Water testing | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Water testing update (7/10/2024) - The following water testing services are not eligible for rush testing at this time: Organic chemical rules package, EPA 504: ethylene dibromide (EDB) and dibromochloropropane (DBCP), EPA 505: Chlordane and toxaphene, EPA 505: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as Aroclors, EPA 525: Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and pesticides screen, EPA 525 individual SVOC compound, EPA 525: SVOC screen (non-quantitative).

If you are testing for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), or trihalomethanes (TTHMs), review the organics water testing schedule as these are only processed once at a month at the State Lab. Order supplies and submit tests accordingly.

Our Chemistry and Environmental Microbiology programs work together to test water for the state of Colorado. Below you will find links for homeowners that desire testing and for labs meeting compliance for testing drinking water throughout the state.

Water testing for non-water providers

Information for non-water providers such as well owners, business owners, and realtors who want to test their drinking water. Non-water providers do not follow a water testing compliance schedule or have a public water system identification number (PWSID).

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (For water providers and wastewater companies)

Compliance drinking water testing for wastewater companies, water providers, and other businesses.

Submitting a water sample to the State Lab

Step-by-step instructions on submitting a water sample for testing to the State Lab.

Organics Testing Schedule

Testing for organic substances occurs once a month.

Water Testing Turnaround Times (How long will it take to get my results)

*Customers that order Coliform testing will often receive two separate reports. When water samples are received at the lab - testing for Coliform Bacteria is completed within 48 hours. Customers receive this report first since this test has a rapid turn around time. The remaining results are sent between 2 to 4 weeks depending on the test. If Coliform is not ordered or a part of a testing package then the customer receives one report as opposed to two separate reports. Learn more about the turnaround time for testing here.

Please note: We no longer perform testing on radiochemicals in water.

We offer testing for lead in water. View the above links to order a test.

To learn more about lead please visit the department's lead page.

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To view our EPA certification please see our certificate.