Water Testing & Well System Evaluations

Private Water Testing and Well System Evaluations in Upper Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin

WATER TESTING

Water Testing Services

PRO-TEC collects water samples for laboratory testing based on the property, client concerns, and any lender or agency requirements. Water testing helps identify concerns that are not visible during a standard property inspection.

Private wells and water systems are common throughout Upper Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin. Water may look, smell, and taste normal while still containing contaminants that can affect health, financing, treatment needs, or property decisions.

Common water testing options include:

  • Total coliform and E. coli bacteria
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals
  • Iron, copper, hardness, minerals, and sulfur-related concerns
  • Radon in water
  • FHA, VA, USDA, and lender-required water testing
  • PFAS, pesticides, and other specialty testing

WHEN TO TEST

When Water Testing Is Recommended

Water testing is commonly requested in the following situations:

  • Buying or selling a property with a private well
  • FHA, VA, USDA, or lender testing is required
  • The property has been vacant or seasonal
  • The water has odor, staining, sediment, or unusual taste
  • Older plumbing or possible lead concerns are present
  • The property is near agricultural, industrial, landfill, or chemical concerns
  • Existing treatment equipment is installed
  • Sensitive occupants may use the water, including infants, elderly, or immune-compromised occupants

WELL SYSTEM

Well System Evaluation

A well system evaluation provides practical information about the visible well components and observed performance of the water system. This gives the client more information than simply turning on a faucet.

It helps document how the system performed during the evaluation period and identifies visible concerns that may need maintenance, repair, or further review.

PRO-TEC’s well system evaluation includes:

  • Visual review and description of accessible well system components
  • Description of the visible well location, pump system, pressure tank, piping, and related equipment
  • Observation of the pressure gauge, when present and readable
  • Pump cycling observations during the evaluation period
  • Initial water flow measurement
  • Extended water draw period with final flow measurement
  • Comments on observed pressure, flow, and system performance
  • Photos and recommendations based on visible system conditions

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Water Quality vs. Well System Performance

Water testing and well system evaluation are two different services. Water testing checks the quality of the water through laboratory analysis.

Well system evaluation reviews visible components and observed performance, including flow, pressure, and pump cycling. For many rural properties, both services provide the clearest picture of the private water system.

YOUR RESULTS

What You Receive

Depending on the services requested, you receive:

  • Laboratory water test results
  • Summary of water tests performed
  • Description of visible well system components
  • Flow and pump cycling observations
  • Photos of accessible water system components
  • Comments and recommendations for treatment, monitoring, repair, or further evaluation when appropriate

PLEASE NOTE

Important Limitations

Well system evaluations are limited to visible and accessible components and observed performance at the time of service. PRO-TEC does not pull pumps, open sealed well components, perform pump electrical load testing, certify well construction, determine underground water conditions, or guarantee future well yield or pump performance.

Further evaluation by a qualified well contractor, pump contractor, plumber, or water treatment professional may be recommended when conditions warrant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions, Answered

Yes. Water testing can usually be coordinated with a home inspection, commercial inspection, mold inspection, radon test, or other property service.

Yes. PRO-TEC can coordinate water testing commonly required for FHA, VA, USDA, and lender-related transactions. The exact test package should be confirmed with the lender or agency involved.

No. Water testing checks water quality through laboratory analysis. A well system evaluation reviews visible well components and observed system performance.

No. Water can look, smell, and taste normal and still contain contaminants. Laboratory testing is needed to identify water quality concerns.

We visually note accessible water treatment equipment and check for obvious visible concerns. Water testing is needed to determine whether treatment equipment is effectively treating the water.

Turnaround time depends on the laboratory and the test package. Basic testing may return sooner, while specialty testing such as PFAS, pesticides, or expanded metals may take longer.

WHY CHOOSE PRO-TEC

Local Knowledge. Practical Answers.

A wide range of water testing options paired with practical, hands-on well system observations — backed by decades of local experience.

  • Family-owned father-and-son inspection company with decades of construction, inspection, and property ownership experience
  • First home inspection company in Upper Michigan and one of the region’s longest-established inspection firms
  • Experience with rural homes, older properties, wells, outbuildings, rentals, and investment properties
  • Wide range of water testing options, including FHA, VA, USDA, and lender-related testing
  • Practical well system observations, including flow, pressure, and pump cycling
  • Clear reports with photo documentation and local knowledge of Upper Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin properties

SCHEDULE WATER TESTING OR REQUEST A QUOTE

Clear Water. Clearer Answers.

Water testing and well system evaluations help you better understand water quality, visible well system conditions, and observed performance before buying, selling, financing, or maintaining a property. Questions before scheduling? Call PRO-TEC Inspections at 1-800-776-8327 or 715-923-6107.