State-certified lab

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies)

Des Plaines, IL · Cook CountyCommercial laboratory

Call (847) 324-3341
WebsiteDirections
Certification
State certified
list checked September 30, 2026
Certificate
100256
Illinois program
Tests listed
6
Arsenic and more
Homeowner samples
Call to ask
not listed on the record

About Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies)

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies) is a commercial laboratory in Des Plaines, IL (Cook County). It is on the Illinois drinking water program's list of certified laboratories (certificate 100256), and we last checked the list on September 30, 2026.

The record does not say whether it takes samples from homeowners. Some certified labs only work with public water systems, so call before you collect a sample.

Before you go: Accredited by the Illinois EPA Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program for chemical analysis of drinking water (IL ELAP lab code 100256; primary lab list of December 9, 2025). Chemistry accreditation only; environmental and industrial lab, so ask whether it takes homeowner samples and what the minimum order is.

This profile is built from the official state list of certified drinking water laboratories, checked on September 30, 2026. Well Water Insider does not rate or endorse labs. Run this lab? Claim the profile to add prices, turnaround times, hours and a description.

Certification and services

State certified
Certification number
100256
Certified by
Illinois drinking water program
Certified for
Inorganic chemistry, Metals
Lab type
Commercial
Last verified
September 30, 2026

Listed on the official state certified laboratory list.

How to test your water here

How this lab takes samples, based on its listing. Call to confirm hours, bottles and prices.

Homeowner samplesNot listed, call to confirm
Mail-in kitsNot listed, call to confirm
Walk-in drop offNot listed, call to confirm

Published lab fees in Illinois: $30 for a bacteria test that also covers nitrate. County health department lab: one $30 test covers coliform, E. coli and nitrate (McHenry County). Prices at this lab may differ.

  1. 1

    Call for the right bottles

    Bacteria samples need a sterile bottle from the lab. Chemistry samples usually take a clean container the lab supplies.

  2. 2

    Collect from a cold tap before treatment

    Skip softeners and filters. Remove the aerator, run the water 3 to 5 minutes, then fill without touching the inside of the cap.

  3. 3

    Keep it cold and deliver within 24 hours

    Bacteria samples are time-sensitive. Use a cooler with ice packs and hand it in or ship it the same day.

  4. 4

    Read the report against the standards

    Compare results with EPA drinking water limits. If anything is over, our problem pages explain what it means and how to treat it.

Tests this lab is listed for

From the state certification list and the lab's own listing. Ask which ones it runs for homeowners.

Arsenic

Natural in some bedrock, with no taste or smell. The EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L. Learn more

Full Homeowner Panel

A broad package that usually covers bacteria, nitrate, metals and minerals. Learn more

Hardness

Calcium and magnesium. You need this number to size a water softener. Learn more

Iron and Manganese

The cause of orange and black stains. EPA guidelines are 0.3 and 0.05 mg/L. Learn more

Lead

Usually from plumbing and older well parts. EPA says there is no safe level. Learn more

Nitrate / Nitrite

From fertilizer, manure and septic systems. The EPA limit is 10 mg/L as nitrogen. Learn more

Location

509 North 3rd Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Lab address

Questions about Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies)

Is Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies) state certified?

Yes. It is on the Illinois list of laboratories certified for drinking water testing, last checked September 30, 2026.

What can Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies) test well water for?

Its listing covers arsenic, full homeowner panel, hardness, iron and manganese, lead and nitrate / nitrite. Call to confirm prices and which tests it runs for private well owners.

Can I bring my own well water sample?

The listing does not say. Some certified labs only test for public water systems, so call before collecting a sample.

How do I contact Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring and Technologies)?

Call (847) 324-3341 and visit the lab's website. The address is 509 North 3rd Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

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