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The New Bedford Health Department’s Municipal Laboratory ensures the safety of the city’s water through regular monitoring and testing.
Beaches
The Health Department tests the water quality of all public swimming beaches in New Bedford at least once a week, following standards set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Details of the latest test can be found in the Beach Report linked below.
As of Aug. 28, 2024: All New Bedford beaches are OPEN to swimming.
The Aug. 28 tests were the Marine Lab’s last of the summer season, which concluded Labor Day weekend. Thanks for a great summer at our city public beaches!!
Water quality tests follow Massachusetts Department of Public Health standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
The New Bedford Health Department also conducts water testing for regional towns and public and private entities. View the full fee schedule here. Prices are as follows: Fee Schedule
| Test | Method | Fee |
| Private Well Water/Water Supply Testing | Private Well Water/Water Supply Testing-Total coliforms | $35 |
| Municipal Public Water Systems | MF-SM9222B mEndoLES for Total coliforms | $22 |
| Public Beach Sample | EPA Method 1600.1 for Enterococcus | $25 |
| Commercial Total coliforms | APHA Single dilution MPN | $30 |
| Fecal coliform | MF-SM9222D | $22 |
| Semi-Public Beach Testing | EPA Method 1600.1 for Enterococcus | $25 (client brings sample) $55 (if we sample NB only) |
| Individual Water Chemistry Tests (pH, salinity, Turbidity, Total Chlorine) | $15 |
APPOINTMENTS NEEDED FOR ALL PRIVATE TESTING
508-991-6199 ext. 67504
The Laboratory is located at: 1000 S. Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02744
Directions- Proceed straight through Ft. Taber stone gate. Pass by the 1st building on the right. Take a right at the ‘New Bedford Waste Treatment Facility’ sign. Take the 1st left, following the ‘Visitor Parking’ sign. Proceed straight, past the two flagpoles and small cannon, through the chain-link gate. Take a right by arrowed ‘Headworks’ sign pointing right. Parking is on right. Ours is the first door on the right. (by the picnic table)
