Water Microbiology
Water Analyst: Cathy Heyl Phone: (307) 777-7812
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. There is currently a $1.00 per sample processing fee which will be billed quarterly to registered customers. To become a registered customer, please call the number listed above. Registered customers will receive their collection containers and forms in the mail per request.
Sample Analysis
Samples will be analyzed by the Colilert or Colisure method for total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Upon special request and prior consultation, fecal endpoint analysis is available for raw waters.
Specimen Requirements
1. Samples must be submitted in sterile containers 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 require prior consultation, and 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, 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. 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.
Reporting/Interpretation
Drinking water samples will be reported as:
1. Not Tested
2. Satisfactory
3. Unsatisfactory
If a sample is not tested, a reason will be indicated on the form. Unsatisfactory samples are total coliform and/or 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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