Why Test Water in Olympia, WA
Well or Municipal Users:
If you have a private well in Olympia, you should have your water tested regularly to ensure clean, safe water quality. At a minimum, this test should be done every year to check for Coliform Bacteria and every other year for Nitrates. Thurston County’s rural areas and wooded properties frequently rely on private wells, and given the region’s high rainfall and agricultural land use, groundwater contamination is a genuine and ongoing concern. If you notice any changes in your water’s color, taste, or odor, scheduling water testing in Olympia, WA is an important first step.
Users of city water in Olympia should consider water testing if they have concerns about quality, particularly those in older homes with aging plumbing, or anyone who is especially sensitive to water conditions.
Purchasing a Home in Olympia, WA:
If you are in the process of purchasing a home in Olympia, check with your lender to see if a water test is required. It is increasingly common for financial institutions to require testing as part of the loan process, particularly for properties on well water. In most cases, tests should include Coliform Bacteria and Nitrates at a minimum.
For specific loan types — including VA, FHA, HUD, and Rural Development home loans — water testing is a requirement for the loan to be processed. Boggs Inspection Services can help you meet those requirements quickly and reliably.
Water Testing Process
The inspector will take water samples at the source of the incoming water. Whether you are on well water or city water, we can check. The water samples are then sent of to a laboratory for testing/sampling to discover it’s contents. These water sample results are typically received within 5-7 business days after submission of the samples. If bacteria is present, a well treatment is recommended.
Types of Tests We Perform
Basic Water Test Includes:
- Coliform
- E. Coli
FHA Loans Plus Test Includes:
- Coliform
- E. Coli
- Nitrites
- Lead
- pH
Comprehensive Water Test Includes:
The Comprehensive Water Test is designed to check for a wide range of natural and chemical contaminants, including cancer-causing contaminants. See below for the detailed list of potential contaminants tested.
- Microbiological – Total Coliform, Fecal/E. Coli, Total Bacteria Count
- Inorganic Chemistry – Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Nitrite, Chloride, Chlorine, Color, Conductivity, Hardness, Odor, pH
- Radiological – Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your water supply, especially from wells. Testing for radon is important because it can pose health risks when released into the air during daily household activities. If detected, mitigation steps can help reduce exposure.
- Organic Chemistry – Below is a detailed list of potential contaminants tested:
- Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, tert-Butylbenzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorodibromomethane, Chloroethane, Chloroform, Chloromethane, o-Chlorotoluene, p-Chlorotoluene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane, Dibromomethane, 1,2-Dibromoethane, m-Dichlorobenzene, o-Dichlorobenzene, para-Dichlorobenzene, Dichloromethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 1,1-Dichloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, trans-1,3-Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene, Fluorotrichloromethane, Hexachlorobutadiene, Isopropylbenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Methyl-t-Butyl Ether (MTBE), Monochlorobenzene, Naphthalene, n-Propylbenzene, Styrene, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2,5-Trimethylbenzene, Vinyl Chloride, o-Xylene, m+p Xylenes
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About Olympia, WA
As the state capital of Washington, Olympia sits at the southern tip of Puget Sound and serves as the heart of Thurston County. Known for its lush Pacific Northwest landscapes, proximity to Capitol Lake, and a mix of urban neighborhoods and rural acreage, Olympia is home to a diverse range of residential properties — from historic homes near downtown to newer developments in surrounding communities like Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm.
The Olympia area’s high annual rainfall, dense tree cover, and significant number of properties on private wells make water quality testing a particularly important consideration for local homeowners. Agricultural activity, septic systems, and naturally occurring minerals in the region’s groundwater can all affect water quality in ways that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Professional water testing in Olympia, WA helps identify those issues before they become a health concern.
Whether you’re buying a home, already settled in the area, or simply want to know what’s in the water your family uses every day, Boggs Inspection Services provides reliable, certified water testing in Olympia, WA and the surrounding communities. Our inspectors understand the local landscape and the unique water quality considerations that come with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have water testing done in Olympia?
If your home is on a private well, you should test for Coliform Bacteria at least once a year and for Nitrates every other year at a minimum. If you’ve experienced any flooding, nearby construction, changes in water appearance or taste, or have a new baby in the home, testing more frequently is a good idea. City water users don’t need to test as regularly, but should consider it if they have concerns about aging pipes or water quality in their specific area.
Does my lender require water testing when buying a home in Olympia?
It depends on your loan type. For VA, FHA, HUD, and Rural Development loans, water testing is typically a requirement before the loan can be processed. Even if your lender doesn’t require it, water testing is strongly recommended for any property on a private well. We recommend checking with your lender early in the process so there are no delays at closing.
Can Boggs test both well water and city water in Olympia?
Yes. Our inspectors can collect water samples from either private well systems or municipal water supplies. While well water carries a higher risk of contamination due to its exposure to groundwater, city water users can also benefit from testing — especially in older homes where aging pipes may be introducing lead or other contaminants into the water after it leaves the municipal supply.
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