10 named for coliform bacteria itself on the list.
Per the state list or a state web page. Call to confirm.
Located outside Hawaii but on its list.
USGS estimate for Hawaii.
How many labs test for coliform bacteria in Hawaii
10 labs on Hawaii's official drinking-water lab list are certified to test for coliform bacteria. All 10 are named for coliform bacteria on the list. 1 of them is marked as taking samples from the public. They are listed first. 1 is located outside Hawaii.
The list is published by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) - State Laboratories Division, Drinking Water Certification Program; Safe Drinking Water Branch. List versions on file: August 12th, 2026; undated (DOH uploads folder 2026/03; file last modified Aug 21, 2026); undated (DOH uploads folder 2026/03; file last modified Aug 21, 2026). Fetched 2026-11-15 (UTC).
Hawaii labs certified for coliform bacteria
Marked as taking public samples (1)
| Lab | Location | Bacteria certification | Public samples | Cert. expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECOS, Inc. - Kaneohe, HI | Kaneohe, HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: yes (per state) | 12/31/2026 |
Other labs on the list (9)
| Lab | Location | Bacteria certification | Public samples | Cert. expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOH Hawaiʻi District Health Laboratory | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab | 9/30/2027 |
| DOH Kauaʻi District Health Laboratory | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab | 5/31/2027 |
| DOH Maui District Health Laboratory | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab | 6/30/2027 |
| Eurofins Eaton Analytical, Pomona, CA (formerly MWH Laboratories, Inc.) | Pomona, CA | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab | 1/31/2027 (microbiology); extended until renewal (chemistry) |
| FQLabs - Honolulu, HI | Honolulu, HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab | 2/19/2027 |
| County of Hawaiʻi, Department of Water Supply | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab Looks like a utility or municipal lab, judging by the name (our label, not the state list) | 8/31/2027 |
| County of Honolulu, Honolulu Board of Water Supply | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab Looks like a utility or municipal lab, judging by the name (our label, not the state list) | 11/30/2026 |
| County of Kauaʻi, Department of Water | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab Looks like a utility or municipal lab, judging by the name (our label, not the state list) | 8/31/2028 |
| County of Maui, Department of Water Supply | HI | Named on the official list | Public samples: ask the lab Looks like a utility or municipal lab, judging by the name (our label, not the state list) | 3/31/2027 |
How the Hawaii list marks public samples (whole list). Not stated in the lists. DOH's index to the lists is written for people "planning to have your drinking water tested" and says to "always confirm the laboratory's current certification status with them before submitting any water samples". DOH's Rainwater Catchment page names one lab for homeowners: "AECOS Laboratory, Inc. is currently the only lab approved by DOH, and is participating in this program" (subsidized lead and copper testing for homes on rainwater catchment).
Before you send a sample, call the lab to confirm it is currently certified for the exact test and method, that it accepts samples from homeowners, and how to collect and ship them. Status can change between list updates.
Why test for coliform bacteria in Hawaii
About a third of the 397 domestic wells tested for bacteria in a national USGS study had total coliform. Read our coliform bacteria explainer.
EPA advises private-well owners to test every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. [1]
Hawaii guidance that mentions coliform bacteria:
- Hawaii's Department of Health says there are no regulations controlling water quality in private wells serving individual homes and no requirements for regular testing. It refers owners to EPA's advice: test each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates and any other contaminants of concern in your area, more often if you suspect a problem. EPA also suggests considering pesticides, organic chemicals and heavy metals before first use. [2]
- For rainwater catchment used in the home, DOH recommends a screening test for E. coli, turbidity, lead and copper by a lab certified or approved by DOH, with the sample taken after all treatment, such as at the kitchen tap. [3]
About 56,296 people in Hawaii used private wells in 2015, by the USGS estimate of people on domestic self-supplied water. [4] Federal limits are written for public water systems, not private wells, so testing is up to the owner.
For tests that depend on your home (farms nearby, old plumbing, a new baby), use the which-tests checklist. When results arrive, check your numbers against EPA's limits. State guidance, county data and every lab: Hawaii.
Other tests in Hawaii
- U.S. EPA, Protect your home's water
- Hawaii Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Private Water Wells (rev. Oct 21, 2024)
- Hawaii Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Rainwater Catchment (last update Jul 23, 2026)
- USGS, Estimated use of water in the United States, county-level data for 2015 (Dieter et al., ver. 2.0, 2018)
- Drinking Water Microbiology Laboratories Certified by the Hawaii Department of Health (official list)
- Hawaii DOH State Laboratories Division - Certified Chemistry & Radiochemistry Drinking Water Labs + Drinking Water Microbiology Laboratories Certified by the Hawaii Department of Health (official list)
Hawaii DOH State Laboratories Division - Certified Chemistry & Radiochemistry Drinking Water Labs.
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