Environmental Microbiology
The Environmental Microbiology Unit performs bacteriological analyses on water samples from both public and private water systems. Samples are examined for the presence of the coliform group of bacteria, which are indicators of fecal contamination. Water is not examined for pathogenic bacteria, as the prospect of isolating them from water is very remote.
As a laboratory certified and audited directly by the US Environmental Protection Agency and A2LA, the laboratory adheres to the specifications of methods approved by EPA.
The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory performs bacteriological analyses on water samples submitted by public water systems. Samples are examined for the presence of the coliform group of bacteria, which are indicators of fecal contamination. Water is not examined for pathogenic bacteria. This laboratory does not examine water samples for Giardia or Cryptosporidium.
Environmental Microbiology accepts samples from public water systems, swimming pools, lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, open wells, private wells, unprotected springs, or from any source where there is visible evidence of contamination.
The Environmental Microbiology Department preforms thes following tests:·
- Total Coliform/E. coli testing by either presence/absence or quantitative means.
- Fecal Coliform by quantitative means. *The Knoxville Regional Laboratory performs Membrane Filtration whereas Nashville only tests for fecal coliform in waste water.
- Heterotrophic Bacterial Testing
PLEASE NOTE: Samples for presence/absence analysis have a 30 hour hold time. Samples for quantitative analysis have an 8 hour hold time.
Environmental Microbiology provides sterile bottles with required forms for water sampling.
For any questions involving Environmental Microbiology, please contact Kristin Dunaway: Kristin.Dunaway@tn.gov, 615-262-6337.