Blog > What are the FHA/VA Well Test Benefits for Maricopa AZ Home Sellers
Last updated: November 2025
What are the FHA/VA Well Test Benefits for Maricopa AZ Home Sellers
Key Takeaways
- Prevents underwriting delays by confirming safe water
- Identifies fixable issues before appraisal
- Builds buyer confidence in rural properties
- Required by lenders for private well homes
Well testing for FHA/VA loans confirms water is safe and potable. In Maricopa, early testing reduces surprises, keeps your appraisal on track, and protects your sale price by avoiding last-minute re-negotiations.
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Do FHA and VA require a well water test in Maricopa AZ?
Yes. Both HUD 4000.1 and VA Pamphlet 26-7 require a potability test for any property using a private well. Homes on municipal water, like most in Tortosa or Province, are exempt.
What does the FHA/VA well test check for?
Standard lender panels test for Total Coliform bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates, and Nitrites. Per FHA guidelines, lead testing is also mandatory. Many Maricopa lenders add Arsenic testing due to its presence in regional groundwater.
Who is allowed to collect the water sample?
The sample must be collected by a certified, independent third-party laboratory or technician to ensure chain-of-custody. Homeowner-collected samples are not accepted for FHA/VA lending.
What are the well and septic separation distances?
Pinal County Code, Title 17, requires a minimum of 50 feet from the well to the septic tank and 100 feet from the well to the drain field. FHA/VA appraisers will verify these distances.
Verification Steps
Who to call: Pinal County Environmental Health at 520-866-6866 for well and septic records.
What to ask: Request recorded distances between well and septic components and any historical test results.
How long are well test results valid?
FHA accepts results for up to 180 days from the collection date. The VA does not specify a hard expiration, but most lenders require tests to be within 90 days of closing. Always confirm with your specific lender.
What happens if the well test fails?
Bacterial contamination is typically remedied by shock chlorination followed by a 7-10 day flush and a re-test. For nitrates or metals, point-of-use or whole-home filtration systems are the standard solution.
Who pays for the well test and any repairs?
This is negotiable. Buyers often pay for the initial test, while sellers frequently cover the cost of corrective work to keep the transaction moving. Terms should be clearly defined in the purchase contract.
Next step: Ready to list with confidence? Start here: sell. Questions about wells or septics? Talk to our Maricopa real estate agents.
FAQ
Do FHA and VA require a water test for private wells?
Yes. Both HUD and VA handbooks require a passing potability test for any property using a private well to secure financing.
What contaminants are checked in a Maricopa well test?
Standard panels include Total Coliform, E. coli, Nitrates, and Nitrites. Lead is required by FHA, and Arsenic is a common local add-on.
Who takes the water sample?
A certified lab or technician must collect it to maintain chain-of-custody. Homeowners cannot collect their own samples for loan purposes.
How long are FHA/VA well test results valid?
FHA accepts up to 180 days; VA requires newer results, roughly 90 days. Confirm with your lender.
Can treatment help a failing test pass?
Yes. Bacteria issues often clear after shock chlorination and flushing. Metals and nitrates may need filtration. Re-test through the lab after treatment.
Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about real estate in Maricopa, AZ. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Consult qualified professionals for your specific transaction.