State Laboratory Of Hygiene

At a glance

What it is certified to test

1 of the 9 common well tests on the WI list (see which)

Price

from $35 (Bacteria (Total Coliform/E. coli) - Presence/Absence), as printed on the lab’s website, read 15 Nov 2026

Turnaround

“Usual Testing Time In Business Days: Bacteria 2; Nitrate 3; Lead 10; Arsenic 10; Homeowner Package 21; HUD/FHA-VA Loan Package 7” (lab’s website)

Homeowner samples

yes (lab’s own website, read 15 Nov 2026)

Lab facts

Listed by

Wisconsin (Wisconsin DNR / DATCP (microbiology))

Address

2601 Agriculture Dr, Madison, WI 53707 · Open in Google Maps

Phone

(608) 224-6260

Website

www.slh.wisc.edu

Not on the state list: found and checked by us, 15 Nov 2026

Public / homeowner samples

Homeowner samples: yes (lab’s website)

WI DNR bacti lab list (includes utility/wastewater labs); homeowner acceptance not stated

Certification record

Certificate ID

999 ; 113133790

Issued by

Wisconsin DNR / DATCP (microbiology) (certification program)

List version

Wisconsin DNR - Drinking Water (SDWA) Labs Certified for Coliform Bacteria Testing, version live page

We fetched it

15 Nov 2026 (file SHA-256 db1a5cb9cb67…) · open the state file

Tests on the state list

• Named on the official list The state list names this analyte (or a column for it) for this lab.
• Group-level certification Certified for a parent group (e.g. 'Inorganics') that includes this analyte. Confirm the specific test with the lab.
• Partial group certification The list marks the group as 'Partial'. Confirm this analyte with the lab.
• Subcontracted The lab sends this analyte to another accredited lab (MDH 'X*').

Homeowner service and turnaround (lab’s own website)

• Takes homeowner samples: yes. The lab’s site says: “Homeowner Package -includes: Total Coliform, E. coli, Nitrate, Nitrate+Nitrite, Nitrite, Fluoride, Metals Screen, Hardness, VOCs Screen, and Atrazine Screen (5 bottle kit)” source
• Who collects: You collect the sample with the lab's bottles. source
• By mail or courier: the lab says samples or kits can be shipped. Bacteria samples must reach the lab within its holding time.
• Turnaround (as printed): Usual Testing Time In Business Days: Bacteria 2; Nitrate 3; Lead 10; Arsenic 10; Homeowner Package 21; HUD/FHA-VA Loan Package 7 source

From the lab’s own website, read 15 Nov 2026 and re-read by a second checker; next check due by 13 Feb 2027. Certification fields come from the state list only.

Prices the lab prints, compared

• Bacteria (coliform / E. coli): $35 here, the same as the state-run lab’s $35 (Bacteria (total coliform / E. coli); Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026, checked ) source.
• Bacteria (coliform / E. coli) against other Wisconsin labs: median $30 across 20 other labs that print a price on their own site; 12 of them charge less than $35.
• Nitrate: $35 here, the same as the state-run lab’s $35 (Nitrate; Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026, checked ) source.
• Nitrate against other Wisconsin labs: median $30 across 14 other labs that print a price on their own site; 10 of them charge less than $35.
• Arsenic: $38 here, the same as the state-run lab’s $38 (Arsenic; Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026, checked ) source.
• Arsenic against other Wisconsin labs: median $35 across 10 other labs that print a price on their own site; 8 of them charge less than $38.
• Lead: $38 here, the same as the state-run lab’s $38 (Lead; Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, prices effective July 1, 2026, checked ) source.
• Lead against other Wisconsin labs: median $35 across 8 other labs that print a price on their own site; 6 of them charge less than $38.

Comparison uses the lowest single-test price this lab prints; panels and ranges are left out. For comparison only, not a quote.

Nearest labs that take homeowner samples

No other lab that takes homeowner samples is within 25 miles of this lab; the nearest is 36 miles away. Distances are straight-line from the address on the state list (approx. = ZIP-code centre). “Takes homeowner samples” comes from a state list column or the lab’s own website, as named.

Price and turnaround as printed on each lab’s own website and checked by a second reader; – = not published or not read yet.

Around this lab: Dane County, WI

• Private wells: about 74,864 people, 14% of Dane County’s 523,643 residents (USGS, 2015); rank 2 of 72 counties in Wisconsin by people on wells.

• EPA radon zone (indoor air): Zone 1: highest potential (average indoor radon may be greater than 4 pCi/L). EPA says the zone map should not decide whether one home needs testing.
• Arsenic above 10 µg/L (USGS model): about 2,038 private-well users (95% range 1,664 to 2,507; 2010 base), rank 7 of 72 in the state. A screening estimate, not a measurement of any well.
• Older homes (Census ACS 2020–2024): 43% of 261,061 housing units were built before 1980, below the state share of 57%. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead solder or fittings, so test tap water for lead there.
• PFAS in public water nearby (public supply, not your well): 15 public systems serving this county reported EPA UCMR 5 results; 0 had a PFOA or PFOS sample at or above 4.0 ng/L.

County figures describe where the lab is, not the lab. Sources: USGS 2015 water use and 2017 arsenic estimates, EPA radon zones, Census ACS table B25034 (2020–2024), EPA UCMR 5 (2023–2026); details and links on the sources page.

Before you send a sample

Call the lab to confirm it's currently certified for the exact test and method, that it accepts samples from homeowners, and how to collect and ship them. Bacteria samples have short holding times. Status can change between list updates. To check a status, contact the Wisconsin certification program.

Is this your lab?

Labs can ask for corrections through the agency that publishes their state list. Homeowner service, prices and turnaround above come only from the lab’s own website. To ask us to correct or remove this listing, write to us (how we handle listings).