I have a simple fee policy that avoids any possible conflict of interest: there  is a flat fee of $75.00 plus whatever lab fees apply for whatever water tests you select. By this method you can be assured that any advice you hear is motivated only by your interest and not by possible profit on various lab fees.

Here are some typical lab fees:

• Bacteriological work: (Total Coliform and E-Coli): $15-$30.
• FHA-Short Series: Coliform, lead, nitrate, nitrite: $75-$100.
• FHA-Long Series: Coliform, pH, Chloride, Conductivity, MBAS, Nitrite,  Nitrate, Ammonia, Lead, Copper, Total Hardness (Ca, Mg), Iron, Manganese, Zinc: $200.-$275.
• FHA/HUD: Coliform, Lead, Nitrite, Nitrate, Iron, Manganese, Sodium, pH,  Hardness (Ca, Mg), Alkalinity, Turbidity: $170-$250.

Note: these tests and fees will vary depending on lab chosen and subject to  lab rate changes.

Be careful: some cut-rate laboratories doing business in New York State are  NOT fully certified for all of the tests they are offering; tests by such agents could be illegal and may also be conducted improperly. Discuss any concerns with  your home inspector or test consultant.

Email: dfriedman@inspect-ny.com