Recreational Water Testing

The State Public Health Laboratory now offers recreational water testing of public swimming pools and bathing beaches to local public health agencies and federal agencies on a contractual basis. Samples are tested for E. coli levels using the Idexx Colilert^TM QuantiTray^TM system. There is a $15 charge for this test. Agencies interested in establishing a testing contract should contact the SPHL Financial Unit at 573-751-3334. Samples from private individuals will not be accepted.

The SPHL also performs recreational water testing in the event of a waterborne disease outbreak. Outbreak investigation and sample submission is coordinated through the local public health agency’s environmental public health specialist, or through the State District Health Office.

County Health Office Listing

Recreational water samples must be submitted using the appropriate collection kit provided by the State Public Health Laboratories. To request sample kits, contact us. 

The appropriate form must be submitted with each sample.

Recreational Water Analysis Request Form
Instructions for Collecting Bacteriological Water Samples from Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches

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

• Total Coliform Bacteria Count - Enzyme Substrate Quantitative (Idexx Colilert™ QuantiTray)
• E. coli Bacteria Count - Enzyme Substrate Quantitative (Idexx Colilert™ QuantiTray)
• Staphylococcus Bacteria Count - Membrane filtration
• Pseudomonas Bacteria - Single Tube Presence/Absence
• Fecal Coliform Bacteria Count – Membrane filtration