Cattaraugus County Department of Health Laboratory
Homeowner samples
- Coliform Bacteria
- Nitrate / Nitrite
Listed on the official state certified laboratory list.
Accredited by the NYS Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP lab ID 12106) for potable water analyses: Microbiological. Accreditation scope current through 2027-03-31. County health department laboratory; sells bacteria and nitrate tests to residents.
Bacteria samples need a sterile bottle from the lab. Chemistry samples usually take a clean container the lab supplies.
Skip softeners and filters. Remove the aerator, run the water 3 to 5 minutes, then fill without touching the inside of the cap.
Bacteria samples are time-sensitive. Use a cooler with ice packs and hand it in or ship it the same day.
Compare results with EPA drinking water limits. If anything is over, our problem pages explain what it means and how to treat it.
Homeowner samples