What Kind of Water Test Do I Need for a VA Loan?

If you’re buying or refinancing a home in Pennsylvania with a VA or FHA loan and your property uses a private well, your lender will likely require a well water quality test before closing.

The goal is simple — to ensure the water in your home is safe, clean, and free from contaminants that could affect your family’s health.

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we provide VA and FHA loan-compliant well water testing for homeowners, buyers, and lenders across Western Pennsylvania — with fast, certified results.

What a VA or FHA Loan Water Test Includes

Both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) require that water from private wells meet certain health standards before a loan can be approved.

A compliant test must include analysis for the following:

• Total Coliform Bacteria

• E. Coli Bacteria

• Nitrates and Nitrites

• Lead

These contaminants are the most common indicators of potential well water safety issues.If any of them are detected, your lender may require that corrective action be taken — such as system disinfection, filtration, or re-testing after remediation.

Our Certified Water Testing Process

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we make the process easy and compliant from start to finish:

1. Schedule Your Test: We conduct water testing Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to ensure your samples arrive at the lab in perfect condition for analysis.

2. Sample Collection: We collect your samples using approved sterile containers, following strict chain-of-custody procedures required for mortgage documentation.

3. Certified Laboratory Analysis: Your water samples are sent to an independent laboratory that is NELAP and EPA certified, meeting all federal and state requirements.

4. Fast Turnaround: Lab results are typically available within 3 business days of testing.

5. Results and Reporting: Once results are received, we provide:

   • Certified lab reports

   • Chain-of-custody documentation

   • Clear explanations and recommendations to help you understand your water quality and next steps.

All documentation is lender-ready, making your closing process smooth and stress-free.

When Is VA Water Testing Required?

A VA water test is required whenever the property uses a private well as its drinking water source — whether you’re purchasing or refinancing.

If your home is connected to public water, the municipality is already responsible for regular water testing, so no additional testing is typically required for the loan.

For private wells, however, it’s the borrower’s responsibility to provide proof that the water meets EPA drinking water standards — and that’s where we come in.

Why Choose Keystone Castle Inspections

• VA and FHA Compliant Testing: Meets all federal, state, and lender-specific requirements.

• Certified Labs: NELAP and EPA-accredited independent laboratory analysis.

• Quick Turnaround: Results typically delivered within 3 business days.

• Professional Chain-of-Custody: Full documentation for lenders and underwriters.

• Expert Guidance: We’ll help you interpret the results and recommend next steps if treatment is needed.

Schedule Your VA Loan Water Test Today

If you’re buying or refinancing a home with a private well, don’t leave your water test until the last minute. We’ll ensure you get accurate, certified results that meet VA and FHA lending requirements — fast.

👉 Schedule your water quality test today or call/text 412-204-6149 to learn more.