Water Testing for FHA/VA Loans & Private Wells in Western Pennsylvania
- aaronwest241
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Buying a home with a private well?
Many lenders — including FHA and VA — require certified water quality testing before closing. At Keystone Castle Inspections, we follow FHA/VA guidelines and offer trusted water testing services across Western PA to ensure your drinking water is safe and loan-compliant.
Why Water Testing Matters
Lender Requirements: FHA/VA mortgages often demand testing for coliform, E. coli, nitrates, nitrites, lead—and sometimes pH and TDS—to confirm water safety
PA Guidelines: The Pennsylvania DEP recommends annual testing of private wells for coliform, nitrates, pH, and TDS .
Health & Safety: Over 50% of private wells in PA fail at least one contaminant test—making inspections critical
What We Test
Our certified lab screenings include:
Total coliform & E. coli – indicators of microbial contamination
Nitrates & nitrites – signs of agricultural/septic pollution
Lead – from plumbing or well infrastructure
On Request(Optional per local guidelines) pH, turbidity, iron, and manganese
What We Handle
Sample collection – by certified professionals, eliminating lender concerns
Secure delivery – to an accredited lab that meets PA DEP and FHA/VA requirements
Clear documentation – detailed lab reports for real estate transactions
FAQs
Q: How often should wells be tested?
Annually for bacteria, nitrates, pH, TDS—and more often if there are changes in taste, odor, or nearby activities such as drilling or farming
Q: How long are FHA/VA water test results valid?
Typically valid for 90 days from lab certification
Q: Can I collect the water sample myself?
No—lenders require independent collection and chain-of-custody documentation from a qualified third party
Why Choose Keystone Castle Inspections?
Feature | Benefit |
Certified Sampling | Meets FHA & VA standards |
Convenient Service | We come to your property across Western PA |
Stress-Free Process | We manage collection, delivery & reporting |
Reliable Results | Fast turnaround and transparent documentation (3 Business Days after sample collection) |
Take Action Now
Ensure your well water is both loan-compliant and safe before closing.
📞 Or call us at 412‑204‑6149