Rhode Island Private-Well Testing Schedule
| Frequency | RIDOH-recommended testing |
|---|---|
| Every year | Coliform bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, color, chloride, sodium and turbidity |
| Every 3–5 years | Metals, corrosivity and hardness |
| Every 5–10 years | VOCs and MTBE |
Additional tests can be appropriate based on location, land use, plumbing, prior results or a specific concern.
Use a Certified Laboratory
RIDOH advises homeowners to use certified drinking-water laboratories for treatment decisions involving drinking-water contaminants. Colonial can collect samples and work with a certified laboratory when lab analysis is appropriate.
Public-Water Testing
For public water, begin with the current Consumer Confidence Report and utility service-line information. At-the-tap laboratory testing may be appropriate when the concern is specific to the home.
Field Screening vs. Laboratory Analysis
On-site screening helps identify common water-quality conditions, but field screening does not replace certified laboratory analysis when required for health, regulatory or diagnostic purposes.