Laboratory Services

• Sampling from taps.

The taps turn on at full and the water allow to run waste for a few minutes before collection of the sample.

• Sampling from rivers, springs, ponds, reservoirs, etc.

The stoppered  bottle immerse well under the surface of the water with the mouth upwards and fill the bottle by removing the stopper with the help of the clean piece of string tied to the stopper before immersion. While immersing the bottle, care should be taken not to disturb any sediment or mud at the bottom of the spring etc.

• Sampling from wells with buckets.

Taken the sample from the buckets after drawing up five to ten buckets full of water and rejecting them.

• Sampling from wells with pumps

Taken the sample after pumping for five to ten minutes.

• Collect the water samples in 2L clear glass stoppers or containers with plastic lids.
• If sampling instruments are used, clean them and dried before use.
• Rinse the bottles well with the water to be sampled before being filled. As far as possible fill the bottle direct from the source (without the aid of the jug or funnel.) Care should be taken to prevent any external contamination during the process of sampling. Having filled the bottle, rinse the stopper with water then insert.
• Transport the sample to the laboratory without delay.
• Mark and identification number on each container.
• The volume of sample shall be at least 2.0 liters for the basic physical and chemical analysis.

• Use a pre-sterilized container.

You must use an approved pre-sterilized sample container provided by WRB laboratory to collect your Bacteria samples. Bottles can be obtained in-person during normal office hours.

• Sterilize the tap.

Remove any aerators or hoses and sterilize the opening. Use unscented bleach or alcohol to liberally clean the outside and inside rim of the tap.

• Flush

 Turn on the water and let it run in a full steady stream for 2-3 minutes. Cut the flow back to a thin stream to prevent splashing.

• Fill the bottle.

 Exercise care in handling samples! Samples are extremely easy to contaminate.  Open the lid on the sterile specimen bottle. Do not touch the inside of the container, lip of container or lid. Do not “pre-rinse” the bottles. Fill the bottle with 250 milliliters of water. Samples with more or less than 250mL of sample may not be accepted for analysis, and the improper volume will be recorded.

• Delivering the sample

 Replace the lid firmly and begin cooling. Refrigeration on ice to 0-4 ◦C (39◦ F) is preferred. Cooling should be maintained until accepted by WRB. Bacteria count samples (Fecal plate counts & MPNs) must be returned, on ice, within 6 hours from the collection time.  

Take special care to note the date and time that the sample was collected.