Guide to Field Sampling Parameters for Drinking Water Samples 

Total Coliform / E. coli Single Plastic, Sterile 120mL Capacity 100mL  0.1mL 3% Sodium Thiosulfate <10°C Recommended  Not Required  30 hours
Nitrate  Single Plastic  100mL minimum  None  <6°C  Not Required 48 hours
Nitrite  Single Plastic  100mL minimum  None  <6°C  Not Required 48 hours
pH  Single Plastic  100mL No Headspace  None  Not Applicable  Not Required  ASAP
Calcium Hardness  Single Plastic  250mL minimum No Headspace  None  <6°C  Not Required  24 hours
Alkalinity  Single Plastic  250mL minimum No Headspace None  <6°C  Not Required  24 hours
Heterotrophic Bacteria Single Plastic, Sterile 120mL Capacity  100mL  0.1mL 3% Sodium Thiosulfate  <10°C  Not Required  8 hours
Lead3  Single Plastic  1000mL First Draw2  HNO3 to pH <2  <6°C  Not Required  180 days
Copper3 Single Plastic  1000mL First Draw2 HNO3 to pH <2  <6°C  Not Required  180 days
  • 1 Hold time represents the maximum amount of time allowed from Sample Collection to Initiation of Analysis.
  • 2 First Draw is required for FHA/VA analysis.
  • 3 When a sample source is to be tested for both Lead and Copper, a single sample may be collected for analysis.

Revision Date November 2023

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