Certified labs by state
Hawaii
Hawaii relies heavily on groundwater for drinking water, and the Hawaii Department of Health says nearly all of the state's drinking water comes from groundwater sources. For private residential wells, Hawaii says there are no enforceable contaminant limits or required routine testing, so residents need to choose appropriate tests and use Hawaii-certified or Hawaii-approved labs.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Certifies drinking water labs
- Hawaii Department of Health, Environmental Health Analytical Services Branch (Drinking Water Certification Program)
- Official certified lab list
- Official page →
- Free or low-cost testing
- No statewide free or subsidized private-well laboratory testing program was found on current Hawaii DOH, DLNR, or University of Hawaii official pages; DLNR does link a free homeowner education program called the Private Well Class.
Official resources in Hawaii
State fact sheet for private well owners explaining testing, contaminant concerns, and how to compare results to drinking-water standards.
Current state handout pointing residents to Hawaii-certified chemistry/radiochemistry and microbiology drinking-water laboratory lists.
Official statewide map page for confirmed groundwater contamination detections and links to the live viewer.
Official program page with groundwater contamination resources and the statewide groundwater status report.
Official well-owner page covering Hawaii well standards and linking to a free Private Well Class for homeowners.
Key facts for Hawaii
- Hawaii DOH's Environmental Health Analytical Services Branch certifies in-state drinking-water laboratories; certifications are by analyte or test and last one year.
- Hawaii's current SDWB drinking-water lab handout links separate certified chemistry/radiochemistry and certified microbiology laboratory lists.
- Hawaii says private residential wells have no enforceable contaminant limits and no required regular testing like public water systems.
- Hawaii's private-well sheet says test yearly for total coliform bacteria and nitrate, and test more often if you suspect a problem.
- DOH's Groundwater Contamination Viewer tracks confirmed contaminants from public drinking-water wells, select non-drinking wells, and freshwater springs.
- For Hawaii, official sources highlight concerns including bacteria, nitrate, pesticides and soil fumigants, solvents, fuels, and naturally occurring arsenic or radon in some aquifers.
What to do next
- Start with Hawaii's Private Water Wells sheet, then contact a Hawaii-certified or Hawaii-approved lab for the exact bottles, preservation, and pickup/drop-off instructions for your chosen tests.
- At minimum, schedule annual total coliform and nitrate testing; add lead if your plumbing contains lead-bearing materials and add VOC/pesticide panels if nearby land use suggests risk.
- Before ordering broader chemistry, check the DOH Groundwater Contamination Viewer for your area and note nearby septic/cesspool, agricultural, industrial, or fuel-related sources.
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