Environmental Testing
Organic Chemistry Testing
This lab tests water supplies for things like insecticides and volatile organic compounds.
Inorganic Chemistry Testing
This lab tests water supplies for over 60 potentially-dangerous elements.
Microbiology Testing
This lab tests water supplies for total and fecal coliform, bacteria and more.
Radiochemical Testing
This lab tests for radium, radon, uranium and other radiochemical contaminants.
The Environmental Health Laboratory has four sections: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, microbiology and radiochemical.
The lab uses state of the art equipment including: 3 GC/MS, 3 Atomic Absorption, 1 GC/MS/MS and 1 ICP/MS. It is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Environmental testing includes tests on various water supplies like:
- Ground water
- Surface water
- Drinking water
- Swimming pools and spas
- Beaches and rivers
- Soil and sludge
- Wastewater
- Plus other biological materials
Private Persons
If you wish to test a water source through the Environmental Health Laboratory, you need to get a testing kit from the Department of Health or a special location. Once you have the kit, follow the instructions on the kit to get the best results. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR) offers helpful information about private well testing.
Public Water Systems
For public water systems, make a call to the Environmental Health Laboratory for a testing bottle. These testing supplies are sent out on a schedule. The South Dakota Geological Survey creates a schedule and the DOH sends out tests according to that schedule. Learn more about the DANR’s Drinking Water Program for the mission, locations, definitions and hotlines.
Not all laboratories are certified to test drinking water. The South Dakota DANR keeps an up-to-date list of laboratories that are certified to analyze drinking water.