Once you’ve scheduled your testing, the next step is collecting a sample of your water to give to the lab. Collecting a water sample is easy but it takes a little bit of thought beforehand. The container you use may need to be sterile or prepared specifically for the test you need. For best results, contact the lab for sampling instructions or for a sample kit. Follow the simple sampling instructions provided for you in the sample kit. There are instructions specific to each type of test.
Delivering Water Samples
After you collect your samples, keep them cold and transport them to the laboratory in a cooler with ice packs as soon as possible. Contact the lab before coming to be sure you have everything you need for the analysis.
You have a few options for transporting your water samples to the lab for testing. You can drop off your water samples at the lab in Danvers, MA, send them by USPS or by courier.
Sample Drop Off Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:00am to 4:30pm
Friday 7:00am to 2:00pm.*
*Excluding: Standard Packages, Annual Minimum Packages, and anion samples (Nitrate, Nitrite, Orthophosphate). Metals samples (i.e.,Two-draw Packages, Metals Packages) and bacteria samples will be accepted until 2:00PM (may differ for holiday weekends).
If you need to drop off samples outside of those hours please call the lab to schedule.
Important Note: Regardless of the transportation method you choose, the water samples must be taken just prior to being received at the lab as holding times are often very short. Be sure to store your water sample in a cooler with ice packs until it reaches the lab.
For more information:
When Should You Test Your Drinking Water?
EPA Drinking Water Contaminants and Health