Procedures for collecting and submitting a Title 5 Drinking Water Sample

                                              
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and/or local Boards of Health may require the analysis of drinking water samples under certain circumstances as governed by the state’s Title 5 regulations (310 CMR 15).  Title 5 drinking water samples are analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria, nitrate, and ammonia.
 
When planning to collect and submit a Title 5 drinking water sample to Howard Laboratories, it is important to understand and follow the procedures detailed below.  Title 5 samples have time-sensitive restrictions, so please follow these guidelines:
 
1. Call the lab at least 2 days ahead of time (413-247-5533) to schedule a sample drop off. This scheduling is very important. 
2. If you haven’t yet obtained a sample bottle from the lab, now is the time to do so. 
3. Once you have collected the sample, it must be submitted to the lab within 6 hours of the time the sample was collected. Please keep the sample cold (but not frozen). Fill out the information card completely (included with the bottle). 
4. Payment is due when the sample is dropped off at the lab. The cost for a Title 5 is $70. We accept cash or check only.

Results are typically returned in 7-10 business days.