Taking Water Samples

1. Obtain a sterile bottle from Thorstensen Laboratory or a drug store. Each Bacteria Sample requires 1 sterile container. Chemical tests require a clean plastic or glass container also available from Thorstensen Laboratory. (There is no charge for these sample containers).

2. If possible, remove aeration screen from tap. Turn on hot water for about 2 minutes. Turn off hot water and switch over to cold water. Run cold water for 5-10 minutes. This ensures that we will be testing water from the source.

3. Open the bottle(s) and fill with cold water. Cap the bottle(s) securely as soon as it is full.

4. Return the bottle(s) to the Laboratory within two hours after taking the sample. If you need more time, refrigerate the bottle(s) until you can deliver the samples.

VOC Sampling Instructions

VOC's must be sampled in the glass container and filled without air bubles present.

Run the cold water from the kitchen tap, removing the aeration screen on the faucet. Overflow the bottle with water and place the cap on the bottle. Invert the bottle and look for air bubbles. If air bubbles are present, dump out the water and refill the bottle.

Label the bottle with the date and time the sample was taken.

Results typically take 3-5 working days.

Please call us if you need help or have any questions at:

1-(978) 692-8395
or
1-800-649 TEST