Water Microbiology
Water Analyst: Mike Carl
Phone: (307) 777-7431
Water Testing Services Available
Bacteriological analysis of water samples is the only water testing service currently being offered at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory. Water samples are accepted only from EPA registered water systems, and/or county, state, or federal monitored systems.
Samples MUST be submitted in the collection container provided by the laboratory. These are available by enrolling in our pre-paid postage program or by picking them up at designated distribution sites for each county.
Sample Analysis
Samples will be analyzed for coliform bacteria. Upon special request and prior consultation, fecal endpoint analysis is available for raw waters. Drinking water samples and recreational water samples will be analyzed by Colilert Method. This 24 hour test can detect total coliforms and E. coli in water samples.
Specimen Requirements
1. Samples must be submitted in sterile jars provided by the laboratory.
2. Samples must be filled to the fill line; 100 ml is required for testing. Do not rinse out the bottle as it is sterile and sodium-thiosulfate has been added to inactivate any free chlorine that may interfere with the test.
3. Samples must be accompanied by a completed Bacteriological Report on Water Samples Test Form. Any special requests with prior consultation, should be noted on the form. Please check the box indicating the type of water being tested so the appropriate analysis can be conducted. There are three choices: EPA, Non-EPA drinking water, and Recreational. Recreational refers to pools, lakes, hot tubs etc.
4. Samples MUST be received within 48 hours of collection to be tested.
Criteria for Rejection
1. Samples over 48 hours old.
2. Leaked or broken in transit.
3. No date and/or time of sampling indicated.
4. Frozen samples.
5. Quantity not sufficient (a minimum of 100 ml sample is required).
6. Improper container.
7. Specimens from private submitters can not be tested.
8. Request other than bacteriological testing can not be performed.
Shipment
1. Specimens should be shipped so as to arrive at the laboratory within 48 hours after collection.
2. Each county has a designated distribution site where sampling containers and forms may be picked up. Samples are NOT to be dropped off at these sites after sampling has been completed. Samples must be mailed directly to the laboratory.
3. When hand carrying more than 10 water samples, please arrange for delivery to lab prior to 3:00 P.M.
A "postage paid" program is available. It allows you to get your sampling containers and preprinted forms sent directly to your address. The fee is $1.25 per container and fees will be charged for the number of samples you will receive for one year. This fee will be prorated after September of each year. Any repeat or additional routine samples that are mailed out to you during the year will be charged to your account the following year. Contact the office at 307-777-7431 for further information on participating in the "postage paid" program.
Reporting/Interpretation
Drinking water samples will be reported as:
1. Not Tested
2. Satisfactory
3. Unsatisfactory
If samples are not tested, a reason will be indicated on the form. Unsatisfactory samples are total and/or fecal coliform (E. coli) positive. Local or district sanitarians should be contacted if there is a problem with the non-EPA or Recreational water supply system. Only samples that have indicated an EPA number will have a copy of their result sent to the Regional EPA Office.
Contact Information for Questions
Wyoming does not have primacy over water supply systems. Compliance and enforcement will be carried out by the EPA Office for Region VIII (1-800-227-8917).
The water program is quite complex and all aspects of the program cannot be addressed here. Please direct specific questions about water testing to the Microbiology Supervisor.
Questions concerning EPA monitored systems for analysis and disinfection should be directed to the EPA in Denver at 1-800-227-8917.
Questions concerning Non-EPA water disinfection or system analysis should be directed to local or district sanitarians or call the manager of Consumer Health Services, Department of Agriculture at 307-777-7321 for the sanitarian nearest you.
Questions concerning other environmental testing should be directed to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 307-777-7317.
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