Water Testing Facts

1. Our lab offers bacteriological water testing to any public or semi-public swimming pool or spa. Our water test includes:

  • Heterotrophic Plate Count
  • Presence/Absence of Total Coliform and E. Coli

2. All public or semi public pool/spas in Vanderburgh County are required to submit a water test report weekly to the Health Department for every week they are operational  throughout the year. Failure to do so can result in closure of the pool/spa until a passing test is reported. See closure Requirements Below:

POOL/SPA CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR VANDERBURGH COUNTY:

  • Two concurrent water testing failures
  • Three water testing failures in any 6 week period
    (A failure can result from a test that doesn’t meet ISDH  Water Microbiology Department Guidelines or failure to submit a sample on a week the water facility was open to the public).
  • Any one test that is positive for the presence of E. Coli bacteria
  • CLICK HERE for what to do if you water sample has failed

3. Any public or semi public water entity in Vanderburgh County must have a passing sample 1 week prior to the opening to the public.

EXAMPLES:

  • Opening a new pool/spa to the public
  • Opening a seasonal pool/spa at the beginning of the season
  • Reopening a pool/spa after being shut down for 1 week or longer for maintenance/repairs

4. In accordance with ISDH Water Microbiology Department Guidelines, all water testing reports submitted and or tested at the Vanderburgh County Water Department are open to public record by request. Upon submission of an *Access to Public Records Request to the Health Department and after a 10 day hold of the requested result, the report will be released.

Request for Public Record link   http://health.vanderburghcounty.in.gov/environmental-health/

5. Sample Storage Requirements

  • Only samples in pre purchased VCHD bottles will be accepted.
  • No special storage requirements are necessary if submitted within 2 hours of collection.
  • If the sample cannot be submitted to VCHD within 2 hours of collection, the sample must be kept cold (not frozen) in a refrigerator or cooler until it can be presented for testing.
  • Samples greater than 24 hours old will not be accepted. (regardless of storage)

For additional information on IDOH Water Quality Standards visit: https://www.in.gov/isdh/23281.htm

For more information on VCHD water testing call 812-435-5662 or email vchdlab@vanderburghcounty.in.gov