Getting your samples ready
It is important to make sure you can drop off your water samples the same day you take them so they can be tested right away. Some tests require the samples to remain cold and that they get to the Lab within 22 hours.
Be sure to read your sample instructions carefully before you take your samples.
How to ensure your water sample is accepted:
- Get your samples to the laboratory within the timeframe listed in your sampling instructions, preferably within 22 hours of taking your sample - including courier and shipping times.
- Double check that all the required information is written on the forms and bottles.
- Use the freezer packs and cooler, if provided, to keep the temperature of your water samples less than 42° F (6° C) - cold, but not freezing - until it reaches the laboratory.
- Ensure your sample is properly preserved:
- Do not rinse out or overfill your sample containers
- Do not forget to add preservatives if/when directed to
- Do not let anything touch the inside of the bottle neck or cap - including your hands
- If you have questions, call the Lab at 800-600-9997 or 802-338-4724.
Getting your samples to the Lab
You can get your samples to the Lab in three ways:
Drop them off in-person at the Lab
359 South Park Drive, Colchester
Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Lab is closed on state holidays.
Drop them off in-person at an Office of Local Health around the state. These offices participate in the Drinking Water Drop-Off Program where couriers will pick up your samples and bring them to the Lab for free.
Local Health Offices can accept samples Monday-Thursday except state holidays and the day before a state holiday.
See detailed information below on the Drinking Water Drop-Off Program's locations and times.
Mail/Ship your samples to the Lab. If you choose this option, make sure your sample will arrive at the Lab within the necessary timeframe in your sampling instructions, including the shipping time from your house to the Lab.
USPS: Mail samples to P.O. Box 1125, Burlington, VT 05402-1125.
FedEx or UPS: Mail samples to 359 South Park Drive, Colchester, VT 05446.
Drinking Water Drop-Off Program Details
See the local health office drop-off locations and times below.
Samples are not accepted on Fridays, state holidays, or the day before state holidays.
Print a PDF of the drop-off locations and times
| Local Health Office | Location/Address | Drop-off Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Barre | 5 Perry Street, Suite 250, Barre | 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| Bennington | 324 Main Street, Suite 2, Bennington | 7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| Brattleboro | 232 Main St, Suite 3, Brattleboro | 7:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
| Middlebury | 156 South Village Green, Suite 102, Middlebury | 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
| Morrisville | 63 Professional Drive, Suite 1, Morrisville | 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
| Newport | 100 Main Street, Suite 220, Newport | 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| Rutland | 88 Merchants' Row, Rutland | 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Springfield | 100 Mineral Street, Suite 104, Springfield | 7:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
| St. Albans | 27 Federal Street, Suite 201, St. Albans | 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| St. Johnsbury | 107 Eastern Ave, Suite 9, St. Johnsbury | 7:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
| White River Junction | 118 Prospect St, Suite 300, White River Junction | 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |