Water Testing FAQ

  1. Where are my results?
    Results are sent once all testing is complete, and the invoice is paid. They are sent to the email(s) provided on the chain of custody paperwork submitted with water samples. If you have paid your invoice, but still do not see your results:
    • You may want to check your spam folder.
    • Look for an email from an @guthrie.org domain
       
  2. How do I pay?
    If you drop off your sample in Sayre, you can include cash or a check. Checks should be made out to Donald Guthrie Foundation, Leap Testing Service. An invoice is sent when we receive samples, so you may pay online at LEAP Testing Payments | Guthrie or through mail.
     

  3. How long will the results take?
    Coliform or Nitrate testing: typically takes 2-3 business days. 
    Metals and other subcontracted tests: typically 10 business days. During periods of high sample volume, testing may take longer.

    Results may be withheld until payment is received unless prior arrangements have been made.
     

  4. Which results mean my water is safe to drink?
    Coliform test results:
         “Absent” or (<1.0 MPN/100mL) means
    • No bacteria detected
    • Water is considered safe for drinking“

      Present” or (# MPN/100mL) means
    • ⚠ Bacteria detected
    • Water is not recommended for drinking without treatment
    • Note: Coliform tests can detect Coliform and e. Coli, which is a specific type of Coliform. Both Coliform and e. Coli should be Absent or (<1.0 MPN/mL) for safe drinking water.
    • Other tests have different acceptable limits.  Tools to help interpret results are available at:  Water Test Results | Guthrie
       
  5. What should I do if there are Coliform bacteria in my water?
    Our lab does not provide instructions on water treatment.  A common method to remove bacteria is shock chlorination (using bleach in the well system). After treatment, your water should be retested to confirm that the bacteria are gone.

    Please contact your local Health Department or review the documents on our website:  Water Test Results | Guthrie.
     
  6. Why isn’t there a number to tell how many bacteria there are in my water?
    A Presence/Absence test for Coliform reports results as Present or Absent per 100ml. Because even small amounts of bacteria can cause illness, drinking water should be Absent/100ml to be considered safe.  If you want a numerical value, you must request an MPN (Most Probably Number) test. We cannot change the type of test if testing is already done.

    If a result is below the reporting limit, the result will appear as <1.0 MPN/100ml.
     
  7. What does MRL mean?
    MRL (Minimum Reporting Limit) is the lowest concentration of a substance that the lab can reliably report. Testing cannot guarantee that the substance is completely absent, but if it is below the MRL, we can report that it was not detected at measurable levels. Every method has limits, and MRLs define those limits.
     
  8. Who should I contact with questions about my results?
    For help interpreting results or determining next steps, contact:
    •    Your local health department
    •    A licensed well or water treatment professional