TAKING WATER SAMPLES

Taking water samples, general instructions:

A water sample should always be taken from a non-swing, non-spray cold water tap,  with the aerator removed.  Except for a first draw lead or copper test, all samples should be taken after the water has run hard for 5-10 minutes.  If a house has been recently vacated, the water should be run long enough to draw in fresh water from the well.  If the house has been vacant for an extended period of time, the well should be exercised repeatedly over a few days before taking a sample.

Taking a bacteria sample:

This requires a special sterilized bottle available from the laboratory.  Follow the general instructions for taking water samples.  For bacteria samples, the faucet must be sterilized with bleach.  After swabbing the exterior and as much of the immediate interior of the opening as possible with bleach, run the cold water for 5 more minutes.  Inspect your bottle to make sure the sterilization tape is still in place.  Wait until the last minute to remove the cap and be careful to not touch the inside of the cap, and do not put the cap down on the counter.  Fill the bottle to the top and screw the cap on tightly.  The sample must be kept cool and should be delivered to the lab immediately.  The test must be started within 24 hours of the drawing of the sample.

Taking a mineral sample:

Follow the general instructions for taking water samples.  Your lab will provide a clean 16 ounce bottle, but a clean bottled water bottle may be used.  No sterilization is needed for mineral samples.  The bottle should be filled almost to the top.

Taking a radon sample:

You must obtain a special glass vial for the radon test. Follow the general instructions above.  It is imperative that the aerator be removed from the faucet for this test as any air bubbles will interfere with the ability to measure the radon in the water.  Fill the vial very slowly, to the very top so the convex curve of the water (the meniscus) rises above the lip of the bottle.  Put the cap on tightly.  Turn the bottle upside down and tap it into your palm to make sure there are no air bubbles.  If an air bubble appears you must empty the vial and start over.