Ben Schmidt of http://www.benschmidt.tv a Fredericton NB and Oromocto NB Real Estate Agent video blogs about the importance of a water test
When purchasing a home outside of city limits you will need to do a water test. The bank requires it. The bank will not lend the money to buy a home that does not have drinkable water. But drinkable water is defined by the bank as not having E.Coli or Bacteria present.
A basic water test, which is just testing E. Coli and Bacteria costs $55. A Full Chemistry test is $120 an includes E. Coli and Bacteria but also another wide range of tests including, iron, magnesium, turbidity etc. If it were me I would want to know if the well has iron in it. So in my opinion it is very worth the extra $65 to test the water for everything.
Interesting story though. When you offer on a home with a well you need to state you are doing a water test. BUT you need to indicate if you are doing full chemistry. If you just click water test and do not click you are doing a full chemistry test then the results of the basic water are are all that is required with the sale of the home.
In this instance the buyers only requested a basic test on the offer, but got a full chemistry test done. There were no problems with E. Coli and Bacteria but there was very high levels of iron. The buyers did not want to have to pay for the water treatment system, but the sellers legally did not have to either as it was not a condition of the sale. End of the day the parties agreed on a compromise as most people do. But definitely something to make note of.
If you have any questions about water tests or a question for a Fredericton Realtor give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com and thank you very much Fredericton we will be talking to you real soon ;)