Getting your samples ready 

It is important to make sure you can drop off your water samples the same day you take them so they can be tested right away. Some tests require the samples to remain cold and that they get to the Lab within 22 hours. 

Be sure to read your sample instructions carefully before you take your samples. 

How to ensure your water sample is accepted: 

  1. Get your samples to the laboratory within the timeframe listed in your sampling instructions, preferably within 22 hours of taking your sample - including courier and shipping times. 
  2. Double check that all the required information is written on the forms and bottles. 
  3. Use the freezer packs and cooler, if provided, to keep the temperature of your water samples less than 42° F (6° C) - cold, but not freezing - until it reaches the laboratory. 
  4. Ensure your sample is properly preserved:
    • Do not rinse out or overfill your sample containers
    • Do not forget to add preservatives if/when directed to
    • Do not let anything touch the inside of the bottle neck or cap - including your hands
  5. If you have questions, call the Lab at 800-600-9997 or 802-338-4724.

 

Getting your samples to the Lab

You can get your samples to the Lab in three ways:

Image
Water Drop Off Program banner and cooler in a district office
Local Health Office Water Drop Off

Drop them off in-person at the Lab 

Drop them off in-person at an Office of Local Health around the state. These offices participate in the Drinking Water Drop-Off Program where couriers will pick up your samples and bring them to the Lab for free. 

Mail/Ship your samples to the Lab. If you choose this option, make sure your sample will arrive at the Lab within the necessary timeframe in your sampling instructions, including the shipping time from your house to the Lab. 

  • USPS:  Mail samples to P.O. Box 1125, Burlington, VT 05402-1125.

  • FedEx or UPS:  Mail samples to 359 South Park Drive, Colchester, VT 05446.

     

Drinking Water Drop-Off Program Details

See the local health office drop-off locations and times below. 

Samples are not accepted on Fridays, state holidays, or the day before state holidays. 

Print a copy of the Drop-Off program locations and FAQs

Local Health OfficeLocation/AddressDrop-off Hours
Barre5 Perry Street, Suite 250, Barre

Monday - Thursday

7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Bennington324 Main Street, Suite 2, Bennington

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Brattleboro232 Main St, Suite 3, Brattleboro

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Burlington

Health Department Lab

359 South Park Drive, Colchester

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Friday 

7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Middlebury156 South Village Green, Suite 102, Middlebury

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Morrisville63 Professional Drive, Suite 1, Morrisville

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Newport100 Main Street, Suite 220, Newport

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Rutland88 Merchants' Row, Rutland

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Springfield100 Mineral Street, Suite 104, Springfield

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

St. Albans27 Federal Street, Suite 201, St. Albans

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Johnsbury107 Eastern Ave, Suite 9, St. Johnsbury

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

White River Junction118 Prospect St, Suite 300, White River Junction

Monday - Thursday 

7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

 

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