Sampling of water yourself

Water samples for microbiological tests should be collected in special containers obtained from the MIKROLAB laboratory.

Water samples for water testing (physicochemical} can be collected in plastic bottles of still mineral water.

If samples for microbiological and physicochemical tests are taken from the same place, we first take a sample for physicochemical tests, then we disinfect the screed and take a sample for microbiological tests.

After the collection is completed, the samples should be refrigerated and immediately delivered to the laboratory.

COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING

• Before taking water samples, check the tightness of the tap, remove additional taps.
• devices, e.g. filters, anti-splash inserts (e.g. strainer), extension tubes, etc.
• Wash the tap/cock/valve outlet with water and soap or dishwashing liquid, then rinse thoroughly with water.
• Sterilize the metal tap/cock by spraying it with 70% alcohol and leave it for 2 minutes. After this time, spray again and burn with a burner flame. Do not burn the plastic tap/cock/valve, but immerse it in alcohol for about 10 minutes.
• After disinfection, open and close the tap/cock/valve several times.
• Run the faucet fully open for 5-10 seconds, then reduce the flow to half.
• The time of draining the (cold) water depends on the purpose of the sample collection - usually 2-3 minutes is enough.
• When taking a sample from a branch line where sediment may have accumulated when the water has been in excess of 2 hours, etc., it may be necessary to drain the water for 30 minutes.
• Immediately before taking the sample, unscrew the bottle, hold the cap in your hand to protect it from contamination.
• Place the bottle under the tap/cock/valve without closing it and re-creating it.
• Without touching the outlet of the tap/cock, fill the bottle up to ¾ of its capacity. Water should flow freely from the tap/tap directly into the container.
• Water from the well in which the pump is permanently installed should be taken after a short water change without the need to disinfect the valve and long-term pumping.
• Water from wells without pumping equipment should be collected using a bucket intended only for water. Pour three buckets of water from the well, and pour water from the next one into the bottle, being careful not to touch the edge of the bucket to the bottle. It is not allowed to immerse the bottle in the bucket!
• When taking water from rubber or plastic hoses, cut off 10 cm of the hose ends and immerse the end in alcohol for 10 minutes. Run the water for 10 minutes and then, without touching the hose to the bottle, collect the water.
• Label the sample permanently and deliver it to the microbiology laboratory as soon as possible.
• When transporting samples to the laboratory, ensure conditions that prevent any changes in the number of microorganisms, therefore overheating of water samples or their excessive cooling should be avoided.
• Samples for testing should be delivered with a completed order - form F-03(PM-20).

COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FOR PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TESTING

• Before taking water samples, check the tightness of the tap, remove additional devices, e.g. filters, anti-splash inserts (e.g. strainer), extension tubes, etc.
• Rinse the tap/cock/valve outlet with water.
• Run the faucet fully open for 5-10 seconds, then reduce the flow to half.
• When taking a sample from a branch line where sediment may have accumulated when the water has been in excess of 2 hours, etc., it may be necessary to drain the water for 30 minutes.
• Immediately before taking the sample, unscrew the bottle, hold the cap in your hand to protect it from contamination.
• Place the bottle under the tap/cock/valve without closing it and opening it again.
• Without touching the outlet of the tap/cock, draw water into the bottle.
• Water should flow freely from the tap/tap directly into the container until at least two volumes of the bottle overflow, fill it completely so that there are no air bubbles under the cork and close it immediately. Fill the bottle completely so that there are no air bubbles under the stopper and close the bottle immediately.
• Label the sample permanently and deliver it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• When transporting samples to the laboratory, ensure conditions that prevent any changes, therefore overheating of water samples or their excessive cooling should be avoided.
• Samples for testing should be delivered with a completed order - form F-03 (PM-20).