Southwest Soils and Water Testing
VA, NC certified
- Coliform Bacteria
North Carolina county well guide
Well Water in Surry County, NC: Testing, Contractors and Rules
About 18,844 households in Surry County, 65% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.
of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
3licensed contractors serve the county
20 mito the nearest certified lab, Southwest Soils and Water Testing
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold
In Surry County, roughly 65% of households, about 18,844 homes, draw their water from a private well. Nobody tests it, treats it or inspects it unless the owner does.
Local rules for wells in Surry County
In North Carolina the county is the front door: Surry County Environmental Health permits the well, requires the 30-day test on a new well, and will collect a sample for the State Laboratory of Public Health for a county fee. The state’s testing schedule is in the cards below.
At a glance
Water test for a new wellRequired
Every newly constructed private well must be tested within 30 days of completion by the State Laboratory of Public Health or a certified lab before it is used for drinking water.
Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide
No statewide requirement at sale. Lenders (FHA, VA, USDA) usually require a test.
What the state recommends
Every year: total and fecal coliform bacteria plus a wellhead inspection. Every 2 years: heavy metals, nitrate and nitrite, lead and copper. Every 5 years: pesticides and volatile organic compounds. Retest after repairs, flooding, a change in water quality, or when an infant or pregnant person is in the home.
Free or low-cost testingAvailable
County health departments collect samples and send them to the State Laboratory of Public Health at set fees that vary by county (often $30 to $100 per panel).
Getting your water tested near Surry County
The nearest certified lab is Southwest Soils and Water Testing in Oak Street Hillsville, about 20 miles from the county center. There is one more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.
2 certified labs within 40 miles
Emsl Analytical, Inc.-Kernersville
NC certified
Licensed well contractors serving Surry County
Licensed help in Surry County includes Boyd’s Plumbing and S & Me Inc. Every listing was matched to the North Carolina license list; the “verify” link on each profile opens the state lookup.
3 licensed contractors
Boyd’s Plumbing
Verified license
License 3597 Active
- Pump Installation
- Pump Repair
Newman Brothers Incorporated
Verified license
License 2705014541 Active
- Pump Installation
- Pump Repair
- Well Abandonment
- Well Drilling
- Well Repair
S & Me Inc.
Verified license
License 4072 Active
- Well Abandonment
- Well Drilling
- Well Repair
Well depth and water chemistry
Well depth and water chemistry in Surry County follow the rock underneath it. Depth varies across the county; the state well record search shows logs for nearby wells.
Typical well depth
Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.
Contaminants to test for
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Iron
- Manganese
- Low pH (corrosive water)
- Coliform bacteria
- Radon
Neighboring counties: Yadkin County, Stokes County, Alleghany County, Wilkes County.
What well work costs in Surry County
Basic bacteria and nitrate test$25 to $75lab fee, homeowner sample
Full panel lab test$150 to $400metals, VOCs, radiologicals
Well inspection$250 to $550flow, pressure, visual, water test
Submersible pump replacement$1,200 to $4,500parts and labor
Pressure tank replacement$400 to $1,200installed
Whole-house treatment system$800 to $6,000softener, iron filter, UV, RO
New well drilled$5,500 to $25,000about $25 to $65 per foot
Shock chlorination$80 to $300or about $20 as a DIY job
National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.
Questions Surry County well owners ask
How many homes in Surry County are on a well?
About 18,844, or 65% of households, based on Census housing data and state well surveys. The share is highest outside the towns with public water.
Where is the closest certified lab to Surry County?
Southwest Soils and Water Testing in Oak Street Hillsville, about 20 miles away. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Surry County?
Yes. County Environmental Health issues the permit, and the new well must be tested within 30 days of completion.
What does a well test cost near Surry County?
A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. County-collected samples sent to the State Laboratory are often cheaper.