Fill Out Lab Form

Fill out the lab form completely down to the "DRINKING WATER RESULTS" section, pressing firmly with a black pen. Be sure the form is filled out COMPLETELY including the CORRECT DATE AND TIME OF COLLECTION.

• For a private well sample, under "Type of sample," mark #4 "Sample Collected for Information Only."
• For a well that serves two homes, under "Type of Water System," check "Other" and write "two-party;" under "Type of Sample," check #1 "Routine Distribution Sample."
• For a community system (connection of three or more homes), under "Group A and Group B Systems," provide the system ID# and name of the community water system (if you don't know the number, please call the water lab; under "Type of Sample," check #1 "Routine Distribution Sample."

Keep Sample Bottle Sterile

Your sample bottle has been sterilized. For accurate testing, it is important to keep it free from contamination. If you accidentally contaminate it, please return it for another sterile bottle. Do not boil the bottle or put anything inside it except your sample.

• You may see moisture or white powder in the bottle — it is supposed to be there.
• Do not put tape, or in any way mark or write, on the bottle.

Do Not Heat Your Sample

Keep your water sample out of the sunlight and heat, especially when transporting it in your car. If it will take more than an hour to deliver your sample for testing, we recommend transporting it in a cooler with ice. A warm sample can change your sample results.

Sample Collection

1. Select a faucet (preferably a non-swivel type) in the bathroom or kitchen.
2. Remove any filters or screens from the faucet tap.
3. Turn on the cold water and let it run for at least five minutes. Turn off the water.
4. Disinfect the tap by flaming around the orifice with a butane lighter or matches. Hold the flame back from the tap so that the flame won't discolor it. If you do not have a lighter or your tap is made from plastic or rubber, you may slowly pour boiling water over the tap to thoroughly heat it. This heating kills bacteria on the faucet that might accidentally contaminate your sample.
5. Turn the cold water back on for a few seconds to cool the tap. Adjust the water to produce an even flow. Remove the cap from the sample bottle.
   DO NOT SET THE CAP DOWN OR TOUCH THE INSIDE OF THE CAP OR BOTTLE. FILL THE SAMPLE BOTTLE TO THE SHOULDER ONLY. We cannot test the sample if the bottle is too full. DO NOT let the faucet touch the bottle.
6. Re-cap the bottle and deliver to the lab as soon as possible.

Reporting of Results

You should receive test results by mail within a few days of when you submit your sample. If your sample shows contamination, we will call you with the results immediately and mail well disinfecting instructions with your report.

Collecting Other Samples — Lakes, rivers, reservoirs, swimming pools

Select a spot where a representative sample can be taken. Remove the cap from the sample bottle and collect the sample by submerging the bottle completely in the water. Do this in a continuous sweeping motion, extending the mouth of the bottle into the water and sweeping to a depth of approximately 1 1/2 feet. Continue the sweep to the water surface and above. Carefully pour off the water above the shoulder of the bottle, and then replace the cap without touching the mouth of the bottle. Submit non-drinking water samples Monday through Thursday to our location at the Thurston County Courthouse.

Nitrate Testing

This test is for Coliform bacteria only (including E. Coli and/or Fecal Coliform). Thurston County also provides nitrate testing, which is recommended once every three years. If you want your water tested for minerals or other chemicals, see State-Certified Laboratories (Washington State Department of Health).