Pennsylvania county well guide

Well Water in Sullivan County, PA: Testing, Contractors and Rules

About 2,004 households in Sullivan County, 79% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
79%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
Sullivan County79%
Pennsylvania average27%
68licensed contractors serve the county
21 mito the nearest certified lab, Pace Analytical Services, LLC – Wysox
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

Most homes in Sullivan County are on a private well: about 2,004 households, 79% of the county. That makes Sullivan County one of the places in Pennsylvania where the water department is the homeowner.

Local rules for wells in Sullivan County

Pennsylvania sets no statewide construction or testing standard for private wells, so what applies in Sullivan County depends on the county and the township. Some municipalities require a permit or a test at sale; many require nothing. Check with the township before drilling or selling, and treat the state guidance below as the floor.

At a glance

Water test for a new wellNot required statewide

Pennsylvania has no statewide private well construction standards or mandatory testing. DCNR licenses drillers but states that licensure does not require demonstrated knowledge of proper drilling. Some counties and townships (for example Chester County) have local well ordinances.

Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide

No statewide requirement. FHA, VA and USDA loans typically require a water test; some townships require testing at transfer.

What the state recommends

DEP recommends testing every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH, plus additional tests for any suspected contaminant. Penn State Extension recommends a broader panel every 3 years (metals, hardness, chloride, sulfate) and testing after flooding, repairs or a change in taste, odor or color.

Free or low-cost testingAvailable

DEP regional offices sell low-cost bacteria test kits. Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab offers mail-in drinking water kits at cost.

Getting your water tested near Sullivan County

7 certified labs within 40 miles serve Sullivan County, starting with LEAP Testing Service in Sayre (about 25 miles from the county center). Each card below shows whether the lab takes homeowner samples and which tests it is certified for.

8 certified labs within 40 miles

Licensed well contractors serving Sullivan County

31 licensed contractors serve Sullivan County, including Ameridrill, Inc. and Benner Geoservices Inc. Each profile carries the state license number and the date we checked it, and the filters below sort them by drilling, pump work or treatment.

Well depth and water chemistry

What comes up with the water depends on the aquifer. A first full panel tells you which of them apply to your well.

Typical well depth

Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.

Contaminants to test for
  • Coliform bacteria
  • Nitrate
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Hardness
  • Low pH
  • Radon
  • Arsenic (some regions)
  • Methane (gas regions)

Neighboring counties: Bradford County, Wyoming County, Lycoming County, Columbia County.

What well work costs in Sullivan County

Bacteria test (coliform and E. coli)$40published Pennsylvania lab fees
Nitrate test$15published Pennsylvania lab fees
Broad panel (metals and minerals)$220published Pennsylvania lab fees
Well inspection$250 to $550$350 to $900 with water testing
Submersible pump replacement$1,000 to $2,500installed; deep wells cost more
Pressure tank replacement$800 to $1,500installed
One treatment unit$700 to $3,500softener, iron filter or UV, installed
Multi-stage whole-house treatment$2,500 to $10,000+several units or whole-house RO, installed
New well, complete$6,000 to $16,000typical 200 ft well with pump; drilling alone about $20 to $30 per foot; deeper wells cost more
Shock chlorination$80 to $200by a contractor; under $30 to do yourself

Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab: $40 bacteria, $15 nitrate, $60 standard package, $220 extensive package. Installed costs are national 2026 ranges; local quotes vary with depth, access and materials. Sources, checked September 2026: Penn State drinking water testing, HomeGuide cost guides, Angi: cost to shock a well.

Questions Sullivan County well owners ask

How many homes in Sullivan County are on a well?

About 2,004, or 79% 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 Sullivan County?

LEAP Testing Service in Sayre, about 25 miles away. Call first to ask whether they accept homeowner samples.

Do I need a permit to drill a well in Sullivan County?

Pennsylvania has no statewide permit, but some townships and counties require one. Ask the township office before work starts.

What does a well test cost near Sullivan County?

A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. Mail-in kits cost about the same as walking in.