The Missouri State Public Health Laboratories (MSPHL) tests approximately 7,000 private water samples for bacteria annually. Property owners may submit samples from private wells or other drinking water sources for bacterial testing. The MSPHL can test for three different types of bacteria in private water samples. Routine samples are tested for coliform and E. coli bacteria. Testing for iron bacteria is available by special request. We collect water samples locally and send to the state for proper testing.
Our agency collects 2 types of water samples (bacteriological and chemical) based on guidance provided by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Sometimes water supplies are sampled when a physician requests a sample to be taken in an effort to diagnose an illness. Guidance is provided to resolve problems with the well when the water is found to be unsatisfactory for drinking purposes.
We will not collect water samples from community water supplies regulated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) unless requested by DNR or as part of a communicable disease outbreak investigation. Our agency also collects bacteriological and chemical water samples on a routine basis as part of regulatory requirements of food establishments and child care facilities on their own wells.
Sampling Kits
Bacteriological Samples:
- $10.00: Pick up a sampling kit at our office during business hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 1 Healthcare Place, Bowling Green, MO 63334
- FREE: Call to schedule for our environmentalist to acquire a sample: 573-324-2111
Chemical Samples:
- FREE: Call to schedule for our environmentalist to acquire a sample: 573-324-2111