How To Test your Water

Introduction

Bacteriological/ Microbiological and Chemical sampling is a very important water quality monitoring device. Typical testing suites are listed below.

If you have a specific problem / concern please provide as much information as possible to our staff who will endeavour to assist you in identifying the most suitable tests to perform. 

How to take water samples

It is of paramount importance that you are careful not to contaminate the sample in any way as everyone has a large number of bacteria on their hands all the time. Samples should ideally be taken from the main tap closest to the source / well and before any water treatment units (filters or softeners) or storage tanks.

Materials Required

• 2 Sterile Water bottles (supplied by ALS)
• Cotton Wool
• Isopropanol (70%) or Methylated Spirits /Alcohol Wipes or equivalent

Procedure

1. Remove any anti-splash devices from tap and wipe around the spout with clean cotton wool, to remove all visible signs of contamination.
2. Turn on the tap and flush to waste steadily, not violently, for at least two minutes. This helps to ensure the pipes are cleared of any stagnant water and therefore that the water tested is representative of the source.
3. Turn off the tap and sterilise it, using cotton wool and 70% isopropanol or with an alcohol wipe or equivalent.
4. Flush the tap gently for two minutes – this will remove any excess isopropanol (if used). DO NOT touch any part of the tap again. DO NOT alter the flow rate until you have completed sampling.
5. With the tap still running remove cap from the bottle (and thus break the sterility seal) – keep the cap pointing downwards and do not put it down. DO NOT open the bottle until the moment it is required for filling. DO NOT touch the inside of the cap or the top of the bottle and DO NOT let the bottle touch the tap.
6. Hold the bottle at the bottom, at a slight angle under the stream of water, and fill to the neck, avoiding splashing.

DO NOT allow the bottle to overflow, as it contains sodium thiosulphate. Replace the cap immediately making sure that it is properly sealed.

Storage and Transport to the Laboratory

Complete the Analysis Request Form below and return samples to the laboratory as soon as possible – ideally within 2-3 hours of sampling. Please bring your water samples to one of the ALS locations around the UK as listed here.

Just three steps