The Township will carry water sampling bottles to test for bacteria or #30. These samples can be taken either to the water department in St. Ignace or to the water department in DeTour. However, each department has their own specific application form and they are not interchangeable. The State has its own separate bacteria test bottle and form, and can only be mailed to the State for testing.
Test kits for nitrates (#32) which require freezer packs and coolers are available through the State by calling 517-335-8184. Owing to the limited number of coolers available to the State, the Township can only keep about 3 or 4 kits on hand for about a 30-day period. It may be more advantageous and timelier for you to call the DEQ directly and have them ship the test kits to your home or business. Order forms are available on line. Go to DEQ Drinking Water Laboratory to download forms, see test fees, and read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about drinking water.
The Township may have a kit or two that contains both sampling bottles, freezer packs and cooler (#31), but this is not a guarantee. It will be more efficient for you to order that kit, #31, from the State and have it sent to your home or business if you want this dual-bottle kit.
Both the bacteria and nitrate samples have a defined time constraint of about 36 hours for accuracy. The nitrate test kits must be shipped overnight/next day to Lansing. The bacteria samples must be taken to the St. Ignace or DeTour water departments at most the day after you test, but best on the day of the sampling. Test early in the morning to either mail it that day or take it to the water departments.
Fees for sampling tests:
State: $16 for bacteria/coliform; $18 for nitrate (plus mailing costs for overnight mail)
St. Ignace: $25 for bacteria/coliform
DeTour: $16 for bacteria/coliform
If you have any questions, please call the Township at 484-2672, or call the State at 517-335-8184.