Water Quality Testing
Sag Harbor, NY
Water Quality Testing in Sag Harbor
On the East End, water quality is not something you want to “assume.” Many Sag Harbor properties are served by public water, others by private wells, and the smartest approach is simple: test and document—especially when you’re buying or selling.
Casablanca Environmental & Building Diagnostics provides water quality testing in Sag Harbor, NY, with samples analyzed by a New York State ELAP-certified laboratory for accuracy and defensible reporting.
Why water testing matters in Sag Harbor
Long Island’s drinking water comes from underground aquifers, and the shallow aquifer is a major source for private wells—especially on the East End. That means local conditions can show up in your results, including:
Saltwater influence / chlorides in coastal areas (chloride can increase significantly with saltwater intrusion depending on well location).
Natural metals like iron and manganese that can cause staining and taste/odor complaints (often aesthetic, but still worth documenting).
Private well vulnerability: private wells tend to be relatively shallow and can be more likely to pick up surface contaminants.
Real estate note
Private wells in Suffolk CountyIf a home is served by a private water system, Suffolk County law requires a written certification from a NYS-approved laboratory (based on analysis of untreated/raw water) before the purchase of a residential dwelling is consummated—unless properly waived in the contract.
If you’re under contract, testing early helps avoid last-minute stress.
What we test for
Panels based on your goal.
Your testing plan should match the reason you’re testing. In Suffolk County’s own private well testing program, analyses are typically described as covering microbiological quality, inorganic chemical content, volatile organic compounds, and petroleum derivatives (and in agricultural areas, certain pesticides).
Common testing goals
1) Annual screening / peace-of-mind baseline
A practical snapshot for seasonal homes and ongoing maintenance planning.
2) Real estate due diligence (well certification support)
Designed around the reality of transaction deadlines and documentation needs.
3) Problem-driven testing (odor/taste, staining, “salty” water, known area concerns)
Targeted selection of analytes based on what you’re experiencing and the property context.
Examples of parameters we commonly include
Depending on your situation, testing commonly includes:
Bacteria indicators (potability screening)
Inorganics/metals and general chemistry (common causes of staining and corrosion)
VOCs / petroleum-related compounds when warranted by context
Chloride/salt influence considerations for shoreline/coastal conditions
(Your panel can be tightened or expanded depending on whether you’re doing annual screening vs. a real estate certification vs. troubleshooting.)
What to expect (simple process)
Quick intake — public water or private well, timeline, and any symptoms (taste/odor/staining).
Sampling — collected with clear documentation and chain-of-custody for lab analysis.
Lab results + interpretation — you’ll get results in plain language, including what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next.
Next steps — if anything is elevated, we’ll outline practical options (treatment, retesting strategy, or further evaluation).
How often should you test?
For private wells, SCWA’s public guidance recommends testing at least once a year by a qualified laboratory, noting that private wells are often shallow and more likely to pick up surface contaminants.
Real estate transactions and noticeable changes (taste/odor/appearance) are also strong triggers to test.
FAQ — Water Quality Testing in Sag Harbor
Do I need water testing if I’m on public water?
It depends on your goal. Public water is treated and monitored, but testing can still be useful if you’re noticing changes in taste/odor, staining, or if you want baseline documentation for peace of mind. If you’re on a private well, testing is generally much more important because maintenance and monitoring are the homeowner’s responsibility.
What’s the difference between a “real estate water test” and a regular annual test?
A real estate test is built around timelines and documentation. It typically focuses on the parameters commonly requested during transactions and produces a clear lab report that can be shared with attorneys, agents, and buyers/sellers. An annual test is more of a maintenance baseline—useful for catching changes over time and confirming your system is performing the way you expect.
How do you decide what we should test for?
We start with three things: (1) water source (private well vs. public), (2) why you’re testing (real estate, annual screening, or a problem like staining/odor), and (3) any site clues (salt influence concerns, history of treatment equipment, past issues). Then we choose a panel that fits the purpose—tight enough to be efficient, but broad enough to be meaningful.
How long does it take to get results?
Sampling itself is usually quick. Lab turnaround depends on the panel, but most results come back within a few business days. If you’re under a real estate deadline, mention it upfront so we can choose the most efficient panel and timing.
If something comes back high, what happens next?
First, we interpret the results in plain language—what’s elevated, what it typically means, and whether it’s a health concern or more of an aesthetic/system performance issue (like staining). Then we outline next steps, which may include confirming with a follow-up test, adjusting treatment/filtration, or bringing in the right specialist if additional evaluation is needed.
Schedule water quality testing in Sag Harbor
If you’re in Sag Harbor and need well water or tap water testing, tell us your timeline (especially if you’re under contract) and what you want to accomplish. We’ll recommend the right panel and get you clear documentation you can use.