid before they must be redone.

Loan Type Test Validity Period
Fannie Mae 120 days
FHA 180 days
VA 90 days
USDA 150 days

🕐 If your closing gets delayed, and the results expire, you’ll need to retest the water, which can cost time and money.

Additional Requirements to Keep in Mind

Each loan type also requires compliance with additional safety measures:

  • Fannie Mae: Water source must meet local community standards and be located away from hazards

  • FHA: Well must provide adequate flow and meet distance requirements

  • VA: Must confirm distance from septic system

  • USDA: Cisterns or water storage tanks are acceptable if they meet standards

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re buying a home with a private well, here’s your action plan:

✅ Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Ask your lender what water testing requirements apply to your specific loan.

  2. Schedule the test with an approved lab or local health authority.

  3. Confirm that the water sample will be collected by an authorized party.

  4. Make sure the test results will still be valid at your closing date.

  5. Plan ahead to avoid delays, especially if your closing date might shift.

Get Expert Help with Private Well Loans

Navigating loan requirements for homes with private wells can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

💬 Need help with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loan requirements for homes with wells?
Book a call with me today and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your purchase goes smoothly—without delays or costly mistakes.

I'm Wade Betz, your go-to mortgage broker in Dallas, Texas, with a focus on VA loans. My goal is to make home financing seamless and worry-free for our veterans. If you're looking for dependable and knowledgeable support with VA loans, I'm here to help.

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