How To Get Water Tested
Steps to getting your water tested:
- Pick up a sampling kit.
- Read the directions thoroughly and perform the water test.
- Drop off the sampling kit off to be tested.
Where to get water sampling kits in Rensselaer, Indiana
Water sampling kits may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations. Please note the days and times to drop off at each location.
- Franciscan Health Rensselaer Laboratory - Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- George Ade Memorial Health Care Center - 3623 E. SR.16, Brook, Monday-Thursday, before 10 a.m.
- Fase's Water Treatment - 206 3rd. Ave. NE, DeMotte, Tuesdays before 12 p.m.
Instructions & results
Please read carefully the sample information sheet that accompanies each sterile bottle. A good sample will save you time and money. Samples must arrive at the hospital within 24 hours of collection. Lead, nitrate, nitrite, and copper all need special containers and instructions.
Results will be mailed, unless other arrangements are made. Upon request, results can be faxed.
How to submit water testing results to the State of Indiana
Arrangements can be made with the Water Laboratory to submit your testing results to the State of Indiana for compliance purposes.
Waste Water Testing
Analysis for waste water treatment plants:
- Enumeration of E.Coli
- Ammonia
- Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
- Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
- Oil and Grease
Contact the Water Testing Laboratory for individual or package pricing. Courier service available. For further information about the Water Testing Laboratory, call (219) 866-2032.
How to get swimming pool water tested in Rensselaer, Indiana
Swimming pool testing can be done at Franciscan Health Rensselaer.
Due to recent budget cuts and cost saving measures, the Indiana State Department of Health discontinued their swimming pool water testing service in 2002. The Water Lab at Franciscan Health Rensselaer is one of 36 facilities in Indiana that has been certified by the State to do pool water testing. The Lab can also test private well water, beach, stream or lake water and the public water supply.
Lab Services And Testing Fees
Total Coliform Bacteria
- Presence/Absence - $20.00
- Bacterial Count - $24.00
E.coli count (lakes, ponds, ditches) - $24.00
E.coli count (WWTP) - $22.00
Swimming pools - $24.00
Nitrate (public and private water supplies) - $20.00
Nitrite (public and private water supplies) - $20.00
Lead (private water supplies only) - $35.00
Fluoride (private water supplies only) - $20.00
RUSH fee (requires the water laboratory authorization) - $18.00/sample number
About Water Contaminants
Serious health problems may occur from contaminated water. The only sure way to identify contamination is to have the water tested by a competent laboratory. Testing is commonly performed for these contaminants: Bacteria, Nitrates and Nitrites, and Lead.
Total Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water
The presence of total coliform bacteria in drinking water is a possible health concern. Total coliforms are common in the environment, and are generally not harmful themselves. The presence of these bacteria in drinking water is the result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. Drinking water which is free from total coliform bacteria is usually not associated with a health risk from disease causing bacteria and should be considered safe.
Nitrates and Nitrites in Drinking Water
Nitrates and nitrites are formed during the final stages of organic matter decomposition, such as decaying animal or plant protein, silage juices, or excessive discharge from waste holding facilities. Another source is nitrogen fertilizer run off. Nitrates and nitrites are water soluble and may move with the ground water.
The most common source of well contamination is surface runoff into shallow, poorly cased wells. Water that collects in feedlots or fertilizer runoff may also contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites.
Excessive amounts of nitrates and nitrites in water can cause infant methemoglobinemia (blue babies) and the same effects can occur with farm animals.
Rural families with infants or pregnant women should have their water tested regularly for nitrates and nitrites.
Lead in Drinking Water
Lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. Those at greatest risk, even with short-term exposure, are children and pregnant women.
Lead-contaminated drinking water is most often a problem in houses that are either very old or very new. Through the early 1900's it was common in some areas of the country to use lead pipes for interior plumbing. Also, lead piping was often used for the service connections that joined residences to public water supplies. Copper pipes have replaced lead pipes in most residential plumbing. However, the use of lead solder with copper pipes is not common. Experts regard lead solder as the major cause of lead contamination of household water in homes today.