How to Collect a Water Sample for Testing
A good sample gives a reliable result. Follow the steps below, or let us do it for you. Call 08 9721 7170Request a quoteA good sample gives a reliable result. A poor sample – the wrong bottle, an air gap, or one left in the sun – can give a misleading result and may need to be taken again. Follow the steps below, or let us do it for you.
Two ways to get your water tested
We collect it for you
Our trained staff can visit your property or site and collect samples using the correct methods. Call us to book and request a quote.
You collect it yourself
Pick up sample bottles from our office, follow the steps below, and drop the sample back to us.
Use the right bottle
Chemical tests
For the Standard Domestic Analysis, Chemical Drinking Water Analysis, irrigation and stock tests: use an EATS bottle, or a clean plastic or glass bottle that holds 500–600 mL. Please don’t use an old milk bottle.
NATA laboratory bacteria tests
Tests such as Drinking Water Microbiological Analysis or Freshcare testing must be collected in a sterile bottle supplied by EATS. Samples in any other bottle cannot be accepted for NATA analysis. Bottles can be collected from our office.
Household Bacteria Screen
The quick check can be collected in an EATS sterile bottle or a brand-new, unopened bottle of drinking (spring) water from the shop.
Collecting a sample for chemical testing
- If sampling a bore, run it for 10–15 minutes first.
- Rinse the bottle and lid three times with the water you are sampling.
- Fill the bottle right to the top, including the neck, so there is no air gap.
- Put the lid on firmly and label the bottle with your name, the date and where the sample came from.
- Keep it out of the sun and in the fridge and bring it in within 24 hours.
Collecting a sample for bacteria testing
- Wash your hands. Open the bottle just before sampling. If using a shop-bought water bottle, pour the water out into a glass first.
- Don’t touch the neck of the bottle or the inside of the lid – not even with your fingers.
- Fill the bottle to the very top without letting it touch the tap, then replace the lid.
- Label the bottle with your name, the date, the time and where the sample came from.
- Keep it out of the sun and in the fridge, and bring it in within 12 hours – the sooner the better.
Dropping off your sample
- Transport samples in an esky with an ice brick.
- Drop samples at 12B Sherlock Way, Davenport, Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 3:00pm.
- Bacteria samples should be collected on the same day you bring them in.
Not sure? Call us on 08 9721 7170 before you sample – it’s much easier than re-sampling.
Common questions
Do I need a sterile bottle?
Yes, for NATA laboratory bacteria tests, and it must come from EATS. A household Bacteria Screen can use a brand-new, unopened bottle of spring water.
Can I use an old milk bottle?
No. For chemical tests use an EATS bottle, or a clean plastic or glass bottle that holds 500–600 mL.
How long can I keep a sample?
Chemical samples: keep them out of the sun and in the fridge, and bring them in within 24 hours. Bacteria samples: within 12 hours – the sooner the better.
Where do I drop it off?
12B Sherlock Way, Davenport, Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 3:00pm.
EATS
12B Sherlock Way
Davenport WA 6230
08 9721 7170
Hours
Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Sample drop-off: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 3:00pm
Closed: weekends and public holidays
© EATS WA. Water testing in Bunbury and the South West.