Water Laboratory
Lab Operating Schedule Change effective September 1, 2025
Beginning Monday, September 1, the Lewis County Public Health & Social Services water laboratory will operate on a new schedule. The lab will be open weekdays during the first and second full weeks of each month.
The lab will be open the following weeks:
September 1 and 8
October 6 and 13
November 3 and 10
December 1 and 8
Coliform (bacteria) Water Testing for Flood-Impacted Wells
December 15, 2025 – January 14, 2026
Lewis County Public Health & Social Services is offering no-cost coliform (bacteria) testing for flood-impacted private wells and small water systems in the Randle and Packwood area.
Test if floodwater reached your well or water quality has changed. Harmful bacteria may be present even if water looks normal.
Before testing:
Disinfect the well and wait 3–4 days before sampling (WA DOH guidance).
Bottle pick-up: Mon–Fri, 9:00–4:30
LCPHSS • Packwood Fire Station • Randle Fire Station
Sample drop-off:
LCPHSS, Chehalis — Mon & Tue only 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
Monday local drop-off by 9:30 a.m.:
Dec 22, Dec 29, Jan 5, Jan 12
(Morton • Randle • Packwood)
More info: https://flood.lewiscountywa.gov
After-the-Flood Resources:
https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/december-2025-flood-event/
WA DOH Well Disinfection Guidance (PDF):
The Lewis County Water Lab is accredited to analyze coliform bacteria and nitrate samples. These are the most commonly tested parameters for public water supplies and are also required for individuals on private wells obtaining building occupancy permits.
Each test costs $65 and must be submitted in a specially treated sample bottle.
Sample bottles may be picked up on the 3rd floor of the Health Department at 360 NW North Street (map it), Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.
Coliform bacteria samples may be submitted at the Health Department Monday-Wednesday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Nitrate samples may be submitted on Mondays or Tuesdays only, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Surface water intake samples may be submitted on Mondays, 8:00am-3:00pm.
Samples should be submitted the same day they are collected and must be kept cool.
We also have several sites throughout the county where samples may be dropped off the first Monday of every month before 9:30 am:
- Morton City Hall
- Randle Post Office
- Packwood Post Office
Please contact the water lab at (360) 740-1237 or the Lewis County Public Health front office at (360) 740-1223 for alternative operating hours during weeks with government holidays or any other questions.