SimpleLab Biology Water Test Kits

SimpleLab Biology Water Test Kits

The SimpleLab Biology Water Test Kit is a specialized testing solution designed to detect harmful biological contaminants in drinking water. It is ideal for identifying bacterial, viral, and other microbiological threats that may pose health risks.

Coliform and E. coli Water Test Kit

Recommended for high-precision testing for the presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli bacteria in drinking water. These two common potentially harmful bacteria indicators are of particular concern for people served by private wells or springs–as nearby contamination can enter into the ground water supply. Presence/absence testing for coliform and E. coli continues to be industry standard practice, as ANY coliform and/or E. coli detection is considered to be a problem and should be addressed–regardless of the colony count. 

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed analysis for the presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli bacteria by SM 9223B (or equivalent). 

HPC Water Test Kit

Targeted testing of heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water. Particularly recommended for those noticing a musty, moldy, or mildew-like smell or taste in their water or who have noticed microbial growth/biofilm buildup on fixtures. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis from a certified lab.

• Certified testing method: SM 9215 (or equivalent)
• Fast turnaround at lab (5 days)

Heterotrophic bacteria are broadly defined as microorganisms that require organic carbon for growth. They include bacteria, yeasts, and molds and this total heterotrophic bacteria plate count (HPC) test is an excellent way to demonstrate a quantified presence or absence of microbial activity in a water supply.

This mail-to-lab kit provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. This includes a prepaid shipping label and chain of custody. 

Coliform and HPC Water Test Kit

Recommended for high-precision testing for the presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli, as well as a total quantified count of all heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water.

Coliform and E. coli are potentially harmful bacteria indicators and are of particular concern for people served by private wells or springs–as nearby contamination can enter into the ground water supply. Presence/absence testing for coliform and E. coli continues to be industry standard practice, as ANY coliform and/or E. coli detection is considered to be a problem and should be addressed–regardless of the colony count.

Heterotrophic bacteria are a broad category of microorganisms that require organic carbon for growth and include bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This total heterotrophic bacteria plate count (HPC) is an excellent way to demonstrate a quantified microbial activity in a water supply. While the majority of heterotrophic bacteria do not pose any negative human health effects–this test is a good way to understand overall microbial activity.

This testing package is particularly recommended for those on a private well or spring, are noticing a musty, moldy, or mildew-like smell or taste in their water, or for those who are seeing microbial growth/biofilm buildup on fixtures.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed analysis for the presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli bacteria by SM 9223B (or equivalent), as well as a culture for HPC.

Pseudomonas Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking and surface water. Pseudomonas bacteria are naturally present in the ground and within many well and surface drinking water sources. When present in the water supply, P. aeruginosa can form biofilms on surfaces of pipes and other fixtures–such as home water treatment devices using carbon filters or membranes. In high concentrations, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can cause problems with color, taste, odor and turbidity in drinking water–as well as present a potential dangerous health infection (particularly for those with already compromised immune systems).

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Mycobacterium Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing of non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) in drinking water. Mycobacteria can grow in drinking water distribution systems and cause disease in humans. There has been a rise in non-tuberculosis mycobacterium detections–particularly in hospitals and other health-care offices–due to heater cooler units required during operations. 

There are also over 170 mycobacterium species commonly found in the environmental and in drinking water sources, including: M. avium (MAC), M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. kansasii, and M. xenopi.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of the number of colonies of mycobacterium found in a water sample. If there is a positive detection, the reported results will also include which particular mycobacterium species are present.

Note: Extended incubation and culture time is required (6 weeks) for accurate laboratory confirmation of results. This test cannot be expedited.

H. pylori Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for Helicobacter pylori bacteria in water.

• Certified lab testing
• Fast turnaround at lab (5 days)

This mail-to-lab test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of H. pylori. 

While consuming water with H. pylori does not typically cause illness, H. pylori is an opportunistic pathogen that may lead to painful peptic or gastric ulcers in some individuals. H. pylori has been found in surface water, saltwater, and groundwater, and may be present due to nearby sewage or fecal matter contamination.

Total Microbiology Water Test Kit

Recommended as an all-inclusive pathogen and microbiological screening for advanced identification and enumeration of thousands of species of bacteria, protozoa, algae and more in tap water or well water. This test is ideal for understanding the biological health and safety of your water, especially if people or animals at your location are getting sick.

• Certified lab testing
• Fast turnaround at lab (8 days)

Includes in-lab analysis of a water sample by a professionally trained operator with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify the array of species and genera present.

This mail-to-lab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed analysis of all microbiology present in the sample.

Note: Unlike a chemical analysis test, which has a fixed/defined set of parameters, this biological screen looks for and identifies whatever microbiology is present and includes thousands of possible detections. Rather it is a biological analysis where we look under microscopes for all recognizable microbes and a trained technician documents everything recognizable in the sample. There's a set of about 100 species and genera that are most prevalent, but again, it's not a fixed list.

Mold and Fungus Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for common mold and fungal contamination in drinking water. This testing package is ideal for people noticing a musty, mildewy, or moldy taste in their water or seeing biofilm/slimy buildup on fixtures. 

• Certified lab testing
• Fast turnaround at lab (8 days)
• Expert support

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of various molds, fungi, and total heterotrophic bacteria count (HPC).

Along with analysis for black mold (Asp. spp.) and other Aspergillus formations, and full speciation of Penicillium and Cladosporium genera–it also reports total heterotrophic bacteria count (HPC).

Total HPC includes bacteria, yeasts, and molds and is an excellent way to demonstrate a quantified presence or absence of microbial activity in a water supply.

A mold is a form of fungus that spreads through the production of spores. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and able to survive in harsh conditions. Rapid mold and fungus growth occurs in areas with lots of moisture–particularly near leaks in pipes, windows, or rooftops. However, mold and fungus can survive in very harsh conditions and can thrive in a variety of environments.

Salmonella Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for salmonella bacteria in drinking water. Water may contain salmonella bacteria when groundwater has been contaminated with feces, a nearby septic tank or sewage system has leaked or malfunctioned, or when agricultural runoff contaminates the water source.

• Certified lab testing
• Fast turnaround at lab (10 days)

This mail-to-lab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of salmonella bacteria (MPN/100 mL).

Salmonella bacteria are frequently present in the intestines of humans and animals. They are spread through oral-fecal contact and the most frequent way humans become infected with salmonella is through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Salmonella is tasteless and odorless in drinking water–but can lead to serious illness.

Comprehensive Legionella Water Test Kit

Recommended for comprehensive testing of a wide array of Legionella bacteria species in drinking water, including serotype identification and enumeration. Legionella is most frequently found in air-conditioning units, faucets, pools, spas, showers and other water-related devices–and is cause of Legionnaire's Disease.

• Certified testing method: ISO 11731 (or equivalent) 
• Fast turnaround at lab (10 days)
• Expert support

Legionella is a gram-negative bacterium that often lives in still, warm water, but can survive under a wide range of temperatures and conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 8,000 and 18,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with Legionnaire's.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of a variety of Legionella species and their serogroups by ISO 11731 or CDC-ELITE.

Legionella pneumophila Serotype Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing of Legionella pneumophila bacteria, including serotype identification and enumeration, in drinking water. Legionella is a gram-negative bacterium that often lives in still, warm water, but can survive under a wide range of temperatures and conditions. It can cause two diseases, Pontiac fever and Legionnaires' disease, collectively known as legionellosis. The majority of cases of legionellosis are caused by infection by Legionella pneumophila, particularly serogroup 1.

Legionella is most frequently found in air-conditioning units, faucets, pools, spas, showers and other water-related devices. 

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis for Legionella pneumophila with serotype identification  by ISO 11731 (or equivalent method).

Legionella pneumophila Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for basic identification of Legionella pneumophila bacteria in drinking water. Legionella is a gram-negative bacterium that often lives in still, warm water, but can survive under a wide range of temperatures and conditions. It can cause two diseases, Pontiac fever and Legionnaires' disease, collectively known as legionellosis. The majority of cases of legionellosis are caused by infection by Legionella pneumophila.

Legionella is most frequently found in air-conditioning units, faucets, pools, spas, showers and other water-related devices.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis for Legionella pneumophila by ISO 11731 (or equivalent method).

Giardia and Crypto Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for the presence and enumeration of giardia and cryptosporidium in drinking water.

Note: This testing package requires 10 liters of water for a single sample to be sent on ice. Most labs do not include expensive return shipping. SimpleLab includes all shipping costs both to you and back to the laboratory in this price. 

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of a variety of giardia species and cryptosporidium by EPA method 1623.1 (or equivalent).

Naegleria fowleri Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for Naegleria fowleri in water. Colloquially referred to as a "brain-eating amoeba", this single-celled organism is found in warm freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, hot springs etc.) and in soil.

• Certified testing method: Quantitative PCR
• Fast turnaround at lab (8 days)

This mail-to-lab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of N. fowleri.

While you cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water, N. fowleri can cause serious disease if contaminated water enters the body through the nose (typically when swimming or rinsing sinuses). Once up the nose, N. fowleri can destroy brain tissue and causes an often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephaliti (PAM). Infection due to N. fowleri is very rare and there is no evidence that suggests that N. fowleri spreads through water vapor (such as shower steam or vapor from a humidifier).

Vibrio vulnificus Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for Vibrio vulnificus in water. V. vulnificus is an opportunistic pathogen that may cause illness in immunocompromised people who ingest it (typically via raw shellfish) or have open wounds that are exposed to water harboring the organism. It is naturally present in warm seawater or brackish water and is not known to contaminate treated tap water.

• Certified testing method: Quantitative PCR 
• Fast turnaround at lab (8 days)

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of Vibrio vulnificus.

Algae Enumeration Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for the presence and enumeration of motile, non-motile, and diatom algae. This testing package is ideal for people who are located near a harmful algal bloom event and are noticing unpalatable taste and odor issues in their drinking water. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis and enumeration (cell count) of algae.

• Certified lab testing
• Fast turnaround at lab (10 days)
• Expert support

Algae can enter drinking water supplies during periods of freshwater and marine harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs can occur anytime there is an excessive accumulation of algae growth. Some types of algae are toxic, but often algae is not–yet it can lead to a moldy taste and smell in your water.

This mail-to-lab sampling kit provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. This also include a prepaid shipping label to lab.

Cyanobacteria Enumeration Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for cyanobacteria concentration in drinking water. This testing package is ideal for people who are located near a harmful algal bloom event and are noticing unpalatable taste and odor issues in their drinking water. 

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis and enumeration (colony count) of of cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria, also known as "blue-green algae", can enter into drinking water supplies during periods of freshwater and marine harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs can occur anytime there is an excessive accumulation of algae growth.

Cyanobacteria contamination in drinking water can lead to taste and odor issues, as well as produce toxins (called cyanotoxins) that can cause illness and even death in both humans and animals.

Coliform Enumeration Water Test Kit

Recommended for high-precision, specialized testing of total colony count for total coliform and E. coli bacteria in drinking water. These two common indicators of bacterial contamination risk are of particular concern for people served by private wells, surface water or spring water. While any coliform or E. coli detection in drinking water is considered potentially harmful, this enumeration test provides a quantitative evaluation of risk intensity as measured by bacterial colony population size. In general, a higher colony count indicates a more severe health risk.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis (in colony forming units per 100 mL) of total coliform and E. coli bacteria by SM 9223B (or equivalent).

5-Genus ID Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted analysis of the 5 most prevalent genera in drinking water. Ideal for clients concerned about microbiological issues in their water and are seeking to identify and quantify the most common colonies present.

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of the top 5 genera detected in the sample–including mycobacterium.

Leptospira Water Test Kit

Recommended for targeted testing for Leptospira bacteria in water. Most common in warm climates, leptospira may cause a rare infection in humans that presents with flu-like symptoms. Leptrospira bacteria are spread through infected animal urine–especially from dogs, rodents, and farm animals–which can contaminate soil and water sources. 

This SimpleLab water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of Leptospira. 

What’s Inside Your Biology Water Testing Kit?

• Sampling Instructions - Every test comes with step by step instructions on how to prepare your water source, collect your water sample, and prepare your sample for return shipment to our labs.
• Collection Bottles - Your kit includes all the bottles, tubes or vials necessary to collect your water sample. For most kits, however, there is only one collection bottle needed.
• Sample Information Card - Your kit includes a postcard that asks for a few details about how and where you collected your sample (i.e. kitchen faucet). Just fill it out, drop it in the return box, and we'll do the rest.
• Prepaid Shopping Label - Shipping is always on us. This package includes a prepaid return shipping label to the lab. Just stick the provided label on the outside of the box and drop it in the mail.
• Return Container (If Applicable) - Some of our tests require your water sample to be cold when it reaches our labs. If this applies to your test, the proper refrigeration items will be included.

Example Water Reports

Trusted results in two formats.

• Online Example - The online version of your report allows you to explore every detail of your drinking water within your browser. Note that reports will vary from test to test and that yours may look different than this example.
• PDF Example - If links and URLS aren't your thing, you can download a PDF of your full report to view on your computer or print out at home.