Well water testing in Chatham County, NC
Chatham County Environmental Health takes well water samples at your home, Monday to Wednesday. A bacteria test is $70 and a full panel with bacteria, nitrate and inorganics is $150. Apply in person or by mail with payment. Fees are on a sliding scale.
- Bacteria test
- $70
- Bacteria + nitrate
- $150
- Sample
- Staff take the sample
Checked Nov 7, 2026 · All 4 sources
Where to get your well tested
Chatham County Public Health, Environmental Health Division
Checked Nov 7, 2026 on chathamcountync.gov
| Bacteria (coliform)coliform bacteria | $70 |
| Full panel (existing well)Bacteria (coliform only), nitrate and inorganic (mineral). | $150 |
| Nitratenitrate | $70 |
| Iron bacteria | $70 |
All 10 tests and prices
| Sulfur bacteria | $70 |
| Inorganic (mineral) | $110 |
| Hexavalent chromiumListed on the water sample application. | $110 |
| PesticidepesticidesOrganochlorine and nitrogen phosphorus types are on the application. | $150 |
| PetroleumVOCs | $150 |
| HerbicidepesticidesListed on the water sample application. | $150 |
- Who takes the sample
- Staff take the sample
- Getting a bottle
- Fill out the water sample application and bring it in person to 80 East St, Pittsboro, or mail it to PO Box 130, Pittsboro, NC 27312, with payment. Staff call to set a time and take the sample. You don't need a bottle.
- Returning the sample
- County staff take the sample. You don't drop anything off. Samples are collected Monday to Wednesday only. Be ready: the well cap must be sealed, the spigot reachable, the pump on, and no chlorine in the water. If you miss the appointment, you pay again.
- Drop-off hours
- Monday to Wednesday
- How you get results
- Results are sent by email unless you ask for another way. You can also see them on the county's Water Quality Sampling page.
- Good to know
- The county does not accept cash or check payments after 4 p.m. A card payment adds 2.99% plus $0.99. Prices took effect July 1, 2026.
- Address
- 80 East St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Environmental Health Division: 919-545-8460
Free and lower-cost testing
Sliding scale for well water testing fees
Who qualifies: Residents who need help with testing costs
Testing fees are adjusted on a sliding scale. Call 919-542-8208 to learn more.
Program pageWhat the health department recommends
Test for total and fecal coliform bacteria every year. Test for heavy metals, nitrate, nitrite, lead and copper every two years. Test for pesticides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every five years. If you know of a pesticide used near you, test every year.
This is the county or state health agency's own advice, not ours.
Rules that apply
- In North Carolina, every new private well must be tested for bacteria and chemicals within 30 days after it is finished, before it is used for drinking water. The local health department or a state-certified lab does the test.
Well testing in Chatham County: quick answers
How much does well water testing cost in Chatham County?
Chatham County Public Health, Environmental Health Division charges $70 for "Bacteria (coliform)". Prices are from the provider's own fee list, checked Nov 7, 2026.
Who tests well water in Chatham County?
Chatham County Public Health, Environmental Health Division tests private wells for residents.
How do I get a sample bottle in Chatham County?
Fill out the water sample application and bring it in person to 80 East St, Pittsboro, or mail it to PO Box 130, Pittsboro, NC 27312, with payment. Staff call to set a time and take the sample. You don't need a bottle.
Where this comes from
We read these 4 pages on Nov 7, 2026. Fees and hours change, so call before you take a sample.
- Water quality samplingchathamcountync.gov · Web page
- chathamcountync.govWeb page
- chathamcountync.govWeb page
- epi.dph.ncdhhs.govWeb page
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