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Well Water Testing Instructions

Collecting Samples for Bacteriological and Nitrate Tests


Step 1

Complete nitrate and bacteriological test request forms with a ballpoint or waterproof pen. Note: The sample cannot be processed without a collection date and time.

Step 2

Fill both bottles. For the bacteria sample, follow the standard sterilization and collection process outlined on the back of the bacteriological form. Securely tighten caps.

  

Step 3

Place each bottle in a small zip-lock bag. Place bagged nitrate bottle in one of the large zip-lock bags and fill at least 3/4 full with ice and seal.

Step 4

Place ice bag/nitrate bottle and bacteria bottle in the Styrofoam shipper. DO NOT tape Styrofoam lid.

Step 5

Place test request forms in second large zip-lock bag and place on top of shipper.

Step 6

Close box so that State Lab of Hygiene address label and "priority mail" sticker show. Secure cardboard box with tape. Ship by priority rate* and mail on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday only.

* Warning:

The water sample must be analyzed within 48 hours of collection. In most cases, shipping by priority rate mail will meet this requirement. However, there may be areas of the state where a faster shipping rate is necessary to meet this requirement. Check with your local post office for the proper delivery rate, or use a different carrier to meet this requirement.

Kit Contents:

  • 2 bottles (1 for bacteriological test & 1 for nitrate test)
  • 2 test request forms (1 for bacteriological test & 1 for nitrate test)
  • 2 small zip-lock bags (1 for each bottle)
  • 2 large zip-lock bags (1 for ice & 1 for forms)
  • 1 Styrofoam shipper with cardboard box

 
 
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
 
Clinical Laboratories
465 Henry Mall
Madison WI 53706
Ph: 608-262-1293
1-888-494-4324
Fax: 1-608-262-3257 		Environmental Laboratories
2601 Agriculture Drive
Madison WI 53718
Ph: 608-224-6202
1-800-442-4618
Fax: 1-608-224-6213 		Walton Commons
2810 Walton Commons West
Madison, WI 53718
Help Desk: 608-221-6262
Fax: 1-608-221-6297
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Last Update: 6:9:31 PM CST, Thursday February 1 2007