Our Tests And Services

WET Lab offers a number of unique tests designed to provide you exactly the level of information about your water quality that you require.

An integral component of every one of our tests and services is a detailed, written report from WET Lab describing your test results. You will receive potability reports no later than five business days after test completion. Chemistry test results are normally available within about two weeks. Should you require a quicker turnaround for escrow or any other reason, rush orders are available for an additional fee.  Additional rush fees for potability testing are: $10.00 for a three day turnaround, $20.00 for a two day rush, and $40.00 for a one day rush (added to the base cost of standard testing.) Charges for rushed additional tests and chemistries vary depending upon what is being tested.

Standard Potability Test (for Total Coliform and E. coli)

When performing the standard potability test, we at W.E.T. Lab are looking for the basic presence or absence of the coliform group of bacteria including E. coli. This test is used as the standard indicator of contaminated water. Our Potability test for Total Coliform and (E. coli) does just that.  It determines the presence or absence of total coliforms and E. coli – therefore potentially pathogenic bacteria – in your drinking water.  Having this test performed is the most vital test to ensure your drinking water is safe from the most common disease causing microorganisms and is the first place to start when investigating the overall “health” of your well.

More About the Standard Potability Test

The coliform group of bacteria are important indicators of potentially dangerous water contamination from disease causing bacteria. Total coliform is not usually harmful by itself as it often originates from plants or soil. However, coliform bacteria does not belong in drinking water and when we find it, the State Department of Health requires us to inform you that your water is not safe to drink. This is because when we find water that is positive for the total coliform group of bacteria we must assume that other microbes (such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium) might also be present in the water supply.

E. coli is normally found in the intestinal tract of animals. When E. coli it is found outside of the digestive tract (such as in a water supply) some strains of E. coli are pathogenic; i.e. very dangerous and can cause serious illness or even death. Therefore, if we find E. coli in your water, it is our job to contact you right away with instructions to boil your water for 1 minute or use a bottled water for drinking or brushing your teeth. This is why it is very important that we have your current contact information.

Additional Tests

If you think your water may need additional testing (listed below) but are unsure please feel free to call the laboratory at (530) 677-5776 and discuss options with a microbiologist. W.E.T. Lab does not believe in unnecessary testing. We promise each of our clients an honest assessment to the best of our ability and will never recommend additional testing unless it truly seems necessary for the health of you, your family, and your source of water.

Bacterial Enumeration (or Quanti-tray)

Bacterial Enumeration (or Quanti-tray) is a test for mathematically estimating the number of bacteria found in a water supply. This test is especially helpful when a water source has bacteria and a numerical value is desired for comparison in order to know if treatment is progressing.

More about Bacterial Enumeration (or Quanti-tray)

Often when W.E.T. Lab discovers a well to be contaminated with bacteria the first question we are asked is, “How much bacteria is there?” The only way to answer that question is to do a Bacterial Enumeration. Unfortunately, this test cannot be performed retroactively. In order to answer the question, a Bacterial Enumeration (or Quanti-tray) must be done from the start of the laboratory test process, as it is performed very differently from the Standard Potability Test by isolating the water into individual cells for counting. We do not automatically run this test as it costs an additional $10 more than the standard presence/ absence test. Therefore, if you are curious to know exactly how much bacteria may be in your water, we suggest that you request this test at the time of testing in order to avoid the time and cost of additional tests.

Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)

The Heterotrophic Plate Count uses bacterial colony growths to estimate the levels of heterotrophic flora (or “friendly bacteria”) present in the water sample.  This test may provide useful information about your well water quality and assist our water microbiologists in their assessment of the health of your well and the safety of your water. The Heterotrophic Plate Count is especially useful when a utility is performing a “main disinfection” but is not normally necessary for the average homeowner.

More About the Heterotrophic Plate Count

The Heterotrophic Plate Count is a test for estimating the number of heterotrophic bacteria in a given sample of water. Sometimes this type of “friendly” bacteria overgrows in a well causing taste and odor problems. Eventually if it is allowed to flourish, heterotrophic bacteria may become food for harmful bacteria, so it is beneficial to treat when found to avoid future problems that could lead to well-biofouling. Oftentimes our laboratory experts can spot this type of bacteria when performing a basic water potability test on residential well water. If we see signs of heterotrophic bacteria, your water may very well pass potability testing, however we may suggest treatment of your water system in order to avoid problems later on.

Other Tests

In addition, we can test problem wells for Iron Related Bacteria, Sulphate Reducing Bacteria, Denitrifying Bacteria, Slime Forming Bacteria, Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria, and Fluorescent Pseudomonads. These are the microbes that foul and plug wells, damage pumps and pipes, leading to reduced output and eventual well failure. Proper identification of the particular bacteria present and their respective levels of aggressivity will enable you to take the proper actions necessary to prolong the life and productivity of your well.

Drinking Water Analyses

The drinking water program is administered by the State of California and by various counties. As a courtesy to you, W.E.T. Lab will send copies of all government required testing performed through us to the regulating agency at your request. If you are a Small Water System, Utility, Bottled Water Company or other Water System that is regulated by the County or State, please consult your regulating agency to determine the nature of the testing and frequency required for your system size. Feel free to contact W.E.T. Lab at (530) 677-5776 for guidance on proper bottles and preservation required for your analytical testing needs.

Drinking Water [Inorganics]

General Mineral

Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Hydroxide, Chloride, Sulfate, MBAS, TDS, pH, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Conductivity, Hardness, Silver.

Inorganic Chemical

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Selenium, Aluminium, Antimony, Beryllium, Nickel, Thallium, Cyanide, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite.

Physical Analysis

Color, Odor, Turbidity

Organics (for Drinking Water)

Volatile Organic Chemicals [VOC’s]

For pricing and to determine which tests best suit your specific needs please call us at (530) 677-5776.