About Us

About Us

Biotech Laboratory: Precise and Reliable Water Testing in VA for 25+ Years

Biotech Laboratory, LLC, was established in Colonial Heights, Virginia, in the mid-1980s. It was purchased in May 2010 by Dr. Edward Sismour and his wife, Karen Sismour.

Biotech Laboratory is a Commonwealth of Virginia Certified Drinking Water Laboratory and a local, family-owned business. Extended hours are available for no additional charge, including evenings and most weekends (contact us at least several days in advance for weekend availability). We are located in Chesterfield, VA. While most of our clients are located in the surrounding cities and counties, we can accept water samples throughout Virginia. Keep in mind, the bacteria sample must be brought to our lab in Chesterfield the same day as collected (not mailed or shipped).

While our main focus is bacteria and chemical water quality analysis, Biotech Laboratory’s goal is to be a technical resource to enable residential well owners to better understand and manage their water supply in their homes and businesses. More than 2,000 water tests are conducted annually. We provide collection containers and full instructions.

Bacteria testing performed at our lab is qualitative and detects the presence/absence of Total Coliform and E. coli bacteria. We can also test for lead, nitrate, nitrite, pH, alkalinity, copper, iron, manganese, sulfate, conductivity (total dissolved solids), hardness (calcium plus magnesium), and tannins (for organic matter).

Dr. Sismour has a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Old Dominion University and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary. He was a professor and is now a research scientist.

Karen Sismour has a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech, and was an environmental professional for a state agency for 30 years.

Biotech Laboratory is an independent laboratory. We are not affiliated with any other company - no water softening systems, whole-house filters, etc. (although we can refer you to these types of products). You will not be pitched, and we are not trying to sell anything. We want to be your go-to resource, and use our knowledge to help you manage the quality of your drinking water supply.

If you need a water test for a real estate transaction (purchase or refinance), we can help. In Virginia, real estate transactions always require a bacteria test and may require certain chemical tests.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about residential well water testing or commercial water testing. For the quickest reply, please email us or call us anytime including evenings or weekends.

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