Mobile Environmental Branch

The Environmental Branch conducts drinking water, rabies, beach water, and shellfish testing in addition to harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring.

Potable Waters Section

The Mobile Laboratory analyzes drinking water samples for specific bacteria from public water systems regulated by the ADEM and from private sources such as building contractors, home wells, and samples collected by health department environmentalists. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are analyzed to determine if drinking water can be considered safe. The test, Standard Method 9223, is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet the requirements of the EPA Total Coliform Rule for safe drinking water.

Private Water Instructions and Sample Form

Rabies Section

The Mobile Laboratory performs rabies testing for medical management purposes when there has been human or domestic animal exposure by a suspect animal. Testing is done on mammals only. Rabies testing is performed on the brain of the specimen, so it is important that care is taken to avoid damage to the head if the animal needs to be euthanized.

The Mobile Laboratory can safely handle animal heads from dogs and cats. Larger animals such as cows, horses, and hogs must be sent to a  State Veterinary Laboratory.

Rabies Submission Instructions

See also, Mobile Clinical Branch and Shellfish Branch.