Plumbing/Water Treatment

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE ENCLOSED LITERATURE FIRST. DO NOT OPEN THE SAMPLING BOTTLES UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO COLLECT THE WATER SAMPLES. DRINKING WATER SAMPLES MUST BE TESTED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF COLLECTION. DO NOT COLLECT THEM UNTIL YOU ARE PREPARED TO DELIVER THE SAMPLES.

 

PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTING DRINKING WATER SAMPLES

There are two water sampling bottles in this kit. The glass bottle has been pre-sterilized for the bacterial tests. The plastic bottle has been cleaned and is used for the chemical tests. Do not open the bottles prior to collecting the water samples in order to reduce the chance of accidental contamination. Both bottles have been treated. A small amount of white or brown powder in the glass bottle and some moisture in the plastic bottle is normal.

 

1. Inspect the outside of the faucet. If water leaks around the outside, select a different faucet.

2. Remove all attachments (aerators,etc.) from the faucet.

3. Scrub the tap, inside and out with tooth brush and Bleach.

4. Turn on the cold water tap and let the water run for five minutes to permit clearing of the lines.

5. Turn down the flow of water until a stream the thickness of a pencil is achieved. Let flow for five more minutes.

6. Carefully remove the cap from the sterile glass bottle. Be sure that you do not touch the inside of the cap or

the outside rim of this bottle. Fill the bottle to within 1/4 inch of its rim. DO NOT RINSE this bottle out. Replace the cap and tighten it so that the cap will not leak during shipment.

7. Fill the plastic bottle following the same procedure used to fill the glass bottle.

8. Completely fill out the Sample Identification Form. Check off the tests you wish us to perform. Staple the

correct amount of cash, check, or money order to this form. 9. Put the sample bottles into the original shipping carton along with the Sample Identification Form and payment.

Deliver this package to us or our agent the same day the water samples are collected.

KEEP THE WATER SAMPLES COOL

DO NOT LET THEM FREEZE OR BECOME WARM

10. A written report and evaluation of your water samples will be mailed to you upon completion of the analysis.

 

 

PROCEDURE TO DISINFECT PRIVATE WELLS AND SPRINGS

1. Pour sufficient household bleach (Chlorox or equivalent) into the well/spring casing to produce a very strong bleach smell (1/2 to 1 gallon is usually sufficient).

2. Thoroughly mix the water in the well/spring until the bleach is evenly distributed. When possible, it is

best to run a hose from a house tap back to the well/spring in order to circulate the chlorinated

water from the well/spring through the house and back into the well/spring. This method will completely mix

the bleach in the well/spring and save you a lot of time, for you can turn the system on and just let it

run. If it is not possible to use a hose to circulate the chlorinated water, use a clean scrub brush. We

do not advise that you just add the bleach and let it sit.

3. After the bleach is thoroughly mixed in the well/spring, rinse down the walls of the well/spring with the chlorinated water. If you are not able to pump the water around, use a new clean brush. (When completed, turn the hose off).

4. Reseal the well/spring being careful not to allow dirt to fall into the well/spring casing. There are two water sampling bottles in this kit. The glass bottle has been pre-sterilized for the bacterial tests. The plastic bottle has been cleaned and is used for the chemical tests. Do not open the bottles prior to collecting the water samples in order to reduce the chance of accidental contamination. Both bottles have been treated. A small amount of white or brown powder in the glass bottle and some moisture in the plastic bottle is normal. 5. Run the chlorinated water through the water lines in your house, one faucet at a time, until a strong smell of bleach is obtained. Then turn the 'faucet off and proceed to the next tap until all of the water lines have been chlorinated.

6. Wait 30 minutes for the chlorinated water to disinfect the pipes and storage tank in your house.

7. Flush the chlorine out of the water system by running it (preferably onto the ground and not into your

septic system) until the smell of chlorine is gone.

8. Use the water system for several days after the smell of chlorine is gone.