Instructions for Collecting Bacteria Samples

1. Collect samples from a cold water tap. Do not sample from hoses, drinking fountains or faucets that swivel. remove aerators and bypass the softener. Run the water for one minute before sanitizing.

2. Sanitize the tap by spraying a 5.25% bleach solution (1Tbsp. per half gallon) on the surface and underside of the tap. A bag of the bleach solution can also be placed over the tap with squeezing to flush the tap. do this for two minutes, using a fresh bag and solution for each tap being tested.

3. Turn on the tap and let the water run for 3 to 5 minutes or a constant temperature is reached.

4. Reduce the flow from the tap to avoid splashing.

5. Remove the cap from the sterile sample bottle. Do not touch the mouth of the bottle or the inside of the cap with your fingers or any other surface.

6. Do not rinse the bottle out. Fill the bottle to the 100mL line. Do not overfill. Immediately put the cap back on the bottle.

7. Bring the sample to the lab the same day that you take the sample. Fill out the appropriate forms. For a public water sample fill out form EPA 5211 and for a private water sample fill out Private Water Supply Microbiological Sample Report

8. The lab hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The test takes 18 – 24 hours to complete.