State Laboratories Division

The Environmental Microbiology Section analyzes drinking water, environmental water, food, milk and dairy products, and shellfish samples for microbial contaminants.

The Environmental Microbiology Section has rapid testing capabilities for Salmonella, Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (also known as E. coli 0157:H7), Listeria monocytogenes, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium perfringens (in recreational water), toxicity in water (Microtox), and certain organic and inorganic toxins.

Drinking Water:

We analyze drinking water for microbiological contaminants in compliance with State and Federal (EPA) regulations.

• Fecal indicators-total and fecal coliforms, E. coli
  
• Heterotrophic bacteria


• Giardia/Cryptosporidium


• Legionella


• Aeromonas hydrophilia

Environmental Water:

We analyze environmental water for microbiological contaminants (Enterococci, E. coli fecal coliforms, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus, Vibrio) according to State and Federal (EPA) regulations.

We also analyze other environmental samples for contaminants such as soil and sludge for fecal contamination (sewage spills, septic tank seepage, composting) and can conduct rapid analysis of water for toxic substances (for example, if drinking water was intentionally contaminated).

Food and Dairy:

We analyze raw and pasteurized milk and milk products for compliance with State and Federal regulations. We can also analyze environmental samples (surface swabs) for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, shellfish/shellfish growing waters for compliance with State and Federal regulations, bottled water/ice for compliance with State and Federal regulations, and food implicated in food borne disease outbreaks.