How to Take a Water Sample
(for a bacteria analysis only)

1. Choose a faucet closest to the well pump. Avoid taking water from a kitchen faucet since they usually have swivel heads. This can be a source of contamination; instead use a stationary faucet, i.e. bathroom.

2. Remove any screen, filter or attachment from the faucet before taking sample.

3. This department suggests you disinfect surface of tap with alcohol prior to sampling.

4. Let the water run at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, adjust flow to obtain a smooth, steady stream with no splash.

5. Wash hands thoroughly in alcohol.

6. Tear off the top of the water bag on the perforation line. Do not touch edges.

7. Open the bag by pulling on the two small white tabs on the front and back of the top of the bag. DO NOT REMOVE the white tablet inside the bag.

8. Fill the bag with water up to the 4-ounce fill line (top of solid white area).

9. Pull the bag closed by firmly grasping the white twist tie strips on the very top of the bag.

10. Whirl the bag twice, then twist the long twist tie strips together to seal the bag.

11. Place the bag in a container (preferably with ice) to transport to the Environmental Health Office of the Health Department. Make every effort to bring the sample into the Health Department as soon after taking the sample as possible. The sample should not be held overnight.

12. There is a fee charged for each sample submitted (bacteria analysis only).

When a water sample is needed for a real estate transaction, including VA and FHA, or the well is a new well, it is Mandatory that our representative come to your home and take the water sample. Otherwise, the result of the sample will not be certified by our Laboratory.

WATER SAMPLES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE LAB 7 days a week between:

Weekdays: 8 am to 5 pm

Weekends: 1 pm to 4 pm

Lab Report Forms/Requests

• New Well Drinking Water Bacteriological Analysis Report Form [38 kb PDF]
• Drinking Water Bacteriological Analysis Report Form [42 kb PDF]
• Private Water System Chemical Form [240 kb PDF]
• Public Water System Chemical Form [342 kb PDF]

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