- A completed lab form indicating the tests requested should accompany all water samples. All containers should be tightly capped and properly labeled. Some samples are time sensitive (example: nitrite testing must be done within 48 hours). Please notify the lab to schedule testing prior to collection. If you are a public supply systems please include your PWSID # on the lab form and fill out a state reporting form for nitrates. If you are submitting the sample to the Northeast Health Department please put NEHD in the space for client name and the results will be sent to them, they will then send a copy to you. If you are a private supply you need to submit a WCDHE lab form only.
- Water samples should be collected from the cold tap. Allow water to run for several minutes prior to collecting sample. A swivel faucet is acceptable for this type of collection.
- Always submit the freshest sample possible. If sample is from a new well or a well that has set idle for any length of time, the well should be flushed for several days before collection.
- Determine if the water has been treated in any fashion such as a softener or RO system and note this on the lab form. If the purpose of the testing is to determine the treatment efficiency, a sample should be collected before and after the treatment. If the purpose of the testing is to determine the water source quality, a sample should be collected prior to treatment.
- Single parameter testing such as nitrate, fluoride, hardness etc. may be collected in a small plastic 8 oz. Container.
- Samples collected for 1 to 6 parameters may be collected in a medium plastic 32 oz. container.
- Samples collected for more than 6 parameters may be collected in a plastic gallon container.
- Separate instructions and containers are used for lead and copper testing. These instructions are attached to the collection containers.
- Keep all samples cool. Due to shipping and handling restriction, samples will be acid fixed if necessary upon arrival to Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.
Bacteriological Sampling Instructions
- A completed lab form should accompany all water samples.
- Collect sample from cold water faucet and allow water to run freely for five minutes.
- Sample bottles contain a preservative, do not rinse bottle.
- Fill bottle to 100 ml line, replace the lid being careful not to touch the inside of the lid or bottle.
- Samples should be kept cool but not frozen and returned to the laboratory as soon as possible. A sample that is older than 30 hours is considered invalid and should be resampled
Questions please call: (970) 304-6415