At-home collection. Laboratory analysis.
Basic Bacteria Check
Screens your well for total coliform bacteria and E. coli - the most important first safety check.
$113.00
Sample kit and laboratory analysis
Order this testCollect at home. Prepaid return packaging included.
Who tests your sampleFulfilled and analyzed by SimpleLab and its Tap Score certified laboratory network.
See what this test measuresLaboratory analysis
Fulfilled by SimpleLab and its Tap Score certified laboratory network.
Prepaid sample return
Collection instructions and prepaid return packaging come with your kit.
A report you can read
See what was measured and how your results compare with drinking-water guidelines.
Test coverage
What it tests for
- Total coliform bacteria (presence/absence)
- E. coli (an indicator of fecal contamination)
Results apply to the items listed here. One test does not check for every possible contaminant.
About this test
The Basic Bacteria Check screens a sample of your well water for total coliform bacteria and E. coli. It looks for total coliform bacteria, a broad indicator that surface contamination may be reaching your water, and E. coli, which signals contamination from human or animal waste. Bacteria can enter a well after heavy rain, flooding, a cracked well cap, or aging casing - often with no change in how the water looks, smells, or tastes. If you have never tested your well, or it has been more than a year, this is the test to start with.
Why it matters
Coliform and E. coli are the single most important indicators of whether your well water is safe to drink. Unlike many contaminants, harmful bacteria leave no taste, color, or odor, so testing is the only way to know. A positive result means you should stop drinking the water untreated and disinfect or shock-chlorinate the well.
Who it is for
For private-well owners checking for total coliform and E. coli, including after well work or a move-in. Follow your local health department's advice on sampling and testing frequency.
From your tap to the lab
How at-home water testing works
Your kit arrives
Order the test you need. Your kit includes sample containers, collection instructions and prepaid return packaging.
Collect and return your sample
Follow the instructions for your test, then send your sample to the lab using the included return packaging.
Read your laboratory report
Review what was found in your sample, how it compares with drinking-water guidelines and the guidance included with your results.
Before you order
Questions about this test
- How often should I test for bacteria?
- Most state health departments recommend testing private well water for coliform bacteria at least once a year, and any time after flooding, well repairs, or if anyone in the household has unexplained gastrointestinal illness.
- What does a positive coliform or E. coli result mean?
- A positive total coliform result means contamination may be reaching your well and you should investigate the well cap, casing, and surroundings. A positive E. coli result indicates fecal contamination - stop drinking the water untreated, switch to bottled water, and disinfect (shock-chlorinate) the well, then retest.
- Do I need any special equipment to take the sample?
- No. The kit includes a sterile sample bottle and clear instructions. You collect the sample at home in a few minutes and mail it back in the prepaid package.
Your next step
Basic Bacteria Check
Collect your sample at home and send it to the lab.
$113.00
Order this testWater tests are fulfilled and analyzed by SimpleLab and its Tap Score certified laboratory network. DrillerDB helps you order the right test for your well; lab analysis and reporting are provided by SimpleLab.