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HPC Water Test
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Targeted testing of heterotrophic bacteria via heterotrophic plate count (HPC). Note: one HPC result is hard to interpret alone, but repeated testing reveals whether your water's bacterial population is stable, increasing (a sign of biofilm or disinfectant breakdown), or changing in response to treatment upgrades. We strongly recommend ordering multiple HPC kits to test your water over time, as one test alone does not indicate safe or unsafe levels.
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Certified testing lab
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Fast turnaround at lab (5 days)
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Free shipping, both ways
Heterotrophic bacteria are broadly defined as microorganisms that require organic carbon for growth. They include bacteria, yeasts, and molds and this total heterotrophic bacteria plate count (HPC) test is an excellent way to demonstrate a quantified presence or absence of microbial activity in a water supply.
This mail-to-lab kit provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. This includes a prepaid shipping label and chain of custody.
About the HPC Water Test:
This is the right test for you if:
- Water smells or tastes musty, moldy, or mildew-like.
- See biofilm buildup or other microbial growths on faucets and fixtures.
- Concerned about overall microbial activity in your drinking water.
- Want to assess the performance of a UV filtration device.
1. Sample
You'll get everything you need to collect your drinking water sample, including easy-to-follow instructions.
2. Ship
Shipping is free, so getting your sample to the lab won't cost you a thing.
3. Test
We route your sample to an independent, certified lab in our network that's best equipped to analyze your water.
4. Report
Once the lab analysis is complete you'll get an interactive digital report that explains your results and what to do next.
Sampling Instructions
Sampling Materials
Overnight Shipping to Lab Included
Cold Shipping KitThe HPC Water Test kit includes analysis for 1 analytes:
Bacteria: 1
Total HPC
Choose your preferred shipping method at checkout:
1. Standard to You | Overnight To Lab
- Orders shipped to you via FedEx.
- Typically shipped within 12-36 hours of placing your order.
- Arrives within 2-3 business days of shipment.
- Includes overnight shipping to the lab via FedEx.
2. Overnight (Both Ways)
- Orders shipped to you via overnight FedEx.
- Typically shipped same day as order placed.
- Arrives within 1 business day of shipment.
- Includes overnight shipping to the lab via FedEx.
3. Urgent Orders
- Questions about shipping? Contact our support team.
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"Valuable scientific information but more importantly an incredible above-and-beyond customer service experience that made the boring scientific information much more valuable and relevant."
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"... incredible at receiving samples and getting results in a timely manner. But where they truly shine is going above and beyond to discuss results with clients and help bring clarity to what those results mean."
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"The service was fast, the instructions were very clear, and the test results arrived quickly with an impressive amount of detail."
Certified, Regional Lab Testing.
With over 250 world-class testing facilities in our network, we can test your water with greater specialization, faster speeds and higher standards.
Customer service meets science.
Our Support Team includes water quality engineers, scientists, and toxicology experts who help make sense of your results.
- Insight into health, aesthetic & plumbing risks
- Recommendations based on your data
- Available by live chat, phone, or email
Not Sure What To Test For?
Get a comprehensive test.
Our Core Kits focus first on the contaminants that matter most, the well-established, high-priority ones backed by decades of research.
Go ahead. Ask us anything
We know this stuff feels complicated, but we are dedicated to keeping it simple. Answers to all your questions are always a chat or FAQ away.
Which test is right for me?
When in doubt, start with a Core Kit to analyze multiple contaminants with a single test. If you have more specific motivations for testing, try our Customize My Kit feature to match your needs to the right test(s).
What's the turnaround time?
Most people receive results within 3-5 business days after the lab receives their sample. However, some tests may require additional analytical time so be sure to check each kit’s product page for the most accurate estimate.
What will my report include?
Your report will rank your water against local and federal safety benchmarks, provide a thorough breakdown of any contaminants detected and how they may be affecting your health or plumbing, and provide non-biased treatment recommendations.
Are Tap Score labs certified?
Every lab facility in our network is certified with accreditations ranging from ISO to NELAC/ELAP, Direct State, DoD, DoE, DoH and beyond. Need a specific certification? Let us know so that we can meet your needs accordingly.