Certified labs by state
Kentucky
Kentucky directs private well and cistern owners to use certified drinking-water laboratories and to test annually, because private well water is not regulated by EPA or the state. Kentucky Geological Survey also provides statewide groundwater and radon mapping that is especially useful in Kentucky’s karst regions and other vulnerable aquifers. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/GW/Pages/GWOwnerAssist.aspx))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Certifies drinking water labs
- Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Water (Kentucky Drinking Water Lab Certification Program)
- Free or low-cost testing
- Kentucky’s FY2026 local health department environmental health reference says departments may collect and submit private-water samples when illness is suspected or upon owner request, as agency resources allow; no statewide free well-testing program page was found. ([chfs.ky.gov](https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dmch/nsb/wnm/LHD%20Admin%20Reference.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Kentucky
State homeowner page for private wells, flooding, well drillers, and the annual testing recommendation. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/GW/Pages/GWOwnerAssist.aspx))
Official Kentucky program page identifying the agency that certifies drinking-water laboratories. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/LabCert/Pages/Drinking-Water-Lab-Certification-Program.aspx))
Official KGS map service for checking local groundwater-quality analytes such as arsenic and nitrate. ([kgs.uky.edu](https://kgs.uky.edu/kgsmap/KGSWaterQual/viewer.asp))
Key facts for Kentucky
- Kentucky’s Division of Water administers the Kentucky Drinking Water Lab Certification Program. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/LabCert/Pages/Drinking-Water-Lab-Certification-Program.aspx))
- Private well or cistern water in Kentucky should be tested annually. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/GW/Pages/GWOwnerAssist.aspx))
- UK Extension’s basic annual household test: total coliform, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, and nitrate. ([rs.uky.edu](https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ip3.pdf))
- KGS says the most vulnerable aquifers include karst in the Inner Bluegrass, Eastern Pennyroyal, and Western Pennyroyal. ([uky.edu](https://www.uky.edu/KGS/water/general/wfaq.htm))
- KGS also flags sand-and-gravel aquifers along the Ohio River, other large rivers, and shallow Jackson Purchase aquifers as vulnerable. ([uky.edu](https://www.uky.edu/KGS/water/general/wfaq.htm))
- Kentucky says naturally occurring arsenic and radon are area-specific contaminants of local concern. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/Reports/FactSheets/DOW-GroundwaterProtectionWells.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Start with the state-certified lab list, then ask the lab for the basic household panel plus any locally relevant tests. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/LabCert/Documents/KYCertifiedDWLaboratoryList.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Check KGS groundwater-quality and radon maps for your county or area before choosing extra tests. ([kgs.uky.edu](https://kgs.uky.edu/kgsmap/KGSWaterQual/viewer.asp))
- If your well was flooded or tests positive for coliform, disinfect, retest, and consult local health department guidance. ([eec.ky.gov](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/GW/Pages/GWOwnerAssist.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