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General Information
The Department of Health Laboratory is certified by the Indiana State Department
of Health (Certification #M-02-02) for the bacteriological examination of public
water. The lab passed its most recent on-site inspection and is accredited
through Dec. 31, 2009. We analyze well water and bathing beach water (in season: June1st
through September 31st)
Infections or disease associated with water contact
generally fall into two categories. The first
group is gastroenteritis resulting from unintentional ingestion of water
contaminated with fecal wastes. Enteric microbes that have been shown to cause
gastroenteritis from recreational water contact include
Giardia,
Cryptosporidium,
Salmonella,
E. coli
0157:H7,
Hepatitis A, and
Norwalk
virus.
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Well Water Analysis
The laboratory offers analysis of
private well water for coliform bacteria.
Lab Hours/Fees
Water test kits can be picked
up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Water samples can be
dropped off any any day except Fridays (or the day before government
holidays).
The cost is $18.
Instructions
After you
have collected the sample, it must be returned to the lab within 30 hours.
Refrigerate it overnight if a delay is necessary. The analysis takes
approximately 24 hours from the time the sample is received.
Forms
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Bathing Beach Water Analysis
The laboratory offers analysis of
bathing beach water for E. coli June through September. A natural
bathing beach is any area of a river, lake or impoundment that is used for
recreation. We do not analyze private swimming pools or spas.
Lab Hours/ Fees
Sample collection bottles can be picked
up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Samples can be
dropped off Monday through Thursday, 8 to 11:30 a.m.
The cost is $18 payable when you pick up
the sample bottle.
Instructions
Instructions can be found on the front of
the sample submission form.
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Samples must be refrigerated during
transit to the laboratory.
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Samples must be delivered to the
laboratory before 11:30 a.m.
-
Samples must not be held longer than
6 hours between collection and initiation of analysis.
The analysis takes approximately 24
hours.
Forms
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ø Do I have to be a resident of Allen County to have my water
tested by your lab?
No.
Ø
What all do you test for?
The test we perform detects coliform
bacteria only. This is the standard test to see if the water is
safe to drink.
Ø
What are coliform bacteria?
Coliform bacteria are germs found in the
intestines of warm-blooded
animals and, therefore, occur in sewage, soil, surface water and vegetation.
Ø What if I want it tested for other things, like nitrates,
pesticides or copper?
The labs that test for these things can be found in the Yellow Pages under
LABORATORIES-TESTING. You can also
go to
www.watercheck.com or call
1-800-458-3330 for National Testing Laboratory,
Ltd.
Ø
How much does it cost to have my water tested?
The cost is $18.
Ø Can I bring my water in a bottle that I’ve “sterilized” myself
at home?
No. The sample must be collected in a bottle
that we provide at the time you pay for the test. Sterile bottles from
other certified labs are also acceptable.
Ø
When can I drop off my sample?
The laboratory is open daily 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.. We do not
accept samples on Fridays (or the day before government holidays).
Please note: After you have collected the sample, it must be returned to the
lab within 30 hours. Refrigerate it overnight if a delay is necessary.
Ø
How long does the test take?
The test takes 24 hours from the time the sample is dropped off. Usually, the sample
is tested the day it is received. Samples received after 3 p.m. may not be
tested until the following morning.
Ø
Can you fax the results to me?
No. We provide an envelope that we ask you to self-address and stamp so
that we can mail the results. If you would rather pick up the results in
person, that’s fine too.
Ø How do you get rid of coliform bacteria from the well water?
Chlorination of the well and water pipes is a common and usually effective
method to disinfect the water supply.
Ø
Can I chlorinate the well myself?
Yes, but it is not easy to do. For complete directions, go to
www.in.gov/idem (Drinking Water Branch). If you
choose to have it done by a professional, some businesses to consider are listed
in the Yellow Pages under WATER WELL DRILLING &
SERVICE.
Ø
What if my water is “City” water?
You can contact the Water Filtration Plant at
(260) 427-1254.
Ø Whom should I contact if my water is cloudy and/or discolored?
Is it safe to drink?
If your water is from a private utility, the regulatory agency to call
is the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, (317) 308-3282.
Private utilities must comply with EPA limits for primary drinking water
standards. Cloudy and/or discolored water is a secondary water
quality characteristic which is a
non-enforceable federal guideline.
Ø How
long can I store bottled water?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not established a shelf life for
bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. For
answers to questions regarding bottled water visit
www.bottledwater.org/public/faqs.htm
Ø While
dining out, I found an object in my food. Can you test it for me?
Foreign or
unidentified objects found in food from a public restaurant may be
identified/and or analyzed at the health department laboratory. Please contact
the Food and Consumer Protection Division (449-7562) before submitting a sample.
Ø Do
you offer paternity tests? Where can I get one?
The Department of Health laboratory does not perform
paternity tests. Several sites that offer paternity testing can be found in the
Yellow Pages under Paternity Testing & Services. You may also contact your
family doctor or the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (449-4027).
For additional information on testing or water quality you may
also contact:
For more information
regarding waterborne pathogens, go to
www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html#micro.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/healthywater/index.htm
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Educational
Resources
Water quality information
Floodwater Information
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(260) 449-7396
(260) 427-1391
