When purchasing a home with a VA loan, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires that properties with individual water supplies, such as private wells, undergo water quality testing. This ensures the water is safe for human consumption, protecting both the veteran buyer’s health and the VA’s investment.
The VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) set standards for a home to be considered safe, sanitary, and structurally sound before the loan can close. One key element is verifying potable water when the property is not connected to a public or municipal water system.
A water test is typically required during the VA appraisal process for any property served by a private well or other individual water system. The VA appraiser notes the water source type and recommends testing if necessary, consistent with VA Lender’s Handbook guidance (Chapter 12).
The water sample must be collected and tested by an independent third party—usually a local health department or a state-certified laboratory—not by the buyer, seller, or real estate agent. The basic test checks for total coliform bacteria, which can indicate contamination. Local health authorities may also require tests for additional contaminants like lead, nitrates, turbidity, or other chemicals, which the VA adheres to as applicable.
If a water test fails, remedial action such as shock chlorination, installing filtration systems, or well repairs must be completed, followed by a passing re-test before loan closing. Who pays for these tests or repairs is negotiable, often part of purchase negotiations.
For more details on VA loan appraisal and property standards, see our article on VA Appraisal. For a full understanding of property requirements in VA loans, refer to Minimum Property Requirements.
Summary of VA Water Test Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| When Required | For homes with private wells or individual water systems | Not usually for public water-connected homes |
| Who Orders | VA appraiser includes need during the appraisal | Lender coordinates testing |
| Who Performs | Independent third-party lab or agency | Sample not collected by buyer/seller |
| What’s Tested | Minimum: total coliform bacteria | Local additional tests may apply |
| If Test Fails | Treatment required, then passing re-test needed | Delays closing until issues resolved |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a VA water test cost?
Typically between $100 and $300, depending on tests and local lab prices.
Q: Does a community well require testing?
Yes, the VA may require testing and confirmation the well meets capacity and safety standards.
Q: Can sellers pay for tests or treatments?
Yes, payment responsibility is negotiable between buyer and seller.
Q: How recent must the water test be?
Generally valid if performed within the past 90 days per local guidelines.
For more comprehensive VA loan information, visit VA Loan and for other related VC financing terms, see VA Residual Income Analysis.
Sources:
- VA Lenders Handbook, Chapter 12 – Minimum Property Requirements (https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp)
- Investopedia: What Are the VA Minimum Property Requirements? (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/va-minimum-property-requirements.asp)
- EPA Basic Information about Private Wells (https://www.epa.gov/privatewells) [External Resource]
