Sample Collection
Samples can either be sent in by the client or collected by the laboratory.  If you
wish to bring in the sample yourself, please follow these instructions:

For Coliform Bacteria Samples
  1. Before collecting the sample inspect your hands for cleanliness.
  2. Do not wipe the faucet with a rag or wash it off with water in an attempt to
    clean the faucet prior the collection.  This can cause contamination of the
    sample.
  3. Turn on the faucet and adjust it to provide a smooth flow that will permit
    the sample to be taken without splashing.
  4. Let the faucet flow long enough for water to arrive from the water main
    itself. In any case, let the faucet flow at least one minute.
  5. Observe the following precautions while filling the sample bottle:
  1. Hold the sample bottle at or near the bottom.
  2. Open the bottle as long as necessary to collect the sample.
  3. Do not lay the bottle cap down or put it in your pocket. Hold the
    bottle in one hand and the cap in the other.
  4. Do not rinse the bacteria sample bottles; they contain sodium
    thiosulfate powder to dechlorinate the water.  Fill the bottles to the
    100 mL fill line as marked on the bottle.
  5. Cap the bottle and turn off the faucet.
  1. Fill out the sample label and bring immediately or ship overnight the
    sample to the laboratory (coliform bacteria samples must be brought to
    the laboratory within 24 hours of sampling).

For Regular Water Samples
  1. Be sure the sampling bottles are new or very clean and of the proper size
    for the requested analyses.
  2. If the water to be tested is from a well or distribution system, allow the
    faucet to run long enough for the water to be representative of the supply.
  3. Rinse the bottle(s) two or three times with the sample water, then fill the
    bottle(s).  Replace the cap(s).
  4. Fill out the label if you have one, or write the sampling site, date, time,
    and name of sampler on the bottle before bringing it to the lab.
State Certified Laboratory # 1326