TOPIC: Water Testing without a lab ???

Im looking to start doing my own coliform/Ecoli testing and need to know whats needed to start this. IE: incubator( which one ) Chemicals, etc...

What's the advantage to doing it yourself? It seems that would increase your liability quite a bit as you're now certifying the results instead of the lab.

If you are having to ask such basic questions, you are in no way qualified to issue a report that the elderly and infirmed are relying on to stay healthy and alive.

Sorry Steve, I understand we cant all be as knowledgeable as you. I guess my 14 years as a power plant engineer doing extensive water testing daily doesn't count but then again from your post you must already know me. I never did coliform testing on my own as I know many inspectors do and thought I could have posted and received some assistance. I was asking what the best kits are and which incubator is the best bang for the buck. There are several different test kits and I wanted to know what is the most accurate, cost effective kit for 10-15 tests a week. Sorry I couldn't reply to you earlier but I was busy doing inspections all day helping people out as opposed to posting useless comments online.

Steve overreacted a bit but has good intentions. We see inspectors getting in over their heads often to try and increase revenue. If you think you're qualified, that's one thing. But otherwise be very, very careful when you start getting into your own testing as everything now falls on you if the test is done incorrectly.

You asked a question that any chemist or qualified laboratory technician would know the the answer to.  In your vast experience as a power plant engineer, how many of the water tests were done for specifically for health reasons such as a bacteria / coliform testing?  Having dealt with laboratory pathologists in numerous legal proceedings, I know the qualifications that running a lab takes.  Every lab that has testified in these cases has someone with a PhD in charge of the procedures and quantitative analysis used to meet the State Health Department standards.  The labs must meet certain standards for not only for their testing but for the testing environment.  A normal garage or bedroom with unfiltered recirculated air would not meet those standards.

If you are after the money, charge extra for taking the sample and let the lab do their thing.  The liability for issuing an incorrect report could be well beyond any legal shield your business could put in place.

You want to get snarky?  Fine.  Bring it on.  The fact that your initial question was asking such basic questions goes to show your qualifications.  Will you be testing for E-Coli or Pathogenic E-Coli?  E-Coli is merely a subset of the fecal coliform group that in turn is a subset of the total coliform group.  But then you knew all that because you were a power plant engineer.  Then again, maybe you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.