The Escambia County Water Quality Laboratory’s (ECWQL) purpose is to provide the highest quality of environmental testing, monitoring, assessment and information services to benefit both residents and the natural environment. The ECWQL was established in 2006 as a means of supporting internal storm water monitoring programs. It has evolved from a staff of one scientist to a current team of three scientists. In 2015 the laboratory became NELAP certified for microbiology, nutrients, metals, residuals, Oil & Grease, and Chlorophyll-a.
The ECWQL performs testing on surface and groundwater samples to met compliance for NPDES monitoring and provides water quality testing for Escambia County residents in a cost-effective manner. The laboratory operates under various laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels. Several programs within the Natural Resources Management Department are the main users of our laboratory services including Ground water, Surface Water and Pollution Prevention programs that respond to the requirements established under federal and state laws including:
The Escambia County Water Quality Laboratory has the ability to test private potable wells for bacteria (total coliform with E. Coli confirmation). Bacteria tests cost $30 per sample. This price includes a bottle kit and all necessary instructions/documentation. Contact the county laboratory at (850) 595-1873 or escambiacountylab@myescambia.com to schedule a day/time to pick up a bottle kit. Samples need to be returned to the laboratory the same day the bottle(s) are filled. Laboratory results are released upon full payment. The ECWQL does not interpret results nor provide recommendations. As a general rule, we do not test samples collected from the municipal water supply. Please contact your water provider directly if you have questions regarding the quality of your supplied potable water.
Other options may also be available if you are interested in a more expansive list of parameters. Two local private laboratories offer testing: Eurofins in Pensacola: (850) 474-1001 and Future Labs in Milton: (850) 910-3490. Drinking water test kits are also offered online by certified laboratories. These kits may provide a cost effective option, especially when testing for a larger number of parameters. Escambia County cannot make any guarantee regarding the quality of products or services received for any of these other testing options.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
Under Florida law, IP addresses and both the content of emails and email addresses are public records. If you do not want your IP address and the content of your email or your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in person.