Swimming Pool Sample Collection Procedures

1. Use only sterile bottles provided by the laboratory. Keep the bottle(s) sealed until used. Each sample bottle will contain a white residue, dechlorinating agent (sodium thiosulfate), to neutralize any residual chlorine in the water sample. Do not rinse the bottle prior to taking the sample. Rinsing will remove the dechlorinating agent and render the sample void.

2. Choose a safe, easily accessible sampling location away from flowing intakes or outlets.

3. Roll long sleeves to above the elbow. Wash hands and forearms thoroughly.

4. Remove the shrink wrap from the bottle. Remove cap and hold lid face up. Do not contaminate the inner surface of the cap or the bottle with your hands

5. To prevent surface water from entering the bottle, plunge it, opening face-down, to a depth of elbow-deep. Turn the bottle horizontally to allow air to escape. Then, without pause, sweep the bottle out of the water in a direction away from the sampler. Leave an air space for mixing above the fill line (100 mL) by carefully pouring out excess water. Do not resample if too much is poured out.

6. Replace the lid and tighten securely. Shake the bottle until white residue dissolves

7. Complete all required sections of the sample request form provided by the laboratory. Be sure to write the bottle number from the label affixed to the bottle on the included form.

8. Deliver the samples to the laboratory promptly after collection Keep the sample cool and out of direct sunlight during transport. If the sample cannot be delivered within one hour of collection, place in a refrigerator; do not freeze. If the sample will remain in the vehicle for more than an hour, place it in a cooler; do not submerge. Samples that cannot be analyzed within the thirty-hour (30 hour) delivery timeframe from initial collection will not be accepted

9. Samples are accepted on Monday through Wednesday by 3:00 p.m. However, sample delivery days will change during holiday weeks. Call the Environmental Health Laboratories before retrieving samples if a holiday is forthcoming within the current week at (314) 615-8324.

10. A $10.00 payment per sample, cash or check (payable to St Louis County DPH), is due upon delivery Credit cards are accepted (Visa and MC only).