Water Testing

Water Testing, Well, and Water Resources

Residential Property Inspector Certification

High Tech understands how important your drinking water is to your family’s health. Our team members are trained and certified to ensure your water testing is performed in the proper manner. We use testing labs that are certified in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia and provide you with the information you need to ensure your family’s safety.

About Your Test

Test results take 3-5 working days for a conventional water test and 5-7 working days for an FHA water test.  In some circumstances, the lab can expedite the results for an extra fee.

 

It is generally recommended all well water be tested when a well is new, the property is being sold, and annually afterward. Some lenders require a water test and that may vary depending on the type of loan. The two most common test packages are for Conventional loans and FHA loans. You will notice in the sample reports that FHA-backed loans require additional tests for lead, nitrate, and iron.

Well and Ground Water Resources

One of the easiest ways to prevent your drinking water from contamination is to familiarize yourself with your well system and routinely inspect the visible components of the well. We suggest obtaining your well records which is the report filed with your county officials after the well was constructed and inspected. Well records generally include information on the components of the well including its location and depth. If you do not have your well records, also known as the well completion report, you can contact your county office to request a copy in both Maryland and Delaware.

When inspecting your wellhead, you want to make sure that the ground slopes away from the wellhead and that there are no cracks or damages to the visible areas. You can familiarize yourself with the main components of the well by reviewing a schematic of a common well type.

Schematic of a Submersible Well Pump

Schematic of an Above Ground Well Pump

Wellowner.org is another resource for well owners. You can receive their Well Owner Guide and subscribe to their monthly private well owner tip sheet to get suggestions easily maintain your well system.

There are a lot of great resources for well owners. The National Ground Water Association has a wealth of information such as the Water Treatment Maintenance video shared below.

Bladder Tanks

 

Bladder tanks are an essential part of your well water system. Their life span is relatively short (5-7 years) in comparison to other parts of your system. If you are experiencing trouble with your water supply system, the bladder tank is a good place to start troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Bladder Pressure Tanks published by the Washington State Dept of Health may be helpful.

Ground Water

 

Here are some resources on groundwater operation, safety, and maintenance –

University of Maryland Well Information

Groundwater Information

Water Testing Labs – Chesapeake Labs

Conventional Loan Sample Water Report

FHA Loan Sample Water Resort