Public drinking water supplies are tested for bacteria on a monthly basis for Total Coliform and E. coli bacteria to comply with the State and US Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Act. The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL), US EPA certified laboratory # MO 00003, test approximately 60,000 public water samples annually. These services are provided as part of an interagency agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MO DNR).

For more information on public drinking water systems and compliance testing requirements, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Branch.

MO DNR Public Drinking Water Branch, list of certified laboratories

Public water samples must be submitted using the appropriate collection kit provided by MSPHL. To request sample kits, click here or call the Central Services Unit at 573-751-4830.

The appropriate form must be submitted with each sample. Forms are provided with sample kits. For additional forms, please contact the Central Services Unit at 573-751-4830.

Samples must be received at the laboratory and testing initiated within 30 hours of sample collection. The MSPHL statewide courier system may be used to transport samples to the Jefferson City laboratory overnight. There is no charge for this service.

For a list of MSPHL courier pickup locations, click on the link below, or contact your local public health agency.

MSPHL Courier Pickup Locations