• The containers supplied to you are STERILE. Be careful not contaminate them by touching any part of the inside of the container. There may be a powder residue in the container, DO NOT RINSE.

•  Where applicable, remove aerator from faucet. Sanitize spigot by flaming or chlorinating to eliminate possible contamination from outside.

• Discharge water from COLD WATER faucet full force for at least five (5) minutes. Throttle back to a gentle non-splashing stream, to fill the sample container.

• Break the plastic seal and unscrew cap. Fill container to the 100-ml line marked on the outside of the container. Screw cap on tightly.

• After collection, water must be kept refrigerated until it is submitted for testing. Put sample on ice during travel. We require samples to be less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius when they are submitted to the laboratory.

• If mailing, tape top of container closed to avoid leaking. Take sample as late as possible prior to mailing. Again, put samples on ice or an ice pack to ensure the laboratory receives it cold.

1. Samples submitted for Total Coliform, must be received within 24 hours of collection.

2. Samples submitted for Fecal Coliform, must be received within 6 hours of collection.

3. Samples submitted for Sulfur must be analyzed As Soon as possible.

PLEASE REMEMBER

* Do not mail samples on Friday or Saturday.

* Extra containers are needed if any test other than Total or Fecal Coliform is needed.