POOL WATER TESTING SERVICES

Summary

As a public swimming pool owner in the State of Michigan, you are required to have your pool water tested under the Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, R 325.2195. Although many local health departments (LHD) have offered this service in the past, you are not required to have them perform the sample collection and testing of your facility. In fact, this option may no longer be available to you, as many local health departments are looking more closely at the services they provide in these tough economic times.

Sampling Requirement

R 325.2195 Collection and analyses of water samples for coliform bacteria. Rule 95. (1) The owner of a public swimming pool shall be responsible for the collection and the examination of water samples for coliform bacteria at a frequency of a least once per quarter. The department or local health department may determine whether additional monitoring is needed if necessary to protect the public health. (2) A swimming pool owner or operator shall ensure that all water samples are analyzed for total coliform bacteria at the state laboratory or a laboratory certified by the department or by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to analyze drinking water. (3) The presence of total coliform bacteria or pathogenic organisms in the water sample is unacceptable water quality. A heterotrophic plate count of more than 200 bacteria per milliliter in a sample is unacceptable water quality. History: 1954 ACS 67, Eff. Mar 24, 1971; 1979 AC; 1979 ACS 15, Eff. July 21, 1983; 2001 MR 2, Eff. Feb. 6, 2001.

Sample Frequency and Testing Requirement

State rules state a testing frequency of quarterly but your local health department (LHD) may require testing to be conducted more frequently. Most LHDs require testing monthly or 2x/Month.

Reporting Requirements

Test results need to be reported to your LHD in a timely manner via fax or email. They often require: the date the sample was taken; the pool pH, Cl or Br concentration; total coliform test result; and heterotrophic plate count test result.


SERVICES PROVIDED BY PARAGON

Paragon can provide you with either a Complete Sampling Program or LHD Acceptable Test Results for samples submitted to our laboratory! Choose an option that fits your needs:

LHD Acceptable Test Results Only - Collect your own samples, deliver them or ship them to our laboratory, and we'll provide you with test results, including:

  • Total Coliform Bacteria
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count
  • Sample Test Results report by fax or email.
  • Sample pickup can be arranged for an additional fee.

Complete Sampling Program - Simply provide access to your facility and we'll do the rest, including:

  • Schedule your sampling events in advance for the entire year.
  • Coordinate with you before each event so you know when we'll arrive to sample.
  • Provide all necessary sampling equipment and containers.
  • Take all necessary field measurements.
  • Collect all necessary samples and return them to the laboratory for testing.
  • Conduct laboratory sample testing under our State of Michigan Certification.
  • Report results directly to you and your LHD.

To determine your sampling and testing costs, use the guide to the right, or click on the link below to submit your information so we may contact you to discuss your needs and options.

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SAMPLING COSTS

Sampling costs depend on the program you've selected, the number of pools you need to sample, and how far your facility is from our laboratory.

Step 1 - Determine which program fits your needs and budget.

  • The cost for samples submitted to our laboratory for LHD Acceptable Test Results Only are $30.00 per sample.
  • The cost for all other services is based on distance from our facility. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 - Determine how far your facility is from our laboratory. Click on Directions in the map below to determine distance.


Step 3 - Determine your pickup fee or sampling and testing fee using the following values:

Sample Pickup Fees

  • Less than 15 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Pickup Fee of $15.00 / Event
  • 15 - 30 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Pickup Fee of $30.00 / Event
  • 30 - 45 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Pickup Fee of $45.00 / Event

Complete Sampling Program Fees

  • Less than 15 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Collection and Testing of $40.00 for the first sample per facility, $20.00 for each additional sample per facility, per event.
  • 15 - 30 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Collection and Testing of $50.00 for the first sample per facility, $20.00 for each additional sample per facility, per event.
  • 30 - 45 Miles from Laboratory - Sample Collection and Testing of $60.00 for the first sample per facility, $20.00 for each additional sample per facility, per event.

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