Welcome to the City of Round Rock Environmental Services Laboratory
The City of Round Rock Environmental Services Laboratory has been providing bacteriological testing services to water utilities and the public since 1996. The laboratory’s team of professionals consists of degreed and licensed professionals in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Accreditation
National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), since 2007
NELAP Accreditation Certificate 06-01-2024
Location
Hours of Operations
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on City holidays and on the day preceding the holiday.
Bacteriological Water Testing Services
- Bacteriological Water Testing for Drinking Water (presence/absence test)
- E.coli Enumeration Testing for Wastewater and Ambient Water
Coliform organisms are bacteria commonly found in humans, animals and the environment. Their presence in water indicates that conditions in the water supply may also support the existence of other microbes, including pathogens. Pathogens are microbes (germs or “bugs”) that cause illness. Coliform bacteria may not cause illness but they indicate that conditions are suitable for the existence of other microbes that can cause illness. The presence of E.coli bacteria is evidence of recent contamination of the water by animal or human feces.
Samples must be submitted using laboratory-issued, sterile collection bottles. Bottles are available at the Environmental Services Laboratory during business hours.
Chain-of-custody forms are available at the Environmental Services Laboratory during business hours.
Proper sample collection is the responsibility of the submitter. The Environmental Services Laboratory has developed Standard Operating Procedure #01-28-09, Bac-T Sample Collection, Transportation, and Storage for External Customers. You are encouraged to review this document in its entirety:
- Drinking water samples must be received within twenty-four (24) hours of collection.
- Wastewater, pool/spa, and river/lake and rainwater samples must be received within six (6) hours of collection.
It is recommended to place the sample container in a cooler or Ziploc bag with loose ice or an ice pack to keep it cool during transport.
Test results are available on the day following sample submission. A preliminary report by e-mail will be provided upon request.
- If neither Total Coliform nor E.coli bacteria are detected in the water sample, the water is deemed potable.
- If the sample tested positive for Total Coliform bacteria, conditions are suitable for the existence of other microbes that may cause illness. The water should not be consumed without proper treatment.
- A positive test result for E.coli bacteria indicates that the water supply has a connection with some unsanitary source. The water should not be consumed without proper treatment.
Environmental Services Laboratory
Phone: 512-218-5561
waterlab@roundrocktexas.gov
Map and Directions >
Located on the west side of IH-35 between the cities of Round Rock and Georgetown.
