Free Shipping on Orders of $100 or More
Free Shipping on Orders of $100 or More
$495.00
Our Water Microanalysis Test is a microorganisms in water test that identifies the bacteria, fungi, and other organisms in your sample by genus and species, and counts how many are present. It goes beyond a standard bacteria screen, which only checks for indicator bacteria. It suits households with unexplained illness, families bringing home a new baby, shallow or flooded wells, and anyone chasing a slime or odor problem.
This is a diagnostic tool rather than a routine screen, best used when a basic bacteria test has come back clean but problems continue. If you also want chemistry and metals checked, our Premium Water Test pairs well with this analysis. Results also help a water treatment professional choose a system that targets the organisms you have.
Well and tap water can carry bacteria, molds, yeasts, and parasites, and some of them never turn a standard coliform test positive. A microanalysis names them and counts them.
Here are organisms this test can identify:
Some only affect taste and smell, while others can cause illness. The EPA private wells pages explain how surface water and septic systems can reach a well.
This test is a good fit when you need to know exactly which organisms are in your water. It makes the most sense if someone in your home has stomach illness that doctors cannot explain, or if you are bringing a new baby home or caring for someone with a weakened immune system.
It also helps if your well is shallow, has flooded, or may draw in surface water, and when a slime, odor, or stain keeps coming back after treatment. A clean coliform result does not rule out parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, so this analysis covers the gap a standard bacteria test leaves. A named organism also helps a water treatment professional choose the right system.
Orders of $100 or more ship free, and orders under $100 ship for an $8 flat rate. A prepaid return label comes with the kit.
Microbial samples change with time, so ship the same day you collect. A fresh sample gives our lab the clearest picture of what is living in your water.
We analyze your sample in our accredited lab, using established testing methods and quality controls.
We have tested water since 1995.
Every test includes a free consultation with one of our water experts. We go over your results with you, explain what the numbers mean for your home, and help you decide on the appropriate next step, including any filtration approach.
Ships free to your door
Takes under 5 minutes
Free return shipping
Expert Consultation
Ships free to your door
Takes under 5 minutes
Free return shipping
Expert Consultation
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 lab.
The appropriate sample containers are provided with sterility and sample volume requirements taken into consideration.
A short form to fill out with basic information about your water source. This helps our lab technicians process your results accurately.
A pre-paid return shipping label is included — just drop the sealed package in any mailbox or hand it to your mail carrier. No extra cost.
“The test was simple—collect a water sample from a faucet in the home. We sent the test to the lab and received a water quality analysis within a few days. The test included analysis of the water sample for the presence of: coliform bacteria, E. coli, iron, lead, pH, turbidity, and nitrates/nitrites.”
Taylor L.
“Incredible lab, they really care about their customers. As someone who doesn’t know a whole lot about water quality, they took their time to help me understand everything about my water quality situation.”
Brad R.
“I’ve used ETR for several tests, both water and air. The test kits are easy to understand and the reports are very comprehensive. But what really makes them stand out is their quality of service. There is a lot of terminology in these reports that I don’t understand, but their staff is very knowledgeable and always available to assist. They really take their time to review the results with you on the phone, and answer any questions you may have.”
John T.
4.8
Average Rating
across all platforms
500K+
Water Tests Sold
nationwide since 1995
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Reviews on Angi
verified homeowner reviews
We run every test inside our own lab in Leominster, Massachusetts. Your results come straight from us, not a subcontractor. That keeps our pricing fair and our quality consistent across every kit we send out.
Most labs stop at handing you a report. We do not. Every result comes with a free call to one of our water quality experts, so you understand what your numbers mean and what to do next.
ETR Laboratories has run water tests for over 30 years. We hold membership in the national Water Quality Association and the Massachusetts Ground Water Association.
Our reviews reflect the work we do. We hold a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Angi from 342 reviews, and five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Our Premium Water Test screens your water for 113 substances in one round, including bacteria, radon, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, providing homeowners and landlords with a thorough assessment for peace of mind. We have run…
Some are and some are not. E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea, cramps, and dehydration, and young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are hit hardest. Iron and sulfur bacteria are usually a nuisance, causing slime, odors, and stains rather than illness. Knowing which organisms you have tells you how urgent the fix is.
For coliform and E. coli, the drinking water standard is none detected in a 100 mL sample. Many other microorganisms have no federal limit, so their counts are read against what is normal for clean water and against the problems you are seeing. Large numbers of iron or sulfur bacteria can still cause slime and odor, even without a limit. Our team explains what your counts mean during the free consultation.
Yes. The Water Microanalysis Test screens for both parasites, along with bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These parasites usually reach wells through surface water, so shallow wells, dug wells, and wells that have flooded carry the most risk. Testing is a sensible step if anyone at home has had lasting diarrhea or cramps without a clear cause.
A regular test reports whether indicator bacteria, such as coliform or E. coli, are present, and sometimes how many. Microanalysis identifies the specific types of organisms in the sample, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites, by genus and species, and counts them. It takes more lab time, so it fits best when a standard test has not explained the problem.
Not reliably. According to the CDC, Cryptosporidium has a tough outer shell that lets it survive normal chlorine levels for days, so chlorine tablets will not make water safe from it. Boiling is the more dependable home method. Longer-term treatment options exist, and our free consultation helps you decide on the appropriate filtration approach.
It is a good idea, especially on a private well. Infants have developing immune systems and drink a lot for their size, particularly when formula is mixed with tap water. A microorganisms in water test such as this microanalysis shows which organisms are present, and a nitrate test is also worth considering on a well, since nitrate affects infants most. Testing several weeks ahead leaves time to fix any problem before the baby arrives.
Yes. Water heaters, softeners, filter cartridges, and pressure tanks can all host bacteria, molds, and yeasts, especially when water sits still or a cartridge stays in place too long. Growth there can bring back slime, odors, or a bad taste even after the well itself tests clean. Sampling a tap before and after the equipment helps show whether the problem starts in the well or inside your home's system. Our team can help you choose which tap to sample.
No, not until it has been tested. Floodwater can carry sewage, manure, and soil into a well, along with bacteria and parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Health agencies advise using bottled or boiled water until the well has been disinfected and a test comes back clean. A microanalysis after a flood shows which organisms got in, which helps confirm the disinfection worked before your family goes back to drinking from the tap.
No shared results. Our laboratory holds our clients privacy to the highest regard, your results and information will never be shared. Be aware that state certified laboratories may be required to report your results to various government agencies.