Private Drinking Water Testing

The State Public Health Laboratories test approximately 10,000 private water samples for bacteria annually. Property owners may submit samples from private wells or other drinking water sources for bacterial testing. Samples must be submitted in collection kits provided by the State Public Health Laboratory. These kits are available through the local public health agencies or State District Health Offices. There is a $10.00 fee assessed upon completion of the test.

Samples submitted for official actions (including most real estate transactions, facility inspections or legal proceedings) must be collected and submitted by an official of a local public health agency, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Environmental Specialist, or an approved water/septic system inspector licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. There is no fee for testing official samples.

The appropriate form must be submitted with each type of sample.

Unofficial Private Water Form
Official Private Water Form
Sampling Instructions

Tests Available and Methods: All tests require a 100 ml sample

• Total Coliform Bacteria - Enzyme Substrate (Idexx Colilert ™ Presence/Absence and QuantiTray)
• E. coli bacteria - Enzyme Substrate (Idexx Colilert ™ Presence/Absence and QuantiTray)
• Iron bacteria - Membrane filtration 

Other tests for specific waterborne pathogens (bacteria) may be available by special request.

Yellow color indicates presence of Total Coliform bacteria. Fluorescent blue color indicates presence of E. coli bacteria. Tests require a minimum 24-hour incubation period. Colilert and QuantiTray are registered trademarks of Idexx Laboratories. Photos courtesy of Idexx Laboratories.

Samples must be received at the laboratory and testing initiated within 48 hours of sample collection. The SPHL 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 State Public Health Laboratory courier pickup locations, click on the link below, or contact your local public health agency.

SPHL Courier Pickup Locations

Parasites
Testing for Giardia or Cryptosporidium (parasites) is not available at the State Public Health Laboratory. Parasite contamination of properly constructed and maintained deep wells is rare. Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are typically associated with surface water sources (ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, etc.). Only wells that are under the direct influence of surface water are typically tested. Homeowners should attempt to rule out more common sources of parasite infections (human to human transmission, especially children attending schools or daycare; animal to human transmission; direct contact with surface waters, etc.).

This testing is very expensive (approximately $400 per sample) and has a low sensitivity rate. A national list of private laboratories providing these services is available. Consult the unit supervisor for more information or visit the US EPA website listing for approved labs: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/lt2/lab_home.html#listapprovedlabs

More Information:
For technical assistance in determining the condition of your private water supply, sampling and testing your well water, or disinfecting your well, contact the Environmental Public Health Specialist at your local public health agency (County Health Department or State District Health Office). 

County Health Office Listings

Other informational forms:

Explanation of Total Coliform and E. Coli Bacteria Results in Drinking Water
What To Do If Your Water is Reported Unsatisfactory for Drinking
Directions for Disinfecting a Well