ENVIRONMENTAL

The environmental testing groups at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) offer comprehensive laboratory testing services and support for environmental and consumer protection, as well as drinking water and health-related programs within the Commonwealth. DCLS also provides emergency testing support in response to natural and man-made catastrophes that impact or could potentially impact our environment and our communities. There are thousands of chemicals, microorganisms, radio chemicals and pesticides that have the potential to impact the safety of our environment. The ability to have access to high-quality, laboratory testing services to identify and quantify the presence of these contaminants is the first step in assuring the safety of our Commonwealth.

Environmental Testing Services:
Eligible Submitters:

  • Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)

    • Office of Pesticide Services
    • Office of Dairy and Foods
    • Office of Weights and Measures

  • Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

    • Air Quality Monitoring
    • Division of Water

  • Regulated Waterworks

  • Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

Environmental Accreditation:

FAQs

Will DCLS test the well water at my home/business to ensure it is safe to drink?
The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) does not provide consultation on private well testing or testing for homeowners on a public water supply.
• For residents supplied water by a municipal or private utility, DCLS recommends first reaching out to the water supplier with water quality concerns.
• The Virginia Department of Health has a website with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on this topic, with additional resources for contacting a local health department representative.
• The VDH website's FAQ includes information on suggested testing as well as information on interpreting results.
• Should you desire to use a laboratory certified/accredited by DCLS for drinking water analyses, a listing of these laboratories is available here.
Additionally, the resources below may be helpful:
• Virginia Department of Health Private Well Program (with links to local health departments)
• Virginia Department of Health guidance on testing your private well water
• United States Environmental Protection Agency website on private drinking water wells
Who can get drinking water samples tested at DCLS?
DCLS offers drinking water analysis for public water supply systems required to comply with Virginia Public Water Supply Law and the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Act.
I am concerned about lead in my drinking water. Can DCLS test my water to ensure there is no lead in it?
DCLS does not perform lead analysis for private homeowners. For more information about lead in drinking water please see the lead and copper information page from the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water.
Does DCLS perform lead testing for school systems to ensure compliance with state law?
Yes, DCLS can provide testing for schools systems looking to comply with state laws. Please call (804) 648-4480 x 320 for more information.
Can DCLS test my water for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances?
For more information about PFAS in drinking water please see the PFAS information page from the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water.
How does a regulated drinking water supplier order test kits from DCLS?
DCLS sends a quarterly monitoring schedule for testing services required by that entity to regulated waterworks. The monitoring schedule includes details about the tests, frequency of collection and the cost for services should the public water supply system want to have testing performed by DCLS. Non routine analysis for regulated waterworks can also be placed through your local health department. Please contact your local office of drinking water. If you do not receive the quarterly monitoring schedule for required regulatory analysis and would like one, or if you have any other questions about getting a quote for service, please call (804) 648-4480 ext. 171.
How do I collect drinking water samples?
Instructions for collecting drinking water samples can be found here. Please be sure to completely fill out the submission forms received with your kits.
Where can I drop off samples to be delivered to DCLS?
DCLS maintains a courier system statewide. To find a courier pickup location near you please see this list.
Where and when can I drop off samples at DCLS?
DCLS receives samples Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the rear entrance, beside the loading dock doors. The address to the loading dock is 600 N 4th St. Please note, weekly samples for bacteriological analysis must be delivered prior to 2 p.m. on Thursday, unless you have prior approval from the laboratory to drop them off later. Please call (804) 648-4480 x171 to discuss sample submission outside of these hours.
Can I collect a sample in a bottle I received from another lab?
No, DCLS performs quality control on sample bottles shipped to customers and cannot receive samples in another sample container or in a DCLS bottle exceeding the kit expiration date listed on the submission forms.
Can I make copies of my sample submission form for use with future sample collections?
No. Sample collection forms are printed specifically for sample bottles. They have unique lab numbers assigned to them and are shipped as part of each kit.
I collect samples for multiple regulated waterworks, can I switch submission forms between multiple waterworks?
No, submission forms are printed for specific public water supply system collections and are not interchangeable.
Do I have to return the pink temperature bottle along with my samples?
Yes. As indicated in the test kit instructions, this bottle is used as a temperature control bottle for the cooler and is necessary for receipt of sample types associated with that test kit.
I was notified that my sample was rejected. Do I have to pay for a replacement kit?
No, replacement kits for rejected samples are replaced free of charge as long as the bottle has not exceeded the expiration date listed on the submission form.
Do my drinking water test results meet regulatory limits?
DCLS does not interpret results for regulatory requirements. For questions about data acceptance, please contact your local office of drinking water. For all other questions about sample results received, please call (804) 648-4480 x171.
Who can I call to get my test results?
Test results are mailed to the submitter upon completion. If you have questions about the status of your test, please call (804) 648-4480 x171.
Can I get my reports emailed to me instead of receiving paper copies in the mail?
No, not as of now. But stay tuned. DCLS is in the process of transitioning to a system that will allow for alternate ways to receive certificates of analysis.
How do I pay for repeat bacteriological analysis bottles after a positive coliform result?
An invoice will be issued for these kits, and payment can be provided through the DCLS payment portal.
Does DCLS perform analyses for samples collected for Virginia Discharge Elimination System effluents?
No, DCLS does not perform VPDES sample analyses. A list of accredited laboratories eligible to perform this work can be found here.