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The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory provides chemical, radiological and microbiological tests for swim and agricultural water contamination, radon in air and water, emergency responses, Vermont Yankee monitoring, and for other public health-related activities. 

Environmental testing available to the public includes bacteria testing for swim and irrigation water, and radon in air and water testing. 

Bacteria testing for swim and agricultural water counts the numbers of E. coli present. E. coli can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia, and other illnesses. E. coli bacterium comes from human or animal waste.

Public Environmental Water Testing

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E. coli in Recreational (Swimming) Waters

Water samples from ponds, lakes and rivers are tested for Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, to determine whether it is suitable for swimming. The Lab's swim water test counts the numbers of E. coli to determine its suitability for swimming. Swim water should have less than 235 E. coli organisms per 100 ml of water to be considered suitable for swimming. 

  • Municipal or non-profit managed public swimming areas should be monitored regularly according to the Vermont Department of Health’s Healthy Recreational Waters Guidelines.

  • Individuals may use this test to determine the safety of swimming areas on their property, or lake frontage.

  • The Lab offers Kit SW to test swim waters. It provides counts of E. coli up to 2000 MPN/100 ml.

Get more information about healthy recreational water or view the current test results from the Vermont State Parks.

E. coli in Agricultural or Irrigation Waters

Water samples from ponds, lakes, rivers, and private wells are tested for E. coli to determine whether it is suitable for irrigation purposes. The Lab's irrigation water test counts the numbers of E. coli to determine its suitability for irrigation. Vermont guidelines for agricultural waters used for irrigation, frost protection, and fertilizer application are based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendations for recreational (swimming) water. Irrigation waters should not exceed 235 CFU/100 ml for E. coli.

The Lab offers Kit AG to test irrigation waters. This test provides counts of E.coli in irrigation water up to 2000 MPN/100 ml.

For more information, read the Health Department guidelines on agricultural water sources.

Radon Testing

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon may be present in both soil and water. Unless you test for it, there is no way of knowing if radon is in your home or in your water. 

Radon in Air Testing

The Health Department recommends testing the air in your home for radon. The Lab sells three different radon in air tests. 

  • Long-term tests (3 to 12 months) – The use of a long-term radon in air test kit is best because radon levels can change daily, weekly and seasonally. Longer test periods ensure the most accurate measure of actual exposure. If you have the time to do a long-term test, purchase a Kit RH.

  • Medium-term tests (1 to 3 months) – Medium-term tests do not take as long as a long-term test but give you a better understanding of your actual exposure to radon than a short-term test. If you have one to three months, purchase a Kit RG.

  • Short-term tests (2 to 7 days) – Shorter tests are best for real estate transactions or other cases where a quick test is needed. If you need a quick result, purchase a Kit RF.

Learn more about radon in your home.

Radon in Water Testing

If you have well water and received a radon in air test result at or above 4 pCi/L, consider testing for radon in water (Kit RC).

Learn more about radon in water.

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