All analyses

Microbiological and most other samples will need to reach the Christchurch lab within 24 hours. Before you take any samples and/or open any bottles, please note the days and times that you can drop-off samples.

Please contact the lab first if you would like to drop-off samples outside these hours.

If you are testing water from a tap or directly from a pump:

• Flush the plumbing first before filling a sample bottle unless you are testing for corrosion (see under metals analyses). 

If you are testing surface water:

• The water sample should be collected as close to the main flow as practical.
• Make sure the sample is taken upstream from where sampler is standing.
• If the bottles are not yet pre-labelled and numbered, please clearly mark all containers with your name, site (water source), date and time of collection and complete the appropriate water quality testing request form.
• It is important to keep samples chilled in transit. The Environment Canterbury lab will provide you with a chilly bin (on loan) and a bottle filled with water to freeze that will act as a chilly brick. Ice-blocks in a plastic bag can also act as a chilly brick.

Microbiological analyses

The tap or well from where the sample is collected should be flushed for at least 2 to 3 minutes immediately before the sample is taken. If you are testing for corrosion as well, make sure you have taken the corrosion samples before flushing.

The sample container for microbiological analyses is sterilised so take care not to contaminate the container or the lid:

• Do not place the lid on the ground where it can easily get contaminated.
• Take care not to touch the tap with the container.
• Hold the container at the base when you are filling the container.
• Fill the container once only.

Fill the container right to the top and close the lid.

Chemical analyses (including nutrients and anions)

• Please use the 500 ml clear plastic ribbed bottle for chemical analyses.
• Rinse the inside of both the bottle and the cap one to 2 times with water from the sample point before collecting the sample.  
• Fill bottle right to the top to avoid an air gap which may contaminate the sample.

Metals and trace elements analyses

• Bottles for metals and trace elements analyses contain a preservative so please do not rinse the bottles.
• Fill the 125 ml bottle to the shoulder.
• For corrosion analysis: fill the bottle directly from the tap in the morning without flushing the plumbing first.

Other tests

Please follow the instructions on the bottles or provided by our staff.

Request Forms

Comprehensive Drinking Water Quality Suite Request Form (pdf 40kB)
General Water Quality Request Form - 2007 (pdf 36kB)