Water Testing Services

Reliable Water Testing for Your Safety

Ensuring safe drinking water is essential for protecting public health. The LMAS Regional Laboratory is certified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to provide accurate water testing for private well owners, businesses, and communities. Our laboratory performs tests for bacteria, nitrates, and other potential contaminants that can affect water quality.

As part of our commitment to public health, we offer convenient access to water testing supplies and sample drop-off locations throughout the LMAS District. Our testing services align with state regulations and are designed to help residents monitor their water quality effectively.

Water testing supplies, including sample bottles and required forms, are available at all four LMAS District Health Department locations. Whether you need to check for bacterial contamination, nitrates, or other water quality concerns, our team is here to help guide you through the process.

Testing Requirements

To ensure accurate results, please follow these testing requirements:

• Bacteria Testing: Water samples for drinking water must be received by the lab within 30 hours of collection. Surface water samples must be received within 6 hours of collection.
• Nitrate/nitrite samples received within 24 hours of collection shall be accepted for testing. Nitrate samples received between 24-48 hours shall be at a temperature between 2°C-6°C (35.6°F-42.8°F). Samples received above 6°C shall be rejected. Nitrate/nitrite samples received 48 hours or more after the time of collection shall be rejected. Water samples received frozen shall be rejected.

 

How to Get Your Water Tested

1. Pick Up a Testing Kit

Testing supplies, including bottles and forms, are available at any LMAS District Health Department location:

• Luce County – 14150 Hamilton Lake Road, Newberry
• Mackinac County – 749 Hombach Street, St. Ignace
• Alger County – E9526 Prospect Street, Munising
• Schoolcraft County – 300 Walnut St., Room 155, Manistique

2. Collect Your Water Sample

• Follow the instructions provided with your kit to ensure a proper sample is taken.
• Use only LMAS-provided bottles—samples in bottles from other labs will not be accepted.
• Keep nitrate/nitrite samples on ice and do not freeze them.

3. Return Your Sample

You have two options to submit your water sample for testing:

Drop It Off:

• Water Sample Drop-Off Schedule (LMAS District Health Department)

  To ensure your water sample is delivered to the lab on time, please follow the collection and drop-off times for your county. Samples dropped off late may not be accepted.

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  Luce County Office 

  • Drop off during business hours. Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm

• Mackinac County Office

  • Option 1:

    • Collect after 10:00 AM Sunday

    • Drop off by 1:00 PM Monday

    • Courier Pickup: Monday at 1:30 PM

  • Option 2:

    • Collect after 7:30 AM Tuesday

    • Drop off by 11:00 AM Wednesday

    • Courier Pickup: Wednesday at 11:00 AM

  • Please Note: Samples dropped off after 1:00 PM Monday or 11:00 AM Wednesday may not be able to be sent to the lab and could be turned away.

  • Alger County Office

    • Option 1:

      • Collect after 7:00 AM Monday

      • Drop off by 9:00 AM Tuesday

      • Courier Pickup: Tuesday at 9:15 AM

    • Option 2:

      • Collect after 7:00 AM Wednesday

      • Drop off by 9:00 AM Thursday

      • Courier Pickup: Thursday at 9:15 AM

    • Please Note: Samples dropped off after 9:00 AM on Tuesday or Thursday may miss the courier and not be accepted.

    • Schoolcraft County Office

      • Option 1:

        • Collect after 7:00 AM Monday

        • Drop off by 10:00 AM Tuesday

        • Courier Pickup: Tuesday at 10:15 AM

      • Option 2:

        • Collect after 7:00 AM Wednesday

        • Drop off by 10:00 AM Thursday

        • Courier Pickup: Thursday at 10:15 AM

      • Please Note: Samples dropped off after 10:00 AM on Tuesday or Thursday may not make it to the lab and could be returned to the sender.

• During extreme weather events, the couriers will not be transporting samples to the laboratory in Newberry. The safety of our staff is paramount. Please call the laboratory at 906-293-5107 ext. 314 to verify if the couriers will be driving during harsh weather.

Mail It:

• Samples can be mailed to the LMAS Regional Laboratory.
• Keep in mind that delivery times vary, and samples must be received within the required timeframe, or they will be rejected.

4. Receive Your Results

Once testing is complete, results will be sent to you via mail or email. A copy of your report will also be forwarded to your local county health department.

 

Health Department Hours & Contact

• Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Closed on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• Please call (906) 293-5107 ext. 314 for holiday hours or additional information.

By testing your water, you are taking an important step in ensuring the safety of your drinking supply. Contact us today to learn more about our testing services and how we can assist you.