How to Take a Water Sample for Legionella & TVC Testing
Important: Read Before You Begin
Thank you for choosing DS Water for your water sampling needs. Please read this guide carefully before taking your sample to ensure accurate results.
Pre-Requisites – What You’ll Need
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
✅ The sample bottle provided by DS Water (contains Sodium Thiosulphate – do not rinse).
✅ Clean hands – wash with soap and water before handling the bottle.
✅ The online form emailed to you by DS Water, which must be completed after sampling.
✅ A pen to label the bottle with date, time, and location details.
✅ The return packaging, specially designed to fit into almost all Royal Mail post-boxes, for easy posting back to the lab.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sampling
- Identify the Sampling Point
- Locate the tap or outlet from which you need to take a sample.
- If unsure, refer to your DS Water survey report or contact us at info@dswater.co.uk for guidance.
- Preparing for Sampling
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent contamination.
- Ensure your sample bottle is in date and do not open it until ready.
- Taking the Water Sample
- Turn on the tap and allow the water to run until the temperature stabilises (this ensures a post-flush sample).
- Carefully remove the bottle cap, making sure not to touch the inside of the cap or bottle neck.
- Hold the bottle under the flowing water, ensuring it does not touch the tap or any other surface.
- Fill the bottle to the neck only – do not overfill.
- Securely replace the cap and gently invert the bottle several times to mix the neutraliser with the sample.
- Labelling & Recording
- Write the following on the sample label provided:
- Date of sample collection
- Time of sample collection
- Sample location (e.g., “Kitchen Tap – First Floor”)
- Write the following on the sample label provided:
- Completing the Online Form
- After taking the sample, you must complete the online form emailed to you.
- This form allows us to correctly reference your results. You will need to provide:
- Sample location description
- Time the sample was taken
- Temperature of the water at the time of collection
- The information you provide will automatically populate the laboratory submission form, which is essential for processing the sample correctly.
- Returning the Sample
- Place the sample bottle inside the packaging provided.
- You can return the sample via post—the box is designed to fit into almost all Royal Mail post-boxes for convenience.
- Ensure the sample is posted as soon as possible to maintain accuracy.
- Keep the sample at room temperature – do not refrigerate.
- Receiving Your Results
- Results can take up to two weeks, depending on the type of sample taken.
- As soon as we receive your results from the lab, we will process them within an hour and send you an interpretation report straight away.
- If further action is required, a member of our team will be copied into the response and will assist you via email or phone call.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@dswater.co.uk.
