Other Testing
If you are interested in testing your water for arsenic and fluoride through Caminos de Agua, then please visit our Water Testing page.
However, if you would like to test your water for other contaminants, then please explore the page below or click on the relevant point below:
Testing For BACTERIA and Pathogens
Currently, Caminos de Agua does not offer testing for bacteria and pathogens.
However, there are laboratories in most urban centres that are able to test for these. Please see the list below for details of some laboratories in San Miguel de Allende that offer bacteria testing services. Testing for bacteria can also be carried out by Ecomiquim.
For bacteria testing, laboratories will require a fresh sample to be delivered in a sterile container. Most laboratories can provide sterile containers.
LABS FOR BACTERIA TESTING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
1. CLÍNICOS DE SAN MIGUEL
Location: Salida a Celaya 27, Centro (just south of the Hotel Real de Minas)
Phone: (415) 154-6380
Cost: 384 MXN
Processing time: 10 days
Details: They can test for aerobic mesophiles, coliforms, fecal coliforms, fungi, and yeast. The sample is sent to a lab in Toluca for testing.
2. LABORATORIO MEDICO DEL CHOPO
Location: Libramiento José Manuel Zavala 165, La Luciérnaga (next-door to GNC)
Phone: (442) 245-0500
Website: www.chopo.com.mx/sucursales/Guanajuato/San-Miguel-de-Allende/SAN-MIGUEL-DE-ALLENDE/
Cost: 260 MXN
Processing time: 6 working days
Details: They can test for any type of bacteria, but not for parasites. Drop off the sample between 7-11 am, Monday-Thursday. Note where the sample was taken, the date the sample was taken, and the temperature if possible. The sample is sent to a lab in Mexico City for testing.
3. LABORATORIO H+ SAN MIGUEL
Location: Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala 12, Centro
Phone: (415) 152-5900
Website: www.hmas.mx/sanmiguel
Cost: 459 MXN
Processing time: 4-6 days
Details: They can test for all micro-bacteria and E. coli.
Testing for Nitrates
Nitrates may present a problem in surface water in agricultural areas, where herbicides and pesticides can enter the water. Nitrates do not cause adverse health effects in adults. However, in children of bottle-feeding age, nitrates at high concentrations can cause metahemoglobinemia (also known as as “blue baby syndrome”). This can quickly be fatal. The WHO limit is 50 mg/L (NO3- ion).
Under special circumstances, Camios de Agua may be able to test for nitrates. If you are interested in testing for nitrates through us, please contact the Caminos de Agua Work Hub.
Testing for nitrates can also be carried out by Ecomiquim.
Testing Through EcoMIQUIM
‘Ecomiquim’ is an independent laboratory located in Salamanca, Gto. They can run testing for a wide variety of different contaminants, and provide arsenic testing services for Caminos de Agua.
For more information and to request their testing services, please visit the Ecomiquim website.
