Certified labs by state
Arkansas
Arkansas splits private-well help across agencies: the Arkansas Department of Health handles private bacterial testing and laboratory certification for drinking-water microbiology, while the University of Arkansas System provides homeowner testing guidance and fee-based chemistry testing. Arkansas geology also matters: karst and plateau areas in the north raise radon concerns, while fertilizer-related groundwater contamination is a noted concern in parts of northeast Arkansas. ([healthy.arkansas.gov](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/public-health-safety/arkansas-public-health-laboratory/water-microbiology-laboratory/?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Certifies drinking water labs
- Arkansas Department of Health
- Official certified lab list
- Official page →
- Free or low-cost testing
- No statewide free homeowner private-well testing program was found on the official Arkansas pages reviewed; ADH shows fee-based private bacterial testing, and university/private chemistry testing is also fee-based. ([healthy.arkansas.gov](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/public-health-safety/arkansas-public-health-laboratory/water-microbiology-laboratory/?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Arkansas
Official ADH page for private/well water bacteria testing, sample-kit instructions, and Arkansas drinking-water microbiology lab certification information. ([healthy.arkansas.gov](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/public-health-safety/arkansas-public-health-laboratory/water-microbiology-laboratory/?utm_source=openai))
Extension page residents can use to understand Arkansas water-testing options and connect to county agents and the AWRC lab. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/water/water-testing.aspx))
Official university lab page listing available chemistry, metals, nutrient, and bacteria analyses for Arkansas residents. ([awrc.uada.edu](https://awrc.uada.edu/water-quality-lab/water-analysis/?utm_source=openai))
Arkansas homeowner guide explaining which private-well tests are useful, what routine mineral panels include, and when repeat testing is suggested. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/MP292.pdf))
Official state geology page describing Arkansas radon potential, uranium-bearing formations, and groundwater contamination concerns by region. ([geology.arkansas.gov](https://geology.arkansas.gov/geohazards/other-geohazards-flood-hazardous-minerals-radon-and-groundwater-contamination.html))
Key facts for Arkansas
- Arkansas does not regulate private-well water quality; regular testing and monitoring are the owner's responsibility. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/AG1290.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- ADH private well samples are limited to total coliform bacteria and E. coli; minerals and chemicals require other laboratories. ([healthy.arkansas.gov](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/public-health-safety/arkansas-public-health-laboratory/water-microbiology-laboratory/?utm_source=openai))
- UA Extension says new wells should get bacteriological testing before use; a mineral analysis is good practice initially and again after six months. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/MP292.pdf))
- UA's routine Arkansas mineral panel includes nitrate-nitrogen, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, iron, manganese, hardness, alkalinity, pH, and total dissolved solids. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/PDF/MP292.pdf))
- North Arkansas Springfield and Salem Plateaus have moderate to locally high radon potential, with Benton County specifically noted for higher indoor radon. ([geology.arkansas.gov](https://geology.arkansas.gov/geohazards/other-geohazards-flood-hazardous-minerals-radon-and-groundwater-contamination.html))
- State geologists note agricultural groundwater contamination is a particular concern in northeast Arkansas because of extensive fertilizer use. ([geology.arkansas.gov](https://geology.arkansas.gov/geohazards/other-geohazards-flood-hazardous-minerals-radon-and-groundwater-contamination.html))
What to do next
- Pick up an ADH water-sample kit from your local health unit for bacteria testing, then use a private or university lab for nitrate, metals, or other chemistry. ([healthy.arkansas.gov](https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/public-health-safety/arkansas-public-health-laboratory/water-microbiology-laboratory/?utm_source=openai))
- If your home is in north Arkansas karst/plateau areas, consider radon testing for the house and discuss water testing with your lab if groundwater is your source. ([geology.arkansas.gov](https://geology.arkansas.gov/geohazards/other-geohazards-flood-hazardous-minerals-radon-and-groundwater-contamination.html))
- Ask your county Extension agent to help choose a routine mineral panel and interpret results from the Arkansas Water Resources Center. ([uaex.uada.edu](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/water/water-testing.aspx))
Helpful guides
- How to choose a state-certified drinking water lab
- What to test your private well water for (and how often)
- How to collect a well water sample without ruining the test
- How to read a water test report: MCLs, units and flags