Timeline Test

Step 1: Pick up materials. Supplies are available in our drop box, 24/7. This includes full instructions, drop-off form and collection containers.

Step 2: Obtain a sterile container(s) from the top shelf. These must be used for bacteria testing. For chemical testing, use a 6-12 oz clean drinking water bottle (your own or feel free to use one from the large cooler on the ground). Do not use a sterile container for chemical samples.

Step 3: Take a white drop-off form and orange instructions (also downloadable here) from the inside door of the drop box. The drop-off form must be delivered with your sample. Feel free to take a well owners manual for your reference.

Step 4: Collect the sample. Detailed instructions are provided for sanitizing the faucet and flushing the line. Samples from the kitchen faucet are not recommended; samples from a bathtub faucet are preferred.

Step 5: Fill the container to the neck. Make sure you have the correct water level. Too much water is better than not enough. If water level is too low, the sample must be rejected. Ignore the line. We understand the line causes confusion. Please ignore it and fill the container to the NECK.

Step 6: Samples for bacteria testing MUST be kept cool during transport, without getting form wet.  Fold and wrap form and payment around container, secure with the rubber band.  Place inside a small baggie.  Place that baggie inside a second small baggie with 3 ice cubes.

Step 7: Deliver the sample. the same day you collect it. At the dropbox, remove inner baggie (with sample) from second baggie, and place inner baggie only in cooler in the dropbox.  Take your second baggie with you, and dump the ice on the ground.

Step 8: Within the cooler, place sample on top of the  black tray. Close the cooler, and close the dropbox.

Step 9: Please raise the flag on the outside of the dropbox, to let us know a sample has been delivered.

RESULTS: We will email you (the following day) when the results are complete. For bacteria tests, results are based on the following CLEAR = PASS YELLOW = FAIL, positive for total coliform FLUORESCENT = FAIL, positive for total coliform and e.coli.