Franklin County Lab FAQs | Drinking Water Testing & Compliance

Franklin County Lab provides state-certified drinking water testing for Total Coliform and E. coli, plus lead, nitrate, and nitrite analysis. We also offer advanced Water Check panels that cover metals, inorganics, and pesticides. Our work is limited to potable water from wells and public systems across Franklin County, the St. Louis Metro, and nearby communities. To support regulatory needs and consistent reporting, our laboratory uses approved chromogenic/fluorogenic substrate methods and maintains rapid turnaround for both homeowners and public water systems.

Standard bacteria testing for Total Coliform and E. coli is typically processed within 24–48 hours, which supports timely decisions when results matter quickly. Lead, nitrate, and nitrite testing generally takes 5–7 business days. Comprehensive Water Check panels take 15–30 business days. When testing is complete, results are provided directly to you and, when required, reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Because Franklin County Lab is state-licensed, your documentation is certified for real estate, compliance, and personal records.

Franklin County Lab is a drinking water laboratory, and we accept samples only from potable sources intended for human consumption. This includes wells and public water supplies. We do not test pond, lake, or pool water. If you need non-drinking water testing, we recommend contacting an environmental laboratory that specializes in those sample types. By staying focused on potable water, we maintain consistent methods and regulatory alignment for Union, St. Louis, and surrounding areas.

Well chlorination is a professional disinfection service that is commonly needed after contamination events or certain repairs. At Franklin County Lab, chlorination is performed by a licensed well driller to support thorough and safe disinfection. The process typically takes 24–48 hours and can be completed as full chlorination, partial chlorination, or for multi-home systems. For homeowners who prefer to treat their own wells, we also provide chlorination kits. We partner with Wideman Well Drilling for pump services, while we focus on analysis and treatment, keeping the work aligned with state guidelines.

Yes. Franklin County Lab provides certified water operator services for public water supplies, including monthly system inspections, BacT sample collection, and complete DNR correspondence management. Our operators hold advanced Missouri licenses, including DS I, DS II, DS III, and Treatment B. We serve Franklin County, St. Louis County, and the greater St. Louis Metro area to help systems stay in compliance, reduce risk of penalties, and support community health standards.

Our standard bacteria test for Total Coliform and E. coli is $30. The average service call for sample collection is around $200, and water system installations typically range from $2,000–$3,500. For locations outside a one-hour radius from Union, MO, an additional service call fee applies. Exact pricing for advanced chemical panels and service call fees may vary. Contact our team for a detailed quote tailored to your needs and location.

Franklin County Lab operates as a state-certified, independent laboratory, which allows us to provide diagnostic accuracy and regulatory authority that retail kits and large chains do not offer. Our recommendations are driven by the lab report, and we do not suggest expensive equipment unless results support that next step. Certified results are accepted by the Missouri DNR, real estate lenders, and public health agencies. With rapid turnaround and a long-standing presence in the Franklin County and St. Louis regions, we provide a process built for documentation, clarity, and responsible treatment decisions.