The Northeast Texas Public Health District (Net Health) Laboratory is certified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the bacterial analysis of public drinking water.
The quality of water is required to meet federal and state standards. There is a network of government agencies that monitor tap water suppliers and enforce drinking water standards to ensure the safety of the public.
Testing for two types of bacteria. Total Coliform organisms and E. coli, in drinking water is required by the EPA for all public water systems to ensure the safety of the public. Water suitable for drinking by humans must be free of these organisms to be considered safe.
Samples from private wells are also tested when brought in by individuals, although it is not regulated. NET Health tests bottled water, regulated by the FDA, for the presence of coliform bacteria, and is also certified for the analysis of dairy farm well water and coolant water by the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas DSHS).
For more information on dairy water testing, see the Dairy Water Testing section.