Sampling Guide
Water Sampling Instructions
Clean collection and prompt delivery keep your water results accurate. Follow these general guidelines to collect and submit a sample.
Step-by-Step
- Use a clean container. A clean, unused plastic bottle of at least 500 mL (about 1 pint) is suitable for most irrigation water tests. Ask us if your analysis requires a special container or preservative.
- Flush the line first. Let the water run for several minutes from a well, pump, or faucet so you collect fresh source water rather than water that has been standing in the line.
- Rinse before filling. Rinse the bottle and cap two or three times with the water being sampled.
- Fill completely. Fill the bottle to the top and cap it tightly, leaving as little air space as possible.
- Label clearly. Mark the bottle with your sample ID and source, matching the names on your Chain of Custody form.
- Keep cool and deliver quickly. Store samples cold (on ice or refrigerated) and deliver to the lab as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours.
Good Practice
- Collect from the point most relevant to your use (wellhead, pivot, drip line).
- Keep the sample chilled from collection until drop-off.
- Submit the same day when possible.
Avoid
- Reusing food or chemical containers that can contaminate results.
- Touching the inside of the bottle or cap.
- Letting samples sit warm or in direct sunlight.
Some analyses require specific containers, volumes, or preservatives.
Contact us before sampling if you are unsure what your test requires.