Nutrients and Minerals in Water
Brief Description
MSPHL can perform the following analyses in drinking water: pH, anions (chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
The analyses listed above will be performed if New Well or Minerals, Nutrients, Metals (MNM) is checked in the Tests Requested section of the Chemical Water Testing Test Request Form.
Laboratory Unit
Chemistry
Methodology
pH – potentiometric measurement of hydrogen ion activity using a pH meter.
Anions – ion chromatography
Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) - gravimetric analysis
Specimen Collection
1 L cubitainer
Nitrate – Must be tested within 14 days of collection.
TDS – Must be tested within 7 days of collection
Storage/Transport
No special conditions.
Acceptable Specimen Type(s)
Private water source - Private drinking water testing (e.g. well water, spring water, cistern water) is conducted in circumstances where public health could be at risk. Water samples must be submitted by an Environmental Public Health Specialist, Lead Assessor, or Environmental Specialist employed by a Public Health Agency.
In instances where private drinking water testing is desired but public health is not impacted, testing should be conducted by a private laboratory. For a list of private laboratories that are certified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct drinking water analysis, please contact DNR Public Drinking Water Program at 573-751-5331.
Test Request Form(s)
Chemical Water Testing Single Sample Test Request Form
Chemical Water Testing Multiple Sample Test Request Form
Possible Results
Refer to Environmental Protection Agency’s website for contaminant level.
Unacceptable Conditions
Sample container incorrect
Holding time exceeded.
Insufficient sample.
Interfering Substances
N/A
Result Reported
Water analysis is conducted and result reports are released weekly. The submitter will be contacted by telephone if any results are above the EPA contaminant level.
Fees
N/A
CPT Codes
N/A
LOINC/SNOMED Codes
N/A
Additional Information
Public drinking water supplies are tested by the Missouri Department of Natural resources. For public water supply analysis results please visit the MODNR website.
For information about drinking water, including contaminant levels, please visit the EPA website.