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HOME / WATER / DRINKING WATER AND WELLS / PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES (WELLS) / GETTING YOUR WATER TESTED /

Water Sample Collection Procedure

There are two analysis bottles available:

• Bacteria Analysis – The bottle for bacteria analysis is a sterile clear plastic bottle with a tamper-evident cap. This bottle contains sodium thiosulfate which is a white powder that neutralizes any chlorine which may be present in a sample.
• Chemistry Analysis – The bottle for chemistry analysis is a white plastic 250 ml bottle with a white cap.

Please use the appropriate bottle(s) for the type of analysis which is being requested. The PEI Analytical Laboratories staff reserves the right to refuse samples collected in bottles not supplied by the lab, samples with an odour of chlorine, or samples containing foreign material.

For both types of analysis, use the following guidelines for sample collection:

1. Select an indoor faucet, if possible, to take the sample.
2. Remove the strainer from the tap, if present, and let the cold water run at full flow for five minutes; then back off the flow to a steady slow stream.
3. Remove the cover and fill the bottle to the neck or the fill line, being careful not to touch it to the faucet. Also, please ensure that you do not touch the inside of the cap as this will contaminate the sample. Once the sample is collected from the tap, it must be kept below 10°C during storage and transport.
4. Complete the Request Form for Drinking Water Analysis. Deliver the sample to an Access PEI Centre by 3:30 p.m. (12 noon on Fridays) on the same day you take the sample.  Check the schedule below to see when samples are picked up at your local Access PEI site.

Deliver the sample to the Microbiology Laboratory or an Access PEI Centre by 3:30 p.m. (12 noon on Fridays) on the same day you take the sample. Check the schedule below to see what days samples are picked up at your local Access PEI site.

Depending on the type of analysis being requested, notification time for the results will vary. Bacteria sample results are typically available within a few days and clients are encouraged to call the toll-free number (below) to obtain results. A written report will be sent out by mail.

Please note: If the occupant is different from the well owner, please ensure that the occupant’s name and phone number are included for contacting purposes.

There will be a charge for the Drinking Water Analysis according to the following schedule:

Bacteria $35 tax  

Includes: Total coliform and E. Coli

Chemistry $85 tax

Includes: Barium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chloride, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium, Sulphate, Zinc, Alkalinity

Periodic sampling of your water, especially for bacteria, can help detect potential problems with your well. If, however, you suspect your well has become contaminated, it is recommended that you boil your water or use an alternate source of water until sample results indicate that it is safe.

If you have any questions, please call 368-5044 or toll-free 1-866-368-5044.

Drinking Water Sample Drop-off Sites