Our services include potable drinking water (i.e., wells) testing, municipal and wastewater monitoring, real estate and transaction testing, non-potable pool and public bathing water testing, and industrial compliance support. We also offer routine monitoring programs, on-site sampling, and courier sample collection and pickup to ensure reliable turnaround times and proper chain-of-custody handling. Clients can rely on Princeton for accurate, timely results and guidance aligned with state and federal regulatory requirements.
Princeton helps clients meet state and federal water quality requirements by providing accurate, timely testing aligned with applicable DEP and EPA standards. As a PADEP-certified testing laboratory (ID# 35-04831), our team follows approved methods, understands regulatory testing schedules, and maintains strict chain-of-custody procedures to ensure reliable, defensible results. We work closely with clients to support ongoing compliance and reduce the risk of delays or violations.
Sample collection methods vary depending on the type of water source, testing requirements, and the client’s operational needs. Princeton works with each customer to determine the most appropriate collection approach, whether samples are collected by the client or coordinated through our sample collection and courier services. We provide clear guidance on proper sampling procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance. This flexible approach helps maintain reliable results while accommodating different site conditions and timelines.
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of analysis and regulatory requirements, but Princeton prioritizes efficient processing for all water samples. We understand that timely results are especially critical for real estate transactions and municipal operations, where delays can impact closings, reporting, and system management. Private customers submitting a Total coliform/E. Coli Test can often expect results within approximately 48 hours of receipt at the laboratory. Generally, the laboratory completes testing within 7-10 business days, depending on the tests requested. Our laboratory workflows are designed to deliver accurate results promptly while maintaining compliance and quality standards.
Yes! Princeton has multiple sample-collection couriers serving various areas of Pennsylvania daily.
A practical set of parameters for evaluating private well water should address safety, aesthetics, plumbing impacts, and long-term health risks. Because private wells are not regulated, the goal is to screen for the most common contaminants first, then expand as needed. Below is a suggested economical “baseline” well-water testing panel, followed by optional add-ons based on location and concerns.
1. Total Coliform/ E. Coli bacteria (microbiological contamination)
2. pH, Harness Calculation (Calcium and Magnesium), total dissolved solids (TDS), and alkalinity (corrosion scaling and effectiveness of treatments such as filter or softeners)
3. Lead and Copper (metals commonly found in plumbing materials in houses built before 1985)
4. Manganese, Iron (metals commonly found in groundwater aquifers)
1. Color
2. Turbidity (cloudiness)
3. Sodium (winter de-icing salt run-off)
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (if gasoline or solvents/chemicals are suspected)
5. Total Organic Carbon (color or taste)
Contact us or use our Water Symptom Questionairre.
Hard water leaves distinct, cumulative signs on faucets and plumbing due to its high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. One of the most noticeable indicators is a chalky white or gray residue (limescale) that builds up on and inside faucet aerators, spouts, and handles, often appearing as crusty deposits or stubborn spots after water dries. Over time, these minerals can clog faucet aerators and showerheads, reducing water flow and causing uneven spray patterns. In plumbing and appliances, hard water contributes to scale accumulation inside pipes, which can narrow the pipe diameter, decrease water pressure, and reduce the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Metal fixtures may also show dull finishes, corrosion around joints, or frequent leaks, as mineral scale traps moisture and stresses seals and valves. Collectively, these signs point to ongoing mineral deposition that, if unaddressed, can lead to higher maintenance costs and reduced plumbing performance.
Lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) are often tested together in drinking water samples because they share common sources, health concerns, and regulatory treatment. Their co-analysis is both scientifically logical and regulatory-driven, as they are sourced from shared plumbing materials.
Both lead and copper typically enter drinking water after the water leaves the treatment plant, through corrosion of household plumbing rather than from the source water itself. Lead can leach from lead service lines, solder, and brass fixtures. Copper, on the other hand, comes from copper pipes and fittings. Because the same corrosion processes (low pH, low alkalinity, high chloride, long stagnation times) release these metals from the materials, testing them together provides a clearer picture of plumbing-related contamination.
In the U.S., the EPA regulates both metals under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), which requires paired monitoring at consumer taps using first-draw samples. Utilities must evaluate lead and copper results together to assess corrosion control effectiveness and determine whether action levels (0.015 mg/L for lead (Pb) and 1.3 mg/L for copper(Cu)) are exceeded. This regulatory framework is the main reason laboratories and water systems routinely analyze them as a set.
The combined testing helps distinguish systemic corrosion issues from isolated contamination sources, since elevated copper without lead (or vice versa) can suggest different plumbing materials or corrosion behaviors.
