Inspection Services

City & Well Water Testing

Clean water is the foundation of a healthy home. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in yours.

Right Choice Home Inspections provides professional water quality testing for both municipal and private well water throughout Middle Georgia. We test for bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, and other contaminants — giving you documented results and clear guidance on next steps.

Water quality testing being performed on a home water sample

Important

Many water contaminants are colorless, odorless, and tasteless — laboratory testing is the only reliable way to detect them

Why Water Testing Matters

Whether your home is on city water or a private well, water quality is not something you can assess by sight, smell, or taste alone. Contaminants including bacteria, lead, arsenic, and nitrates can be present at harmful levels with no detectable signs.

  • Many contaminants — including lead, arsenic, bacteria, and nitrates — are colorless, odorless, and tasteless
  • City water can pick up contaminants from aging distribution pipes and household plumbing, especially in pre-1986 homes
  • Private wells are not regulated by municipal standards — homeowners are solely responsible for water safety
  • The EPA recommends annual well water testing and testing after any flooding, nearby construction, or change in taste or odor
  • Water quality issues can affect health, damage appliances, and reduce the value of a property
  • Testing provides documentation for real estate transactions, mortgage lenders, and peace of mind

What We Test For

Our water testing panels cover the contaminants most relevant to Middle Georgia homes — both city-supplied and private well water — with analysis performed by accredited laboratories.

Bacteria & Pathogens

  • Total coliform bacteria
  • E. coli (fecal coliform)
  • Enterococcus
  • Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)

Heavy Metals

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Iron and manganese
  • Copper and zinc

Nitrates & Nutrients

  • Nitrates (especially critical for infants)
  • Nitrites
  • Ammonia
  • Phosphates

Chemical Contaminants

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Chlorine and chloramines (city water)
  • Trihalomethanes (disinfection byproducts)

Physical Properties

  • pH level
  • Hardness (calcium and magnesium)
  • Turbidity and clarity
  • Total dissolved solids (TDS)

Well-Specific Testing

  • Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor)
  • Radon in water (combined with air testing)
  • Tannins and organic matter
  • Well yield and flow observations

City / Municipal Water

Municipal water is treated at the source, but contaminants can enter the supply through aging distribution pipes, service lines, or the plumbing inside your home. Lead from older pipes is a particular concern in homes built before 1986.

  • Lead from service lines or household plumbing in pre-1986 homes
  • Disinfection byproducts from chlorine treatment
  • Contaminants entering through aging distribution infrastructure
  • Recommended for any home with older pipes or recent plumbing work

Private Well Water

Private wells are not regulated by municipal treatment standards. Homeowners are solely responsible for testing and maintaining their well water quality. Annual testing is recommended by the EPA and Georgia EPD.

  • No municipal treatment — all safety responsibility falls on the homeowner
  • Susceptible to agricultural runoff, septic system proximity, and surface infiltration
  • Annual testing recommended by the EPA and Georgia EPD
  • Required by many mortgage lenders for homes with private wells

Your Report Includes

  • Laboratory results for all tested parameters with units and detected levels
  • Comparison against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and health guidelines
  • Clear identification of any parameters that exceed safe thresholds
  • Recommendations for treatment, filtration, or further evaluation where needed
  • Chain-of-custody documentation for real estate or legal purposes
  • Delivered digitally — typically within 3–5 business days of sample submission

Who This Service Is For

  • Home buyers purchasing a property with a private well
  • Homeowners on city water in homes built before 1986
  • Families with infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised members
  • Anyone noticing changes in water taste, odor, color, or clarity
  • Well owners following flooding, nearby construction, or a long period without testing
  • Sellers wanting to provide water quality documentation to buyers

Note

Water testing is a laboratory sampling service. It does not include water treatment, filtration installation, or well repair. Scope and limitations are clearly stated in every report.

Know What's in Your Water

Whether you're on city water or a private well, professional testing gives you the documented results you need to protect your household and make informed decisions.

Veteran-owned. Detail-focused. Client-first. Built to protect your investment.