Coliform/ E.coli & Enterococci (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of Coliform bacteria/ E.coli bacteria and Enterococci.Potable water is water that is safe enough to be consumed by humans and other animals and is also known as drinking water. Coliform and Enterococci bacteria are commonly used as a bacterial indicator of the sanitary quality of water.

• E.coli and Coliform Analysis: Tests for coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) are the most important routine microbiological examinations carried out on drinking water. These tests provide a sensitive means for detecting faecal contamination, for assessing raw water quality, the effectiveness of water treatment and disinfection and for monitoring the quality of potable water in distribution.
• Enterococci are found in the faeces of human and warm-blooded animals. The presence of Enterococci in water is an indicator of faecal pollution and possible enteric pathogens.

Bacterial contamination may not be detected by taste, smell or sight. Floods, human or animal waste, like insects, rodents or animals entering a water supply can be a cause for bacteria. The UK maximum contaminant level for coliform bacteria as well as enterococci in tap water set by DWI/DEFRA is zero cfu/100ml.

Systems which should regularly be sampled for E.coli include: care homes (every 6 months), Healthcare premises (every 6 months), larger buildings operating to BS8558 (every 6 months), boreholes / wells / private springs (every 6 months), poultry / broiler farm drinking lines.

Arranging a laboratory test is easy and our service includes everything required to carry out this analysis.

Once you have ordered on our website, we will send you a water sample bottle, clear instructions as well as pre-paid postage label and return box to send the sample for laboratory analysis.

• UKAS certified analysis by an UK laboratory in 5 easy steps
• Includes everything required to carry out the test
• Simply collect the water sample and post it to our UKAS accredited laboratory for expert analysis*
• Results available within 5-6 working days after receipt of the water sample
• Bulk buy discounts available – applicable for water samples returned together
• Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry, private water supplies (boreholes, springs, wells), hotels, care homes, healthcare premises, education sector, farm premises and property management

Suitable for: Potable water / drinking water / process water analysis, including water from tanks, taps, private water supplies (ie well, spring, borehole), treated water. Coliform/E.coli analysis up to 100cfu/100ml.

• This test is only suitable for potable/drinking/tap water as it analyses up to 100cfu/100ml. For analysis above 100cfu/100ml:
  • To test water from wells, rivers, streams as well as open water for bathing/swimming – please use  Coliform/E.coli & Enterococci test for open water

The kit for laboratory analysis contains:

• Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample,
• Sample bottle to take water sample,
• Return packaging, pre-paid postage label and courier collection are included,
• Analysis by an UKAS accredited laboratory*.

(*The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS for coliform/E.coli, TVC/ACC, P.A., enterococci, legionella analysis of potable, process as well as water from spa & pool.)

Each order is shipped with 1x pre-paid return packaging; if you are planning on taking samples at different times/places and returning them separately, then please place separate orders.

Results: The report shows the test results in the appropriate measurement, like ppm, mg/l, cfu/100ml etc. For drinking water, these can be compared to the Drinking Water Guidelines set for the UK, a summary can be seen in our guide Understanding your test results. Results will be sent per Email to the Email address used to place the order.

Please note, that we do not provide interpretation of the test results.

Expiry: Water sample to be returned within 7 weeks of order date (unless otherwise agreed).

Please note:

• We require a full water sample to be able to perform the tests. Refunds will not be offered where minimum volume of the sample requirements are not met.
• Water samples should be taken the same day they are collected. Any results received outside of the specified holding time will receive a comment on the report to state the results could be compromised. Samples can be taken and posted Monday to Thursday. (For customers from outer Hebrides, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Cornwall: please check in advance to ensure overnight delivery is available in your area, refunds can not be given where services are not available).
• Where the return packaging includes ice-packs then these need to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample.
• Do not mix more than one sample per bottle; please ensure one sample bottle is used per sample outlet.
• This service is only available for UK customers. If you are looking to place an order from another country, please do contact us.
• We can not take any responsibility for delayed or failed delivery of the samples to the laboratory for analysis. When samples are not analysed on time or analysis has failed, we can not be made liable for any costs relating to sample collection (ie travel cost etc) or any other costs relating to the failed or delayed analysis.
• Failure to comply with the requirements for sample collection might result in a failed analysis of your water sample. We can not refund orders where instructions have not been followed.