Onondaga County, NY well water testing: county-approved labs
Short answer: Call a lab the Onondaga County Health Department lists as approved for drinking water bacteriology and nitrates: Certified Environmental Services in North Syracuse, 315-478-2374; Microbac in Cortland, 607-753-3403; or JLI Environmental Laboratories in Auburn, 315-253-4433. The department recommends testing at least yearly for total coliform and nitrate. Ask the lab about bottles and prices.
Labs the county health department lists
| Lab | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Environmental Services | 7280 Caswell Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212 | 315-478-2374 |
| Microbac New York – Cortland | 3821 Buck Drive, Cortland, NY 13045 | 607-753-3403 |
| Panek Laboratory LLC DBA JLI Environmental Laboratories | 42 Washington Street, Auburn, NY 13021 | 315-253-4433 |
The Onondaga County Health Department lists these as approved laboratories for drinking water bacteriology and nitrates in Onondaga, Cortland and Cayuga counties. [source]
What and how often to test
The county health department recommends testing private well water at least once a year for total coliform and nitrate. [source] New York State's Department of Health adds testing for other contaminants every 3–5 years. [source]
The county notes that when total coliform is detected, follow-up testing is needed to see whether E. coli is present, and the lab will automatically run an E. coli test after a positive total coliform result. [source]
Local geology
The county warns that even a properly located and built well can be contaminated. Fractured shale gives little or no filtration, so contaminants can travel long distances quickly, which can be a particular problem near farming or septic systems. [source]
County contact
The Onondaga County Health Department doesn't regulate private wells, but its engineering staff can give you information about your well water: Bureau of Public Health Engineering, 315-435-6600, John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. [source]
More certified labs
For other certified labs, use the NYSDOH ELAP lab search. [source] See our New York guide.
FAQ
Where can I get my well water tested in Onondaga County, New York?
Call a lab the Onondaga County Health Department lists as approved for drinking water bacteriology and nitrates: Certified Environmental Services in North Syracuse, 315-478-2374; Microbac in Cortland, 607-753-3403; or JLI Environmental Laboratories in Auburn, 315-253-4433. The department recommends testing at least yearly for total coliform and nitrate. Ask the lab about bottles and prices.
How often should Onondaga County well owners test?
The Onondaga County Health Department recommends testing at least once a year for total coliform and nitrate. NYSDOH advises testing for other contaminants every 3 to 5 years.
Does Onondaga County regulate private wells?
No. The county health department says it doesn't regulate private wells, but its engineering staff can provide information about your well water at 315-435-6600.
Sources
- Onondaga County Health Department – Laboratory Information (accessed 2026-10-26)
- Onondaga County Health Department – Well Water Information (PDF) (accessed 2026-10-26)
- NYSDOH – Private Wells (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NYSDOH – ELAP lab search (accessed 2026-10-21)
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