Please refer to the following guidelines for submitting samples to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental (DNRE), Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD), Laboratory Services Section (LSS), Drinking Water Laboratory. 

Submitting Drinking Water samples to the laboratory:

1.         Samples may be shipped by mail or other package delivery service.

2.         Samples may also be delivered to the Lansing laboratory Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Contact the laboratory at (517)-335-8184 with an estimated time of arrival in order to be admitted by building security personnel.  Samples received after 4:30 pm may be processed the following day.

3.         Chain of custody documentation is the responsibility of laboratory clients.  This must be submitted with specimens for laboratory signature and return to the submitter.  Notify the person receiving the specimen if samples are hand carried to the laboratory.

Samples for bacteriological and nitrate/nitrite testing:

1.         Overnight shipping is the best shipping option for samples to be tested within holding time.  If you have questions regarding hold times please contact the laboratory at (517) 335-8184.

2.         Special provisions may be needed for enforcement samples to be received during other than normal working time for lab staff.  Contact the laboratory at (517) 335-8184 if you need to make arrangements.

3.         On Fridays, samples for nitrate/nitrite analysis must be received by 4:30pm in order to be analyzed within EPA required holding time.

4.         Bacteriological samples received after 4:30pm Monday through Friday will be processed the following day.

5.         Surface water bacteriology samples are only accepted Monday through Thursday 7:00am to 3:00pm unless special arrangements are made with the laboratory.

Specific testing requests:

1.         Routine partial chemistry and bacteriology may require 2-3 days in the laboratory.

2.         More complex procedures require more time and results may not be available for up to fourteen days.

3.         Estimated result times can be affected by staffing or equipment problems.  Situations involving potential immediate harm will be given prompt attention if the laboratory receives appropriate notification.

Receiving your results:

1.         Each results report will include all "legible" information submitted with the sample and all testing results requested for the sample.

2.         Reports are routinely mailed to the reporting address entered on the sample submission form.  When an e-mail address is provided, reports will be sent electronically as well.

3.         Copies of most reports are also routinely sent to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) Water Bureau for all public supplies and to county health department offices for these and other sample sources.

4.         Any technical information found in the result report is primarily intended for environmental health and water supply professionals.  Others should be aware of the value of consulting professionals for interpretation of the results from the tests performed.  A professional may recommend additional testing.

5.         Sample tracking is available to clients, although it is asked that several days be allowed to complete work before clients contact the laboratory.  Inquiries should be directed to the records area at (517) 335-8184.

NOTE: IF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION INVOLVES IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARDS, ALERT THE LABORATORY BY PHONE PRIOR TO HAND CARRYING THE SAMPLE TO THE LABORATORY.