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Texas Counties Deliver – learn how county government serves you

To have your well water analyzed for coliform organisms, follow these steps.

 

1 You must use a sample container provided by an approved laboratory.

2 You should find a proper location to take a sample, preferably an outside faucet that does not leak (avoid rubber hoses, fire hydrants, dirty areas and areas behind bushes).

 

  • Do not take samples from kitchen or bathroom sinks

  • Avoid sampling on extremely windy days or when it is raining.

  • Open the sample-area faucet to full flow for three minutes to clear the line.

  • Then, reduce the flow to a slow, steady, sprayless stream.

3 Exercise care in handling samples! Samples are extremely easy to contaminate.

  • Do not touch the inside of the container and do not rinse it.

  • Fill the container without splashing, then seal it.

4 Complete a bacteriological submission form, which may be obtained along with a test container from a laboratory.  Using the instructions below, private well owners will complete only the following items:

  • For the "Name of Water System" item, write "private."

  • Fill in the county name and your name and mailing address in the area designated as "Send Results To."

  • Provide the date and time.

  • For the "Type of System" item, indicate "individual"

  • Then, complete as much information as possible under the "Water Source" item.