Who Needs to be Certified or Registered?

Laboratories (both in-state and out-of-state) performing chemical and toxicological testing for compliance monitoring under many of the Department's covered programs are required to be certified or registered under ch. NR 149, Wis. Adm. Code. This requirement applies to any laboratory that performs testing in the general areas listed to the right. The table below lists the specific adminstrative codes that require DNR certification or registration. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) certifies laboratories for microbiological testing in both water and milk. Contact Laura Traas at (414)358-3602 for more information about the micro testing program.

Programs Requiring Certification:

Wastewater permits
Municipal drinking water
Solid/hazardous waste
Spills
Well compensation
Dredging permits
Mining permits
Groundwater monitoring
Stormwater permits

For more specific information about programs requiring certification.

But...I just want my well water tested!

If you are a member of the public that simply wants to test your well water for your own information (vs. being directed to by the DNR), the laboratory you choose does not have to be one certified under this Program. For this purpose, you may want to simply look in the "Yellow" Pages under "Laboratories - Testing", and select from one of these labs. The only downside to using one of these labs is that they may or may not have any oversight body that ensures the quality of their test results.

On the other hand, if you have just had a new well installed or are involved in a property transfer with a well as the drinking water source, your test results WILL have to be performed by a certified laboratory. The Laboratory Certification Program can provide you with lists of laboratories that are certified for specific analytical parameters of interest. Before selecting a laboratory to do any testing, consider reviewing some information we put together which summarizes information to consider when contracting for laboratory testing.

Contact the Wisconsin DNR if you have questions about whether or not your laboratory needs to be certified or registered.

A laboratory must be certified or registered before doing analysis for clients submitting data to covered Wisconsin programs. Submitting the application form or passing the reference samples does not constitute certification or registration.

Last Revised: Monday July 24 2006