Bacteriology (glass bottle with screw-cap – 100 or 250 ml)

1. Samples for bacteriological analysis should be collected in pre-sterilised screw-cap glass bottles.
2. Disinfect the tap/sampling point by using a flame or methylated spirits and flame afterwards.
3. Open tap fully and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove cap of sample bottle just before collecting the water sample.
5. To avoid sample contamination, the cap should not come into contact with any surface, including the fingers or hands of the sampler, and keep it in an upright position. Also, do not allow the bottle or the water in the bottle to come in contact with the tap.
6. Fill container without overflowing. (Do not rinse.)
7. Close bottle as quickly as possible after sampling and tighten cap securely.
8. Clearly mark the sample with permanent marker with date and location.
9. Transport samples on ice and deliver to laboratory within 24 hours after sampling. If the samples cannot be delivered to laboratory immediately, keep refrigerated between 2-8 ºC. (Do not allow it to freeze.)

Chemistry (plastic bottle – 500 ml for drinking water or 1 000 ml for sewage)

1. Samples for chemical analysis should be collected in a clean and dry bottle.
2. Remove cap of sample bottle just before collecting sample. Rinse the bottle 3 times with the water to be sampled
3. Avoid sample contamination. Fill container without overflowing.
4. Close bottle as quickly as possible and tighten the cap securely to ensure that no air bubbles are entrapped in the water.
5. Clearly mark the sample with permanent marker with date and location.
6. If samples are not delivered immediately, keep at room temperature. (Do not refrigerate or freeze.)
7. Ensure that samples reach laboratory as soon as possible after sampling.