To begin with, there are a number of elements that environmental testing can apply to. You may want to test the soil in your garden to see what you need to add this year in order to have a plentiful return on your work. You might test the water in your well to make sure that it is fit to consume for several reasons. For instance, if you have a well and plan to open a daycare, state or local requirements may include environmental testing in the form of a safe drinking water test. This is to protect you from accidentally opening a daycare in an area that has dangerous water and by default, feeding it to the children.
Environmental testing is generally done to meet some sort of safety regulation. However it is a good idea to have this kind of testing done when you move to a new residence or if you have made some changes that could result in environmental enhancement or depreciation.