Water Sampling Instructions

Containers and Shipping

• Water samples must arrive at the Dairy One Forage Lab within 24 hours. Samples that arrive at the lab after spending several days in transit may result in falsely high bacteria and/or low nitrate values.
  

• Water samples must be collected in sterilized containers (the Dairy One sample bottle is sterile). To sterilize any other container, immerse the container and cap/lid in rapidly boiling water for a minimum of 12 minutes. Remove from water and let cool prior to taking sample.
  

• To avoid contamination, do not touch the inside of the container, cap/lid or threads of the container with bare hands.

Collecting Tap Water

• Sample only from the cold water faucet.
  

• Remove aerator from faucet.
  

• Run cold water for 3 - 5 minutes.
  

• Rinse container once with water to be sampled.
  

• Submit at least 250 ml (1/2 pint). Completely fill sampling container leaving little or no air space at the top.
  

• Tighten cap/lid completely. Secure with tape to prevent accidental spillage.
  

• Deliver your sample to the lab within 24 hours. Refrigerating and keeping the sample cool is preferable. Do not freeze.

Collecting Spring, Stream or Pond Water

• Rinse container once with water to be sampled.
  

• Submit at least 250 ml (1/2 pint). Completely fill sampling container leaving little or no air space at the top.
  

• Deliver your sample to the lab within 24 hours. Refrigerating and keeping the sample cool is preferable. Do not freeze.