Drinking Water Testing – For Coliform and E.coli, and Nitrate
The Jackson County Department of Public Health performs water testing on drinking water for the detection of Coliform, E.coli bacteria and Nitrate. This service is only available to the general public through the Environmental Health Section of the department of Public Health. All water samples must be collected by a qualified Environmental Health Specialist. There is a fee for bacteria and Nitrate testing.
Arrangements can be made with Environmental Health to have water tested for other substances such as lead and various other minerals. There are additional charges for these tests.
Water testing services are also available for public water suppliers. These suppliers may include but are not limited to Campgrounds, Motels, Churches, Schools, Restaurants, Mobile Home Parks, Subdivisions, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, etc. Other health departments and consultants with the Regional Office may also utilize the water testing services.
Water samples are accepted for testing:
- Monday – Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NO WATER SAMPLES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON FRIDAY OR THE DAY BEFORE A GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY UNLESS FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES ONLY.
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The analysis determines the presence or absence of coliform and E.coli bacteria and takes a minimum 24 hours to a maximum of 28 hours from the set-up time.
Our laboratory offers two methods for water testing:
- 1. Colilert: Tests for (presence/absence) coliforms and E.coli with definitive results at 24 hours.
- 2. Quanti-Tray: Provides rapid and accurate counts of coliforms and E.coli on the Standard Methods Most Probable Number (MPN) model. Quanti-tray detects down to one organism per 100 ml and results are available in 24 hours.
Nitrate testing
Nitrate samples are required annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Nitrate samples need to be placed in ice and transport to lab immediately after collection.
* Water sample forms and sample bottles are provided by the JCDPH lab.
