4in1: Coliform/E.coli, Enterococci, pH, Conductivity (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of coliform/E.coli, enterococci, pH and conductivity and is ideal to test open water used for swimming and other recreational and water sports activities (ie lake, river, pond or sea water) in line with regulations & guidelines.

This multi-test is ideal to test water bodies for 4 key elements:

• Coliform/E.coli Analysis: tests for coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) are the most important routine microbiological examinations carried out on water. These tests provide a sensitive means for detecting faecal contamination, for assessing raw water quality and for monitoring the quality of water.
• Enterococci/Streptococci: are commonly found in the faeces of human and warm-blooded animals. The presence of enterococci in recreational water is an indicator of faecal pollution and possible enteric pathogens.
• pH: The pH of human skin and eyes is around 7 which is why the pH of swimming pools is maintained in the range of 7.2 – 7.6. For open water swimming it is advised that the pH range should fall within 6 to 9 to prevent potential health issues.
• Conductivity: measures the ability of water to conduct electricity. Common ions in water that conduct electrical current include sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. Because dissolved salts and other inorganic chemicals conduct electrical current, conductivity increases as salinity increases. Salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) are used to calculate the conductivity of water, which helps to indicate the water’s purity. The purer the water the lower the conductivity. If the conductivity is high and all other tests are satisfactory, then it can indicate there is something in the water that has not been tested for. It is not a regulated parameter but is included in this test as an early indicator for other potential problems with water quality, typical range for freshwater streams is 100-2000 µS/cm.

Arranging a laboratory analysis is very 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.

• Certified laboratory results in 5 easy steps
• Includes everything required to carry out the test
• Simply collect the water sample and post it to our accredited laboratory for expert analysis*
• Results available within 10 working days after receipt of the water sample
• Bulk buy discounts available, please contact us.
• Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry

Testing open waters is important to make sure that you do not put yourself or others at risk from illnesses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published general guidelines. The European Union (EU) has also created a directive concerning the management of bathing water quality; it includes guidelines that all bathing water in the EU (including the UK) should meet. Swimming in inland water in the UK is regulated by the Bathing Water Regulations 1991 & 2013.

This open water swimming test is recommended for public use and is regularly used by event organisers, caravan parks, film industry, landowners and watersports centres.

Tests should be carried out regularly, ideally at the beginning of the swimming season, every 2-4 weeks throughout, before an event, when there are visible changes to the water, after heavy rainfall as well as at the end of the bathing season.

For more information on sampling, how often to test and how to understand the results of the test, refer to our guide Water Quality Testing for Open Water Swimming.

Suitable for:  water from lakes, rivers, wells, springs, ponds, streams, sea water, estuaries (water with some salinity) etc

The kit for laboratory analysis contains:

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

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.

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

Results: The report shows the test results in the appropriate measurement, like ppm, mg/l, cfu/100ml etc. These are compared to to the Guidelines set by the UK Bathing Water Regulations, a summary is also in our guide Water Quality Testing for Open Water Swimming.

Expiry: Water sample to be posted 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 (this is vital for accurate analysis). 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 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.
• 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.

MPN: OWat-LAB-2