Testing for water quality can be done locally. McDuffey Lab is a state certified drinking water lab, certified by the Department of Natural Resources. All testing is performed in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The lab provides test kits for drinking water, lake water, run-off/ground water, and wastewater.
In drinking water the lab tests for coliform bacteria (an indicator bacteria that is found in nature, but is not supposed to be found in drinking water). If coliform bacteria is present, it states that other harmful bacteria may be present as well, the water is then tested for E. coli.
The cost of this test is $25 for a 24 hour test or $27 for an 18 hour test.
Other tests that may be done are hardness test (stating how hard your drinking water is) for $10, and an iron test for $7.50; run-off or ground water for fecal coliform. This may help determine if there is a wastewater leak. This test is $20
Lake water is tested for E. coli. The price is $25. A fecal coliform can be done a s well as the E. coli for $20.
The test kits are available from McDuffey Lab on Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Samples for testing drinking water are accepted Monday through Thursday. 
All wastewater, lake water, and run-off, or ground water is accepted Monday through Thursday before 2 p.m. No samples after 2 p.m. or on Friday. Payment for all samples are required when samples are dropped off.
For more information, call 346-2092.