Materials

• At least one sterile plastic container. If the water source being sampling is chlorinated, the container must contain sodium thiosulphate to neutralise any residual chlorine present in the sample.
• 1 x small plastic temperature vial
• Chilly bin
• Envirofreeze or equivalent coolant
• Ethanol Wipes or 70% ethanol for sterilisation

Critical Considerations

• Make sure the Envirofreeze or equivalent coolant is frozen prior to collecting samples
• Choose a sampling time that allows for courier pickup and delivery to the laboratory within a 24-hour time frame
• Do not sample from taps that appear to be leaking
• Where possible avoid sampling from hosepipes
• Remove aerators or other filter devises, rubber or plastic nozzles from the tap end prior to sampling
• Keep the sample container closed until just prior to filling
• Do not touch the inner surface of the container or lid
• Ensure you collect sufficient sample for the suite of tests you require. The test units normally act as a guide, however there is exceptions. Check with the laboratory prior to sampling if you are unsure.
• To be in suitable condition for testing, samples must reach the laboratory between 0°C and 10°C

General Notes

In preparation for sampling, hydrate the ice packs (only if ice packs are not hydrated already) using a clean tray containing 1L of water.  Immerse the ice pack until the lobes are sufficiently full.  Alternatively hold the ice pack under running water until the lobes are full.  Place into a freezer overnight.  This is best done either as soon as you receive your kit or at least the day before sampling.

Selecting the sampling site

Mains Distribution water

Select a tap that is supplying water from a service pipe directly connected with the main, and is not for example, served from a storage tank or a hosepipe. Collect samples of water from distribution sites selected to assure systematic coverage of the supply network i.e. rotate outlet points for each collection.

Bore and Deep well water

Obtain a sample from the first point of discharge, either directly from the hand pump or the first tap located on the mechanical pump pipe system. If intending to evaluate the distribution system as well, select the sample site as described above.

Method of Collection

1. Wash and dry hands.
2. Prepare a chilly bin containing coolant to hold sample and temperature vial.
3. Label each sample container with sample point, date and time of sampling.
4. Remove any hoses, filters or fittings from the sample point.
5. Prior to sample collection the sample point/tap must be sterilised. Clean and sterilise the tap, and the immediate surrounding area, using Ethanol wipes or spray with 70% ethanol ensuring 30 second contact time.
6. Run the tap at maximum flow for 2-3 mins or for a time sufficient to permit clearing of the service line.
7. Reduce the water flow to permit filling the container without splashing.
8. Open the sterile plastic container, holding the screw lid face downwards and away from any surrounding activity. Immediately hold the container under the tap and fill, leaving 2.5cm head space to allow shaking before analysis in the laboratory. Replace the screw lid on the container. Repeat with an additional sterile container if required. Care must be taken to avoid contaminating the container mouth or lid.
9. Fill the temperature vial from the same water source.
10. Place sample and temperature vial into a chilly bin containing coolant to begin cooling.

Documentation

• Submit the testing requirements via LabConnect ensuring all details (sample details, name of sampler, sampling date and time) are recorded.
• Print and place the submission form into a plastic bag and place it into the chilly bin.

Packaging and Transport 

• Chill samples and temperature vial to <10°C before placing in a chilly bin
• Once all samples have been collected and chilled, pack the chilly bin containing ice packs with the samples, temperature vial and submission form for transit to the laboratory.   The temperature vial should be placed adjacent to the samples.
• Use packing material to secure the contents within the chilly bin to avoid breakage of the contents. The packing of the chilly bin must protect the samples from extremes of temperature and minimise changes to the micro-flora during transit.  It must also ensure that the contents stay tightly packed and upright.  You may have to arrange the contents a little to ensure a snug fit.  Any paper (including newspaper) or bubble wrap are good packers.   The samples must not come into contact with the ice packs. 
• Place a label “Urgent Water Samples” on the outside of the chilly bin.
• Store in a fridge until it is ready to be collected by the courier.  The sample temperature must be below 10°C upon arrival at the laboratory.  The laboratory must start testing within 24 hours of sample collection therefore it is essential that you transport by courier without delay to:

AsureQuality Christchurch Laboratory
Unit 1, 6H Sir William Pickering Drive
Burnside
Christchurch 8053
Attention: Sample Reception

or 

Reference: APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 24th Edition.