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Water Labs

Know Your Water

“As a homeowner/resident, with a private well source, it is YOUR responsibility to know what contaminants are present in your water.”

The La Porte County Health Department Water Laboratory, (LPCHDWL) a Public Health Laboratory Service, is certified by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Water Microbiology/Chemistry Certification Program for the Bacteriological Examination of Public Waters under the Safe Drinking Water Act in accordance with the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141) and the Indiana Primary Drinking Water Regulations (327 IAC 8-1 & 8-2).

To maintain state certification, the laboratory conducts required blind study proficiency testing annually and quality assurance and quality control exercises on a daily and monthly basis. Every three (3) years the LPCHDWL is audited by the Indiana Department of Health Water Microbiology and Chemistry Certification Programs to receive accreditation and re-certification.  The LCHDWL analyses water for Total coliform and E. Coli bacteria in public and private well water, community pools and spas. Coliform bacteria are a commonly used as a bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore-forming bacteria which can ferment lactose with the production of acid and gas when incubated at 35-37°C. Coliforms can be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation; they are universally present in large numbers in the feces of warm-blooded animals. While coliforms are themselves not normally causes of serious illness, their presence can be used to indicate that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present. Fecal pathogens include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and many multicellular parasites.

During the months of March-October, the LPCHDWL analyses surface water from local area recreational beaches, ponds, lakes and standing water for potential septic system contamination for the presence of E.coli.

The laboratory also offers non- IDOH screening tests for Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Iron and Fluoride.

Bottles for all tests are purchased from our office and brought back during the specific lab hours after properly sampling the water to be tested. All information needed (directions for taking a sample, lab hours) are on the reverse side of the lab form received when purchasing the bottles. Please be aware certain tests have specific collection instructions and holding times (time of collection time of analysis of the sample).  Samples will not be accepted if they do not meet up to the criteria listed on the collection instructions.  We do not accept any samples on Fridays nor the day before or day of any government holiday.

Water Testing

Total Coliform (Bacteria) Sample(s) accepted Mon-Thurs, 8AM-3PM$25
Pool/Spa/Wading Sample(s) accepted Mon-Wed, 8AM-2PM$32
Surface Water Sample(s) (Beaches, Lakes, Ponds) accepted Mon-Wed, 8AM-3PM, Thurs 8AM-2PM$39
Property Transfers and New Wells Sample(s) (Bacteria and Nitrate) accepted Mon-Thurs, 8AM-3PM$57

Chemical Screening Sample(s) accepted Mon-Thurs, 8AM-3PM

1. Lead – $23
2. Nitrate – $23
3. Nitrite – $23
4. Iron – $20
5. Fluoride – $20

Sample(s) accepted Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm

IDOH Certified Chemistry Test

1. Nitrate – $25

Sample(s) accepted Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm

Tickborne Disease Testing

  • Tick borne illness testing – Starting at $210.00

The La Porte County Health Department water testing laboratory offers a FREE BLOOD DRAW for the public wanting to test themselves for Lyme disease and the co-infections associated with Lyme. The blood samples are shipped to IgeneX, Inc., a reference laboratory for tick borne illnesses.  However, the testing will not be free of charge, testing starts at $210, paid to IgeneX at the time of blood draw via check or money order.  IgeneX, Inc. laboratory does not bill insurance, but will bill Medicare.

Individuals interesting in the testing will need call the LPCHD La Porte Office for information.

Water Systems Council Information

The Water Systems Council (WSC) Website. The WSC is the only national, nonprofit organization solely focused on household wells and small water well systems. A great source of information for well owners.