Total Coliform Bacteria Collection Procedure
Latest Revision: 6/2003
1. Avoid collecting a sample from a faucet with an aerator. If all faucets have aerators, remove prior to collecting the sample.
2. Spray tap with bleach to eliminate surface bacteria. Alternatively, fill a plastic bag with bleach and immerse the tap to clean the faucet.
3. Flush tap for 2-3 minutes so that the service line is cleared.
4. Reduce the water flow rate to avoid splashing when collecting the sample.
5. Remove the cap from the bottle. DO NOT touch the inside of the lid. DO NOT sit the lid down on the table. Hold the cap by the sides of the lid while sampling. Fill the sample bottle at least to the Fill Line, but leave space at the top for mixing. Do not rinse the bottle prior to sampling since the white powder is necessary for dechlorination.
6. Carefully replace the cap and promptly fill out the information sheet completely. Samples with incomplete information will not be analyzed. All samples must have Name and Address for reporting information, and must include a sample collection date and time. In addition, the following is required for Public Drinking Water systems for EPA drinking water compliance:
District Office
PWS Name and Number
County
Collector's Name
Sample Class
Sample Monitoring Point: This will always be DS000 for bacteria
Tap Address: if different from the PWS address.
Sample Tap ID
7. Bring the samples to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Samples that have exceeded holding times will not be analyzed.
8. Sample results will be available within 24-48 hours from the time the sample is submitted.
9. Samples will be accepted Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are bringing a sample collected the previous day, please bring it by 3:00 pm. Samples will NOT be accepted one day prior to a holiday.