The Lewis County Environmental Health Laboratory tests drinking water for the public and for private well owners, including the coliform and nitrate tests required for building occupancy permits on private wells.
Tests. Coliform bacteria and nitrate. The lab also accepts surface water intake samples.
Prices. The county’s water lab page (viewed 2026-10-24) says each test costs $65.
Bottles and drop-off.
- Samples must be collected in the lab’s treated bottle. Pick bottles up on the 3rd floor of the Health Department, 360 NW North Street, Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm.
- Coliform samples: Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 4:30pm. Nitrate samples: Monday or Tuesday only.
- On the first Monday of each month, samples can be left before 9:30am at Morton City Hall, the Randle Post Office or the Packwood Post Office.
- Since September 1, 2025 the lab has run a reduced schedule, on weekdays during the first and second full weeks of each month. Check the county’s water lab calendar or call before sampling.
Accreditation. Ecology accreditation H720 (current certificate H720-26), covering coliform and E. coli and nitrate in drinking water.