WATER LAB
Our Water Laboratory provides basic bacteria and nitrate testing services for public drinking water systems and swimming pools, as well as private drinking water systems, pools, and spas upon request. As a certified laboratory through the Utah Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Certification Program, all analyses are conducted in accordance with strict quality control standards to ensure accurate and reliable results. Routine sampling services for public swimming pools are available for ongoing monitoring. Sampling bottles may be obtained from us (free of charge) for Water System Operators or others who collect their own samples.
TESTS WE PERFORM
Our lab is certified to perform the following:
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| Test | Analysis | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pool Chemistry | Photometric | While not state-certified, these tests are typically more accurate than poolside testing. |
| Coliform Bacteria | Quanti-Tray (P/A) | Detects the presence of coliform bacteria in water samples. |
| E. coli Bacteria | Quanti-Tray (P/A) | Detects the presence of E. coli bacteria in water samples. |
| Heterotrophic Plate Count | SimPlate | Measures the concentration of heterotrophic bacteria in water. |
| Nitrate Testing | Laboratory | Tests nitrate concentrations ranging from 0.25 mg/L to 13.5 mg/L. |
Sample Receiving Schedule
Important: Samples are not accepted on Fridays, weekends, holidays, or the business day before a holiday.
Receiving Locations & Hours
| Location | Receiving Days/Times |
|---|---|
| St. George | Monday–Thursday (8:00 AM–4:00 PM) |
| Cedar City | Tuesday (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) |
| Panguitch | 1st Tuesday of each month (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) |
| Kanab | 2nd & 4th Tuesday (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) |
| Beaver | 2nd Tuesday of each month (November excluded) (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) |
Drinking Water Sample Procedures
Step 1: Retrieve Sampling Bottle
Important: Samples must be collected using sterile bottles provided by our water lab, available at no cost.
Step 2: Selecting a Sampling Point
The sampling point should be a cold-water tap located indoors if possible.
The tap should not:
- Be a yard hydrant
- Be too close to the ground (within 18 inches)
- Have an aerator
- Have a treatment or filtering device
- Be leaking
- Have a swing spout
- Have a strainer
- Have an attached hose
Step 3: Tap Sanitization
Let the water run for 3–5 minutes. If it is necessary to sanitize the tap using a chlorine or alcohol solution, allow the water to run for an additional 3–5 minutes after sanitizing.
Step 4: Handling the Bottle
Remove the seal and then remove the lid from the bottle.
- Do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.
- Do not allow the white powder (sodium thiosulfate) to fall out. It usually adheres to the bottle due to static electricity.
- Do not blow into the bottle.
- Do not wipe out the bottle.
- Do not rinse out the bottle.
- Do not allow the bottle to touch the tap or faucet.
Step 5: Filling the Bottle
Place the bottle under running water and fill it to the 100 mL fill line at a minimum. Do not overfill the bottle.
Step 6: Sealing
Seal the bottle immediately.
Step 7: Storage & Transport
- Keep drinking water samples below 50°F (10°C). An ice chest with an ice pack is usually sufficient.
- Total coliform and E. coli samples must reach the laboratory and be analyzed within 24 hours of collection.
- Warning: Do not allow samples to overheat in a hot vehicle.
Step 8: Contact the Lab
We recommend calling the laboratory before delivering samples.
Pool & Spa Sample Procedures
Step 1: Collect Sampling Bottle
Important: Samples must be collected using sterile bottles provided by our water lab, available at no cost.
Step 2: Handling the Bottle
Remove the seal and lid from the bottle.
- Do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.
- Do not allow the white powder (sodium thiosulfate) to fall out. It usually adheres to the bottle due to static electricity.
- Do not blow into the bottle.
- Do not wipe out the bottle.
- Do not rinse out the bottle.
- Do not allow the bottle to touch the tap or faucet.
Step 3: Collect the Sample
Submerge the bottle opening-down at least 6 inches below the water surface, fill in one sweeping motion, then remove and immediately recap.
Step 4: Storage & Transport
- Keep swimming pool and spa samples below 50°F (10°C). An ice chest with an ice pack is usually sufficient.
- Total coliform and E. coli samples must reach the laboratory and be analyzed within 24 hours of collection.
- Warning: Do not allow samples to overheat in a hot vehicle.
Step 5: Contact the Lab
We recommend calling the laboratory before delivering samples.