When a water sample is submitted to the University Hygienic Laboratory, scientists test the water for the tests requested. Usually, these test include total coliform bacteria (including E. coli) and nitrate.

Once the tests are completed, UHL mails a report to sender that summarizes the results. To help interpret the report, see examples below:

• If the levels of any of the tests exceed the acceptable range for drinking water, refer to the unsafe results report for further interpretation.
• If the levels of any of the test are within the acceptable range for drinking water, refer to the safe results report for additional interpretation.

Example of Safe Results Report

Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli
A test result of Absent or < (less than) 1 for either total coliform bacteria or E. coli indicates that the tested water is safe for human consumption.

Nitrate (as NO3)
Nitrate concentrations that exceed 45 mg/L (as NO3) pose a health risk to infants younger than six months. There is no established Maximum Contaminant Level (the maximum concentration of a substance allowed in a public drinking water system) for nitrate in adults.

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Example of Unsafe Results Report

Total Coliform Bacteria and E. coli
A reading of Present, 1 or greater than 1 indicates that the water is unsafe for human consumption.

Nitrate (as NO3)
Nitrate concentrations that exceed 45 mg/L (as NO3) pose a health risk to infants younger than six months. There is no established Maximum Contaminant Level (the maximum concentration of a substance allowed in a public drinking water system) for nitrate in adults.

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