Water Sampling

Simple Borehole or Municipal Water Sampling Guide (For Home Use)

Collecting water samples correctly from your borehole or other sources helps ensure your drinking water test results are accurate as possible. Follow these easy steps to collect a proper water sample for testing:

Borehole and Municipal Water sampling:

1. Get Ready

• Choose a clean tap or outlet connected directly to the borehole (avoid tanks or storage units, unless you are testing for that purpose).

• Grab a clean plastic “PET” bottles, preferably bought mineral or still water bottles, already cleaned. NO glass, beverage, milk, or fruit juice bottles. You can use 2 x 750ml or 2 x 500ml bottles per water test. NO 5-litre bottles. (R100 extra handling fee).

• Wash your hands and wear gloves if you have them.

2. Flush the Borehole Water

• Run the water for about 5-10 minutes to flush out old water from the pipes.
• If the water comes from a tap, keep it running at a steady flow, not too fast.

3. Clean the Tap

• Wipe the tap with an alcohol swab or a bit of bleach solution to kill any germs.
• Rinse the tap with borehole water before collecting the sample.

4. Collect the Water Sample

• Open the bottle without touching the inside or the cap.
• Rinse the bottle and cap a few times with the borehole water before filling.
• Fill the bottle up to the top and try not to leave an air gap. Avoid the bottle touching the tap or faucet.
• Close the bottle tightly and test for any leaks.

5. Label the Bottle

• Mark the bottle or label:
• Just your name or Sample name.

6. Keep the Sample Cool

• Place the sample in a cooler box or a fridge. Keep the sample out of the sun.
• Wrap the bottle with a black plastic bag or use a small box (preferred).

7. Nationwide Courier Collections / Delivery of the Sample to the Lab

• If using a courier service, ensure proper packaging as described above. Our courier service is available for secure and timely collection.
• Deliver the water samples within 24hours from sampling.

Why Regular Sampling Matters

• Helps ensure your water is safe for drinking.
• Detects possible contamination early.
• Recommended at least once a year or after maintenance work on the borehole.

Stay Safe & Healthy!

Following these simple steps helps keep your borehole water clean and safe.