North Island Laboratories Ltd. - Well Water Sampling Instructions

Specialists in water, wastewater, and shellfish analysis.

SAMPLE COLLECTION | SAMPLE TRANSPORTATION

The sample should be representative of water that will be used for drinking. Therefore, we suggest sampling at the kitchen tap.
Remove any screens or filters from the end of the tap and let the cold water run long enough to get "fresh" water; in other words, water that has not been sitting in the pipes. (We usually recommend running your tap for about 5 minutes).
Remove the lid of the sample bottle and keep it in your hand while filling the bottle (do not touch the inside of the lid).
Cap immediately.

NOTE: The amount of water and/or type of sample bottles required depends on the test(s) to be done.

The sample(s) should arrive at the laboratory in Courtenay within 24 hours of sampling. (Please keep this timeframe in mind if using our Nanaimo Drop-Off Station.)
Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated/packaged with ice).
Please supply a completed Requisition Form or include appropriate billing information (name, phone #, fax #, and mailing address), sample location (house address), and which analyses you require.

Ideally, samples should be delivered to our Nanaimo Drop-Off Station by 11:00 a.m. for same-day shipping to our Courtenay lab.

Due to transportation constraints, our Nanaimo Drop-Off Station can only accept samples until 11:00 a.m. on Fridays.

Wherever possible, please try to take samples right before coming to the Nanaimo Drop-Off Station, to maximize transportation options.