The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) provides well water testing for samples throughout Florida. Testing is provided at the Jacksonville and Miami laboratories.
Private Well Water Testing
If you have a private well, the Florida Department of Health recommends that you test your water for bacteria and nitrate at least once per year.
Use the NELAP Certified Laboratory Search to find other laboratories that provide additional testing services.
Operating Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., delivery cutoff is at 2 p.m. on Fridays.
Contact BPHL at 904-791-1600 if testing is required in emergency situations, outside of normal service hours.
Required Form
Use form DH655 to request water testing.
Testing Locations
Analytes Tested
E. coli and coliforms
Processing Time
48 hours
Cost
• $40 for private testing through BPHL
• $17 for county health departments
Sample Collection
Collection kits are provided by a county health department, or BPHL’s specimen delivery drive through, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Collection Instructions
• Water must be run for 5 minutes or more
• Do not place your hand or fingers in stream of water
• Follow the instructions provided with collection kit to collect at least 100 mL of water sample
Shipping/Delivery Instructions
• Samples must be collected and delivered to the laboratory the same day
• Samples must be colder than 10° C (50° F) at delivery, we recommend they are transported on ice, in a cooler
• Staff will check the temperature of the transport cooler prior to removing the samples for delivery