Sea Water Bacteria: Coliform/E.coli, Enterococci (Lab Test)

Description

This laboratory test includes 2 important bacteria tests: Coliform/E.coli and Enterococci and is ideal to test open water used for swimming and other water sports acitivities (ie lake, river, pond or sea water) in line with regulations & guidelines.

• 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, the effectiveness of water treatment and disinfection, and for monitoring the quality of potable water in distribution.
• 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.

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 sterilised 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 5-6 working days after receipt of the water sample
• Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry
• Bulk buy discounts available, please contact us
• Also suitable for waters with residual salinity as well as sea water

Testing open waters is important to make sure that you do not put yourself or others at risk from illnesses. The European Union (EU) has 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 water in the UK is regulated by the Bathing Water Regulations 1991 & 2013.

Tests should be carried out regularly, ideally at the beginning of the the swimming season, every 2-4 weeks, 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:  sea water, saltwater, water from lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, estuaries (water with some salinity) etc

The kit for laboratory analysis contains:

• Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample,
• Sample bottle to take the water sample,
• 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 bacteria 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 the Guidelines set by the UK Bathing Water Regulations, a summary is also in our guide Water Quality Testing for Open Water Swimming. Results will be sent per Email (to the Email address used in the order) within 5-6 working days after the water sample has been received.

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.
• Whilst we will always endeavour to provide an exact count of bacteria levels, for open water this might not always be possible due to background contamination (ie other types of bacteria) or the amount of pollution. Where an exact count is not available we will provide an estimate which can look like this >2420 cfu.
• 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).
• 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-4-2