The plastic bottles have been pre-sterilized for the bacterial tests. We strongly advise that you use one of our bottles as we cannot guarantee the sterility of your home containers. Do not open the bottle prior to collecting the water samples in order to reduce the chance of accidental contamination. The small, plastic bottles with the red seal contain white crystals, a de-chlorinating agent and should not be emptied out. The large bottles may contain sterile condensation. If you want to test for E.coli only, please call the laboratory for specific instructions.
Inspect the outside of the faucet. If water leaks around the outside, select a different faucet.
Remove all attachments (screens, hoses, aerators, etc.) from the faucet.
Use household bleach on a paper towel and swab around the head of the faucet, inside and out.
Turn on the coldwater tap and let the water run for several minutes to permit clearing of the lines.
Turn down the flow of water until the stream reaches the thickness of a pencil.
If the bottle has a seal on it, remove the seal then carefully remove the cap from the STERILE bottle. Be sure that you do nottouch the inside of the cap or the outside rim of this bottle. Fill the bottle to within one inch of its rim. DO NOT RINSE this bottle out. Replace the cap and tighten it so that the cap will not leak.
Completely fill out the Sample Identification Tag
Deliver the sample to the lab WITHIN 24 HOURS of collection. Be sure to keep the water sample cold.
A water analysis report will be mailed or emailed to you upon receipt of payment. Payment is preferred when the sample is dropped off to insure prompt delivery of the report. We accept cash or check; please make checks payable to: Howard Laboratories
SAMPLE DROP OFF HOURS Monday-Wednesday: 10 am - 3 pm, Thursday 10 am - noon