We specialize in complete water testing support.
All public drinking water results are reported as per EPA regulations.
406.582.0822
We specialize in complete water testing support.
All public drinking water results are reported as per EPA regulations.
406.582.0822
Use the following resource to learn about the tests we do as well as how to interpret the results afterward.
For sample bottles and instructions, call 406.582.0822 or visit the lab just outside of Bozeman in Four Corners.
Business hours:
Business hours:
Get your well or drinking water tested
We help you interpret the results of your water tests
We will assist you in finding solutions to correct problems indentified through our test results
RESULTS: Most routine water test results will be ready within 3-4 business days, however analysis of metals can take 2 weeks. Please call the lab for more information on specific tests.
Sampling instructions for Bacteria
Lead+ Copper
Well Educated Packet
Price List
Can be naturally occurring, but often is associated with contamination from septic systems, animal corrals or feedlots, or runoff from fertilizers. The EPA has established a max contaminant level for Nitrate of 10 mg/L as N & for Nitrite of 1 mg/L as N. Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L as N may cause a condition called methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in infants under 6 months.
Provides an estimate of the amount of minerals dissolved in the water - high conductivity indicates a large amount of dissolved minerals, which could adversely affect the quality of the water. Normal Range is 200-600 uS/cm.
Concentrations greater than 2.0 mg/L can produce florosis (mottling of the teeth) in children under the age of nine. EPA has set a drinking water limit for fluoride at 4 mg/L.
Indicates how acidic or basic the water is EPA recommends drinking water have a pH between 6.5 to 8.5 S.U.
Concentrations above 250 mg/L can have a laxative effect for those not used to drinking the water.
Due to calcium and magnesium. As a general rule, a value of below 60 mg/L is considered soft; from 60-120 mg/L is considered moderately hard; from 120-180 mg/L is considered hard; and values above 180 mg/L are considered very hard.
Iron can cause unpleasant taste, odor and can cause a reddish brown staining color. EPA recommends iron levels in drinking water be below 0.3 mg/L.
Total Coliform Bacteria/E. coli (fecal coliform) Total Coliform Bacteria are naturally present in the environment and are used as a indicator that other, possibly harmful bacteria may also be present. E. coli bacteria are an indication of human or animal fecal contamination. Presence requires treatment.
More common than sulfur bacteria because iron is abundant in ground water. Iron levels above 0.3 mg/L may support the growth of iron bacteria, which may form a reddish brown or yellow slime that can coat well screens and clog plumbing. These bacteria may cause an odor simlar to fuel oil, cucumbers or sewage.
Break down sulfur compounds producing hydrogen sulfide gas in the process. Hydrogen sulfide gas is foul smelling and highly corrosive. The most obvious sign of a sulfur bacteria problem is the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of hydrogen sulfide gas, blackening of water or dark slime coating the inside of toilet tank may also indicate a sulfur bacteria problem.
Is the name given to bacteria that are able to produce copious amounts of slime. This slime can contribute to plugging, loss in efficiency of heat exchangers, clouding, taste and odor problems.
A procedure used to estimate the number of live heterotrophic bacteria that are present in a water sample. EPA guidelines recommend that HPC levels should not exceed 500 bacteria / ml. Results exceeding 500 bacteria /ml are an indicator of deteriorating water quality.
Arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth, especially around hot springs or geothermal sources, around glacial geologic deposits and around mined ores such as copper, gold and zinc. The EPA has set a drinking water standard for arsenic of 10 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.010 mg/L. The presence of arsenic over a long period of time may cause "chronic" effects to a person's health, such as skin problems, high blood pressure, circulatory system failure, diabetes, nervous system problems, low birth weight and certain types of cancers.
Copper is an essential nutrient in the human diet, but can be found in high concentrations with the corrosion of copper pipes. The EPA set the drinking water standard for copper at 1.3 mg/L. Concentrations of 1-2 mg/L can be detectable by a metallic taste. Copper can also cause a blue-green staining on fixtures. High concentrations of copper can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.
Lead can be naturally occurring, but most often comes from lead in the pipes or water fixtures in the plumbing. The EPA has set the drinking water standard for lead at 0.015 mg/L. Concentrations above this can cause kidney damage, high blood pressure and brain damage, with the effects being more severe in children.
Contact us and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.
7539 Pioneer Way Suite B
Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 582-0822