A: Costs differ depending on the type of analysis. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for a list of the Laboratory's testing fees. Both the DSHS Laboratory and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) utilize the same fee schedule for compliance drinking-water analyses that are shared between both laboratories.

A: Please provide your PWS ID (Ex. TX0000000), Sample IDs, and approximate dates of collection or your Chain of Custody (COC) form so we may serve you more quickly

A: No. The DSHS Laboratory does not perform tests on commercially bottled water as this testing is regulated by the FDA. 

A: At least 1 L of drinking water is required for testing. Some tests may require a sample of more than 1 L. The laboratory will provide guidance on volume of water needed and what bottles or containers to use based on the type of analysis you need done. Each sample must have a completed G-22 submission form. 

A: A full list of the analytes we test for in water is available on the DSHS Test Menu. The EPA has information resources that detail potential contaminants that might be of concern to you: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations | US EPA

While our primary purpose is to analyze water for TCEQ’s Public Water System Supervision Program, we do accept samples for analysis from private customers such as private well owners.

TCEQ uses contractors to collect chemical samples. The contractors submit these chemical samples to the DSHS Laboratory for analysis. The laboratory tests these samples for such substances as arsenic, disinfection byproducts, minerals, metals, nitrate, nitrite, radionuclides, Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

A: If you are a private customer, please reach out to the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at envsciadmin@dshs.texas.gov. If you are a Public Water Supply (PWS) entity, TCEQ may assist with changing your address in the Texas Drinking Water Watch system. The DSHS Laboratory uses the address within this database to create the result forms for your water sample(s).

The contractors use the information in the database to contact PWS staff to schedule an appointment to collect samples, so it is important this information is up to date. Please email PWSInven@tceq.texas.gov if your contact or facility information needs to be updated. The Texas Drinking Water Watch webpage also provides point of contact information, sample schedules, monitoring schedules, sample analysis results, and violations mailto:PWSInven@tceq.texas.gov. 

A: There are several reasons why the laboratory may find a water sample unsuitable for testing and reject it. These reasons are usually related to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results. Some common reasons for the rejection include:

• Improper Sample Collection An incorrectly collected sample may not accurately represent the water source in question. Actions such as not using a sterile container, improper sterilization of equipment, or not following the correct sampling procedure can compromise the quality of the sample.
• Contamination If the sample becomes contaminated during collection, transportation, or storage, it can compromise the test results. Common sources of contamination include dirty containers, exposure to foreign substances, or improper handling.
• Insufficient Volume The laboratory requires a minimum volume of water for testing (usually at least 1L). If the sample provided is below that threshold volume, it may be rejected. Insufficient volume can affect the accuracy of the tests.
• Incorrect Labeling Submitters must label samples correctly with information such as the date, time, location, and any other relevant details required by the laboratory. If the sample label is incomplete or inaccurate, it may be rejected.
• Preservation Issues Some tests require specific preservation methods to ensure the chemical stability of the water sample. If the sample is not preserved correctly, it cannot be tested as it may not provide accurate results.
• Delay in Transporting to the Laboratory: Certain tests must be conducted within a specific period after sample collection time to ensure accurate and reliable test results. If there is a significant delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory for testing, it may be rejected.
• Expired/Old Sample: Water samples have a limited period within which they must be tested. These time periods depend on the type of test the submitter requests. If the sample is too old, it may not be suitable for analysis and will be rejected.
• Lack of Chain of Custody (COC): For legal or regulatory purposes, a COC must be maintained for each sample to document who handled it from collection to analysis. If this chain is broken or unclear, the sample may be rejected.
• Inadequate or Missing Documentation: Proper documentation of the sampling process, including photos or notes about the sampling location and conditions, is essential. Lack of documentation may lead to rejection.
• Non-Compliance with Regulations: If the sample collection or submission does not comply with regulatory requirements or laboratory protocols specific to the type of test being requested, it may be rejected.

It is important to follow the specific guidelines and procedures provided by the laboratory for collecting, handling, and submitting water samples. This helps to ensure the laboratory samples are accepted for testing and helps maintain the accuracy and reliability of the results.

A: The length of time for results (also known as the turn-around-time, or “TAT”), for results varies depending on the type of test requested. Please reach out to the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory if you have not received your sample results in a timely fashion by emailing envsciadmin@dshs.texas.gov. However, if you owe lab fees to the DSHS, we will hold your sample results until the fee delinquency is resolved. Please email questions about testing fees to labar@dshs.texas.gov. 

A: The TCEQ manages the schedule for public and municipal water testing. More information about their sampling and monitoring frequency can be found on their website. You may reach out to TCEQ at PDWS@tceq.texas.gov. Samplers typically provide PWSs about a five-day notice in advance of their sampling activity. 

A: No. The DSHS Consumer Microbiology Laboratory and other laboratories accredited for bacteriological testing of drinking water test for coliforms and E. coli. Please visit the Consumer Microbiology laboratory webpage for more information on bacteriological water testing by the DSHS Laboratory. A printable drinking water sample submission job aid containing more information on coliform and E. coli testing is available here.

A: The type of container needed depends on the test being requested. Please consult with our laboratory first by emailing envsciadmin@dshs.texas.gov and we will provide you with detailed sampling instructions and any specific requirements for the analysis you want to order. For example, certain tests require samples be collected in amber bottles to protect them from ultraviolet light. Other analyses require samples collected in bottles that contain preservatives or salts such as sodium thiosulphate granules. 

A: Specific sampling procedures can vary depending on the type of analysis requested and the regulatory requirements for that analysis. Please consult with our laboratory, ideally by email to envsciadmin@dshs.texas.gov and we will provide detailed sampling instructions and any specific requirements for your particular analysis. Please refer to the section Collecting and Submitting Water Samples for Environmental Chemistry Testing. Please refer to the section Submitting Environmental Chemistry Samples to the DSHS Laboratory section for guidelines on how to collect and submit water samples to the Laboratory.

Most analyses require samples to be stored and shipped on ice. Samples may be shipped, or hand delivered with completed submission forms and COC forms, to the DSHS Laboratory Specimen Receiving area, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mail samples to the Laboratory at:

Environmental Chemistry Unit
Public Health Laboratory Division, MC 1947
Texas Department of State Health Services
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347

View further details on addressing samples to be sent to the DSHS Laboratory.