Drinking Water Bacteria

Our dedicated Microbiology and Bacteria Department offers comprehensive analysis services for a wide range of water and environmental samples.

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Comprehensive Analysis of Semi-volatile Organic Compounds

At Teklab, we specialize in the precise testing of a wide variety of Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) to meet the rigorous demands of industrial, municipal, and regulatory clients. Our advanced environmental laboratory routinely analyzes soils, waters, and special wastes using state-of-the-art methods, ensuring that every test we conduct is both accurate and reliable. From BNA and PAH testing to pesticides and herbicides, our comprehensive list of semi-volatile methods is designed to address your specific needs.

Understanding that many unique organic compounds exist, and local regulatory agencies may require testing beyond standard EPA or SW846 lists, Teklab performs validation studies to ensure your particular compound can be accurately extracted and analyzed. We pride ourselves on maintaining NELAP accreditation standards, providing you with trustworthy and legally defensible results. Whether your testing requirements are routine or specialized, Teklab’s commitment to quality and precision ensures that your environmental testing needs are met with the highest level of expertise.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team ensure accurate, timely, and reliable results for both public and private sector clients. We offer drinking water analysis of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria applicable to municipal water systems, private wells, and cisterns. Teklab specializes in wastewater analysis of fecal coliform for municipal wastewater and industrial effluents. We are experienced with sludge analysis of fecal coliform as well, and routinely partner with organizations needing to test for municipal biosolids.

Here is a PDF link to our Well Water/Bacteria & Nitrate Chain of Custody Form.

Early detection of harmful bacteria in water sources satisfies regulatory compliance, assisting clients in meeting local, state, and federal guidelines. Tracking bacterial levels in various water systems is an environmental monitoring process of efficiency, supporting wastewater treatment plant operations. Our Quality assurance methods are constantly validated and reassessed; adherence to standardized methods (e.g., EPA, Standard Methods), regular participation in proficiency testing programs, and strict quality control measures for all analytical procedures ensure we stay well within specifications. We provide rapid turnaround times for critical samples with comprehensive, easy-to-interpret reports and expert consultation on results interpretation or follow-up actions.

 

 

We understand the critical nature of microbiological water quality. Our Microbiology and Bacteria Department is committed to providing accurate, timely, and reliable analyses to support public health, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. For more information about our microbiology services, sampling procedures, or to discuss your specific analytical needs, please contact our laboratory directly.

 

Bacterial Testing: Protocols and Sample Acceptance

Teklab adheres to stringent protocols for bacterial testing to ensure the highest level of accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Our specialized procedures for sample collection and handling are designed to maintain sample integrity and deliver reliable results. Our sample collection protocols indicate municipal water systems and chlorinated sources samples MUST be collected in sterile bottles containing sodium thiosulfate. This includes private cisterns with city water and wells with constant chlorine injection systems.

 

If nitrate testing is required alongside bacterial analysis, a separate sterile bottle must be used. All other water sources samples MUST be collected in sterile bottles without additives. Sample collection kits are available from Teklab or your local health department. Each kit includes detailed instructions for proper sample collection. Please be careful as strict adherence to these instructions is crucial for accurate results.

⇒ Emergency samples are accepted on an as-needed basis for boil orders or municipal tower-related issues, and other urgent public health concerns.

To ensure the highest quality of service and maintain the integrity of your samples, we strongly recommend reviewing collection instructions thoroughly before sampling. Contacting our laboratory with any questions regarding sample collection or handling is always quick and easy. We recommend that you schedule sample drop-offs in advance, especially for time-sensitive analyses.

 

We are committed to providing accurate, timely, and reliable bacterial testing services. Our valuable expert team is always available to assist you with proper sampling techniques and to address any concerns you may have about the testing process.

» Water Sampling Protocol for Bacterial Analysis «

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of your water quality test results, please follow these step-by-step instructions carefully.

 

⋅ Sampling Location Selection: Choose a frequently used faucet, preferably select a faucet without internal aerator threads. Water softeners and filtration systems can harbor bacteria, consult a water treatment specialist if assistance is needed for bypassing these systems.

 

⇒ CAUTION: Do not touch the sterilized faucet opening. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water at a separate tap.

 

⋅ Sampling Procedure: Use COLD water tap only, allow water to flow at a moderate, smooth rate, for 2-3 minutes while you maintain consistent flow rate throughout the sampling process.

⋅ Sample Collection: Carefully remove the bottle cap without setting it down, fill the bottle to within one inch of the top, avoid touching the inside of the bottle or cap. Securely replace the cap immediately after filling.

⋅ Sample Documentation: Complete all fields in the shaded top portion of the provided form.

⇒ NOTE: Incomplete information may result in sample rejection.

⋅ Immediate Delivery: Transport the sample to Teklab as soon as possible after collection

⋅ Temporary Storage: If immediate delivery is not possible, refrigerate the sample

*Samples older than 30 hours will not be accepted for analysis.

 

Quality Assurance Reminders: Ensure all sampling equipment is clean and sterile, avoid contamination by not touching the inside of the bottle or cap, maintain sample temperature below 10°C (50°F) during transport, but do not freeze.

By adhering to these protocols, you help ensure the integrity of your water sample and the accuracy of the subsequent analysis. Teklab is always committed to providing precise and reliable results to safeguard public health and environmental quality.

For any questions regarding this sampling procedure or to arrange sample drop-off, please contact our laboratory directly.

HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY: 8 AM – 4 PM
Contact our lab for current pricing at (618) 344-1004
Please Note: Payment is REQUIRED upon delivery of samples.
— SAMPLES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED THE DAY PRIOR TO HOLIDAYS —

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