Teklab’s microbiology and bacteria department is responsible for total and fecal coliform analysis of both municipal and private drinking water. We analyze municipal wastewater and sludge samples for fecal coliform. We also perform heterotrophic plate count on drinking water, groundwater, wastewater and swimming pool samples.

Bacteria testing has very strict sample collection protocols. Municipal samples, private cisterns, or wells that contain city water, or have a constant chlorine injection system MUST be collected in a sterile bottle with sodium thiosulfate. If nitrates are to be analyzed, a separate bottle must be used. All other samples MUST be collected in a sterile bottle. You can obtain these kits from Teklab or from your local health department. Instructions for proper collection of samples are provided in these kits.

Teklab’s hours for microbiology and bacteria sample acceptance are Monday-Thursday, 08:00-4:00. Adequate notice must be given if you need to drop samples off before or after these hours. Emergency samples such as boil orders, or samples related to municipal towers are accepted on an as needed basis.