Bacteriological Water and Waste Water Testing

The Environmental Services Laboratory offers Bacteriological Water Testing to water utilities, construction and other private businesses, laboratories and private well and home owners.

Bacteriological water testing is used for the detection and identification of

• Total Coliform in Water
• E.coli in Water and Waste Water

Sample Containers
Samples must be submitted using laboratory-issued, sterile collection bottles.  Bottles are available at the Environmental Services Laboratory Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample Collection
Proper sample collection is the responsibility of the submitter.  The Environmental Services Laboratory has developed Standard Operating Procedure #01-28-09, Bac-T Sample Collection, Transportation, and Storage for External Customers.  You are encouraged to review this document in its entirety (click to download document).  The basic steps are outlined below:

Sample Site Preparation for Drinking Water Samples

1.	Select a faucet that will be a representative sample of the main water source.
2.	Remove any aerator, strainer or any other device that would restrict the free flow of water from the tap selected.
3.	Allow water to run 2 to 3 minutes.
4.	Turn water off, if possible, and disinfect the tap with bleach or alcohol.
5.	Turn on and adjust the water flow to a slow and steady stream to permit filling the container without splashing.

Sample Collection

6.	Unscrew the bottle cap carefully and hold it in one hand while filling the bottle.  Do not touch the inside of the cap with your hand.
7.	Fill the bottle slightly above the 100 ml line etched on the container.  Samples that do not contain the minimum 100-ml volume cannot be accepted.
8.	Replace cap carefully and close tightly to avoid leakage.
9.	Turn off tap.