Testing for two types of bacteria, Total Coliform organisms and E. coli, in drinking water is required by the EPA for all public drinking water systems on an ongoing basis and is recommended annually for private individuals with their own water well systems. Water suitable for drinking by humans must be free of these organisms to be considered safe.

Chemical components of water fall into two categories; those affecting health and those that create aesthetic or practical problems. The TCPH North Texas Regional Laboratory offers chemical analysis that includes 22 tests which can be requested individually.  A 17 test chemical panel is also available.

For more information about testing your water for chemical analysis, please visit our Water Chemistry Testing page. 

Step 1 - Find the proper location.

1. Use an outside faucet which does not leak (avoid rubber hoses, fire hydrants, and dirty areas.) Remember to take only one sample per location, per time.
2. Run the water 2 to 3 minutes to clear the line.
3. Turn off the water and flame the mouth of the tap with an alcohol burner or propane torch.
4. Run the water again but in a slow steady stream.

Step 2 - Sample carefully.

1. Carefully remove the cap of the water bottle and fill to the 100 ml mark located at the top of the bottle. IMPORTANT - Do not touch the inside of the bottle or put the bottle on the ground.
2. Do not allow the powder to fall out of the bottle.
3. After filling the bottle, replace the cap securely and then ice the sample immediately.

Step 3 - Get it to the lab in a hurry.

1. Fill out the top half of the lab form (G19).
2. Fill out your portion of the form completely and be sure to use your system's I.D. number, if you have one. If you do not have a system I.D. number, indicate the County the sample was taken in.
3. If you chlorinate, record your chlorine residual.
4. Read the bottom portion of the form and make sure the lab has no reason to reject your sample before analysis.
5. IMPORTANT - Prior to mailing or carrying the sample and lab form to the lab, the sample must be placed on ice. Please make sure the form does not come in contact with melted water from the ice. (PLEASE DO NOT FREEZE SAMPLE)
6. Your sample MUST arrive in the lab less than 30 hours from the time you take the sample.
7. Attempt to get samples to the lab as early as possible in the month.

The laboratory is closed on all legal holidays, samples are not accepted on these days or the day before the holiday. To verify holiday closings, please call the lab at 817-321-4778.

Step 4 - Know what to expect.

In 2 to 5 days after the lab tests your sample, the results will be known. You may call for a verbal result after 48 hours. To inquire about your sample, please have readily available the name written in the address window of the submission form and the exact date of submission.

The lab will then mail the results to you on the form you completed. The MMO-MUG test for total coliforms and E. coli will be performed. The words which are the key to this report are:

A positive report indicating that Total Coliform organisms and/or E. coli have been found means the water may be unsafe and the system needs to be disinfected.

A negative report indicating that Total Coliform organisms and E. coli have not been found means the water is considered bacterially safe to drink at the time of sampling.

Remember that other factors such as chemical composition may also affect the safety, taste, and/or appearance of the water. For information regarding chemical testing in our laboratory, please refer to the Water Chemistry Testing page.

Final Step - What to do if …

UNSUITABLE FOR ANALYSIS - If the report returned to you from the lab indicates a problem with your sampling, retrace the proper steps for sampling. If you carefully follow the guidelines for proper sampling, you can avoid most reasons for an unsuitable sample.

If your report form is positive for coliform organisms, you should treat your well system with chlorine bleach, and then submit another sample for analysis. A water disinfection brochure is enclosed with all positive coliform test results. If you have questions, contact the laboratory.

Remember

Follow the proper procedure for testing: unless your sample is collected in a sterile bottle and every precaution is taken to avoid contamination, the results of the lab analysis are without value and your drinking water may be UNSAFE.

Guidelines and Regulations concerning water sampling are set out in the State of Texas "Drinking Water Standards" and the Federal "Safe Drinking Water Act."

Submit cash register receipt with sample. Please retain your copy.

Any questions, please call the lab at 817-321-4778.