Bacteria Testing

well water testing

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory Private Drinking Water Analysis

Routine Total Coliform and E. coli Analysis

The State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) can test for three different types of bacteria in private water samples. For more information, see the SPHL webpage.

 

To receive a State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) issued test request form, water sample collection kit, and sample collection instructions, contact:

Your Local Public Health Agency (LPHA). Search the Directory of Local Public Health Agencies by city or county at https://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/lphas.php.

OR

Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. BOX 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Telephone: 573-751-6102
Toll free: 866-628-9891
Email: info@health.mo.gov

For questions regarding the status of your water test or assistance understanding your private drinking water laboratory test report, contact the agency from which you received your private drinking water sample collection kit from.
The SPHL is able to analyze water samples from private drinking water sources. Private water sources include private groundwater wells, cisterns, and larger private water systems that serve more than one residence.

  • Private ground water wells usually supply water to an individual residence.
  • Private water systems are those that serve no more than 25 people at least 60 days of the year and have no more than 15 service connections. Each building serviced by the same private water system is considered to be a service connection for that system. Most private water systems use ground water wells.
If your water source does not meet these specifications, contact the Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch.