Water Testing

Here at the Laclede County Health Department, our Environmental Sanitation Department has its own state certified well water testing lab. Our lab tests water for Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli. If you are wanting your water tested, you may pick up a water test kit for $15.00 (cash or check is preferred, there is a small fee for cards). This kit comes with the bottle to collect your sample and instructions on how to get the most accurate sample. Water samples should be brought to the  Environmental Sanitation office within 3 hours from the time of collection.

Feel free to call us at 417-532-3477 for any questions you may have!

Water Testing for Home Loans

Check with your lender to see if an “unofficial” water sample is accepted. This simply means that you, the home-owner, are taking the sample and not a licensed water sample collector/inspector. The test we run at the lab is the same either way, however, some loan providers do not accept anything other that the “official” stamp on the test. ​

*If you do need an “official” sample, you can call our office at 417-532-3477 for names of licensed water sample collectors in the county.

Water Testing for Foster Care or Adoption

Check with your case worker to see if an “unofficial” water sample is accepted. This simply means that you, the home-owner, are taking the sample and not a licensed water sample collector/inspector. The test we run at the lab is the same either way, however, some loan providers do not accept anything other that the “official” stamp on the test. ​

*If you do need an “official” sample, you can call our office at 417-532-3477 for names of licensed water sample collectors in the county.

What We Test For

Total Coliform Bacteria

These are common in the environment (soil or vegetation) and are generally harmless. If a lab detects only total coliform bacteria in drinking water, the source is probably environmental and fecal contamination is unlikely. However, if environmental contamination can enter the system, pathogens could get in too. It is important to find and resolve the source of the contamination. 

E. coli

E. coli is a subgroup of the fecal coliform group. Most E. coli bacteria are harmless and exist in the intestines of people and warm-blooded animals. However, some strains can cause illness. The presence of E. coli in a drinking water sample usually indicates recent fecal contamination. That means there is a greater risk that pathogens are present.

Private Well Disinfection Procedure

What to do if your water tests positive for either Total Coliform Bacteria or E. coli:

• Add approximately one gallon of liquid household bleach (5.25% Calcium Hypochlorite) to the well through a suitable casing vent or tap.
• Flush the lines at each inside and outside outlet until a chlorine odor is noticeable.
• Allow the chlorinated water to remain in the entire system for at least 4 hours and preferable 12 hours.
• After the waiting period, flush the entire system at all outlets until the chlorinated water has been removed from the system.
• Take another water sample with a testing kit provided by the Health Department for bacteriological examination.