Environmental Testing

Drinking Water

Well Water

We test well water for a variety of bacteriological, mineral, physical and nutrient contaminants.

We recommend testing for potability once every two years, for sudden changes in the water such as odor, strange taste or sudden discoloration. Mineral testing is recommended if there are questions concerning a current treatment system, staining, discoloration, deteriorating water pipes or residue.  There is a charge for testing and a fee schedule is available.

We are certified by the State of Connecticut to perform certificate of occupancy testing (for new homes with wells) and are able to report electronically for State compliance for regulated water supply schedules.

Sample containers should be obtained at the lab Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.

At this time we are not able to test for either radon in water or arsenic.

This tests for the presence of coliform bacteria in the water.  This is a basic test to check the integrity of a well, If this bacteria is present, a well person should be called to check the well. Sample containers from the laboratory must be used and samples may be brought in Monday through Thursday, but not the day before a holiday.  Results are available in 24 hours.

Color, turbidity and odor. These are tests which show the amount of discoloration, odor and cloudiness. Samples should be brought in within one hour for these tests

Hardness (total and calcium), salts (chlorides, sodium, potassium, sulfates), pH, alkalinity, aggressive index and conductivity. When you have pinhole leaks forming in your pipes or strange discoloration or tastes, these and the metal tests are what you would want. These are also tests for those looking to treat their water or want to check how the treatment on their water is performing. Samples should be brought in within one hour for values to be mnost accurate.

Copper, iron, manganese and zinc.  These show sources of discoloration, levels of corrosion and odors.

Nitrate and nitrite.  These may show contamination from organic sources, (fertilizers, swamps, wet lands, composting operations, manure piles and sewage) and can indicate bacterial activity in a well.

We recommend testing for lead on homes built prior to 1977. Special bottles are available from the laboratory for testing. There is a $20.00 charge for this testing and the results may take between 2 to 5 days to complete.

Total heterotrophic bacteria counts (bacteria which grow in normal oxygen atmospheres), enterococcus bacteria, fecal streptococcus and a variety of iron and sulfur bacteria.

Other Drinking Water

We test the water company water based on complaints of odor, discoloration or lack of chlorine residual at the tap. The general quality of the water is monitored quarterly by the State of Connecticut and daily by the water company. Please contact either agency for general information on water quality.

We will also test bottled water based on specific complaints.  The Food and Drug Administration sets the standards for bottled water which are not as strict as those for well water or public water supplies.

Day Care and Nursery School Water Tests

The State of Connecticut has a specific schedule of testing for nursery schools and Day Care facilities, which is described in that license.  We are able to test for all state requirements for those on wells and those on a public water supply.  Additionally we do have the capability of transmitting the data from the test electronically to meet State requirements for those with a regualted water supply.

Surface Water

Swimming, Bathing or other Recreational Water

(Fresh or Salt Water used for swimming, bathing, boating, fishing or other common recreational use)

We test these waters to see if they are within the State of Connecticut’s guidelines: For marine waters, enterococcus bacteria less than 105 colonies/100 mL For Fresh bathing Water, E. coli less than 235 colonies/100 mL.  Additional testing for nutrients (usually from fertilizer), chlorophyll (the amount and the health of alae) and copper (from algaecide) is available.

Swimming Pools

(Private and Public)

We test swimming pools waters for levels of free and total chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. We can also test for the effectiveness of any other bactericide by testing for a total bacterial concentration (levels should be under 200 colony forming units per mL).

Shellfish Water Testing

(Salt Water only)

We are the only local health department in Connecticut certified by the FDA to test shellfish waters. This service is available to the public for a fee. The current status of the Stamford recreational shellfish beds are available by phone at (203) 977-5889.

Surveys of Potentially Contaminated Waters

For surface water with bacteriological contamination, an assessment of potential sources is called a sanitary survey. It can entail much time, many samples and the use of tracer dyes. Our experience in this area is extensive. We can provide comprehensive information for both the planning and testing phases of these surveys. Additional information on surveys conducted by this department is also available.

Sampling instructions and containers MUST be obtained from the Stamford Health Department Laboratory.