The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) provides non-potable water testing for samples throughout Florida for county health departments. Testing is provided at the Jacksonville and Miami laboratories.
Non-potable Water Testing
Required Form: DH641
Analytes Tested
E. coli, coliforms, and Enterococcus
Services
Services are provided through county health departments.
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., delivery cut off at 2 p.m. on Fridays. Contact BPHL if testing is required in emergency situations, outside of normal service hours.
Processing Time
36 hours
Sample Collection
Water collection kits are provided by a local county health department or Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (can be picked up at the lab at the specimen delivery drive through, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Collection Instructions
Follow the instructions provided with collection kit to collect at least 100 mL of water sample.
Shipping/Delivery Instructions
Water samples must be collected and delivered to the laboratory the same day. Water samples must be colder than 10° C (50° F) at delivery, so we recommend they are transported to the lab on ice, in a cooler. The staff will need to check the temperature of the transport cooler prior to removing the samples for delivery.
Please contact BPHL if testing is required for sewage spills, hurricane response, or beach water testing outside of normal season.