State-certified labTakes homeowner samples

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory

Jefferson City, MO · Cole CountyState laboratory

Call (573) 751-3334
WebsiteDirections
Certification
State certified
list checked September 30, 2026
Certificate
3
Missouri program
Tests listed
8
Arsenic and more
Homeowner samples
Yes
Drop-off

About Missouri State Public Health Laboratory

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is a state laboratory in Jefferson City, MO (Cole County). It is on the Missouri drinking water program's list of certified laboratories (certificate 3), and we last checked the list on September 30, 2026.

The lab takes samples from homeowners.

Before you go: State public health laboratory. Private well and cistern owners get a bacteria kit (total coliform and E. coli, $10 handling fee) from their local public health agency or district health office and return it by the free statewide courier; the New Well Series (pH, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, iron, manganese, lead) and a minerals, nutrients and metals panel (arsenic, uranium and about 20 other metals) are ordered through the Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology (573-751-6102, 866-628-9891) or the local health agency. Certified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for drinking water analyses (certificate 3): Inorganic chemistry, Metals, Microbiology. Bacteriology certification expires Jul 31, 2026.

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
3
Certified by
Missouri drinking water program
Certified for
Inorganic chemistry, Metals, Microbiology
Lab type
State
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 samplesYou can collect and drop off your own sample
Mail-in kitsNot listed, call to confirm
Walk-in drop offNot listed, call to confirm

Published lab fees in Missouri: $10 for a bacteria test. State Public Health Laboratory bacteria kit from any local health department ($10 handling fee). 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

Coliform Bacteria

Total coliform and E. coli. The test the CDC recommends every year for every private well. 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

Uranium

Natural in granite and some other rock. The EPA limit is 0.030 mg/L. Learn more

Location

101 N. Chestnut St. P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Lab address

Questions about Missouri State Public Health Laboratory

Is Missouri State Public Health Laboratory state certified?

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

What can Missouri State Public Health Laboratory test well water for?

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

Can I bring my own well water sample?

Yes, the listing says it takes homeowner samples. Get the right bottle from the lab first, especially for bacteria.

How do I contact Missouri State Public Health Laboratory?

Call (573) 751-3334 and visit the lab's website. The address is 101 N. Chestnut St. P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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