Quick answer
Private wells in Alaska are the owner’s responsibility to test and treat. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation runs the state’s private well guidance. We didn’t find a free statewide well testing program in Alaska. Certified labs charge for each test, and some county health departments offer lower-cost bacteria and nitrate tests.
Where to get your well tested in Alaska
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation: Private Drinking Water Wells & Systems, the state’s guidance for private well owners.
- Certified laboratories in Alaska. Use a lab certified for drinking water, so results are reliable.
Free or low-cost testing
We didn’t find a free statewide program in Alaska. Certified labs charge per test; county health departments sometimes offer lower-cost bacteria and nitrate tests.
Mail-in lab kits are another option when no local lab is convenient. See well water test kits for what home kits can and can’t tell you.
What to test for
- Every year: total coliform bacteria and nitrate.
- Before buying equipment: pH, hardness, iron, manganese and, if there’s a smell, hydrogen sulfide.
- Based on location: arsenic, uranium and radon, PFAS, and lead in older plumbing.
After you get results
Enter your numbers in the test results tool to see what needs treating and in what order. The guide to reading a well water test explains units and limits.
Common questions
Does Alaska offer free well water testing?
We didn’t find a free statewide well testing program in Alaska. Certified labs charge for each test, and some county health departments offer lower-cost bacteria and nitrate tests.
Who oversees private wells in Alaska?
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (Private Drinking Water Wells & Systems) publishes guidance for private well owners. Private wells aren’t covered by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, so testing and treatment are up to the owner.
What should I test my well for in Alaska?
Test every year for total coliform bacteria and nitrate, plus pH, hardness, iron and manganese before buying equipment. Ask the state program or a certified lab about local concerns such as arsenic, uranium or PFAS.