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Prior to sampling, check to make sure the sodium thiosulfate preservative in the collection bottle has not expired. The expiry date is located on the exterior label of the case of bottles.

1. “Official Agency Address” – include the sub office if this office submitted the sample
2. “Sample Information - Non-Potable” section
3. “Identification of Collection Site & Time Collected” section
   Please note these sampling tips:
   • In order to provide an accurate representation of the water in the pool, select appropriate locations for sampling (e.g., if equipped with a filter, collect from sampling ports provided in the filter’s return and discharge lines).
   • For pools equipped with a filter, samples may be collected from sampling ports provided in the filter’s return and discharge lines.
4. “For Regulated Drinking Water or Legal Samples” section – as applicable (refer to Instructions For Official Agencies Submitting Water Samples to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory⁴

Note:  The sample may not be tested if the required information is incomplete and/or inaccurate when the sample is received at the laboratory.

Remove one barcode from the bottle and apply it to the top copy of the requisition in the “Barcode” field. Remove a second barcode and apply it in the corresponding location on the second copy of the form. Retain a copy of the completed requisition that includes the barcodes.

Note: Samples may not be processed if the barcodes are not affixed to the requisition. If the barcode is not able to be removed, write the barcode number in the “Barcode” box on the form.

Examine the lid on the bottle. If the tamper evident ring has separated from the cap use another bottle.

Keep the bottle closed until just before collection. Remove the cap. Do not touch the bottle mouth and neck as well as inside of the lid or bottle with hands or other surfaces, do not put the lid down, and do not ingest the sodium thiosulfate in the bottle. For accidental exposure get medical attention.

Collect samples during periods of maximum bather load and note the number of bathers as this may be helpful when interpreting the laboratory results. Hold the bottle near the base and plunge the bottle, neck downward, at a 45 degree angle to 30 cm and collect water within one meter of the water surface. Fill the bottle at that depth with a slow sweeping forward motion with the mouth of the bottle always ahead of the hand. Bring the bottle up toward the water’s surface and make sure the bottle is kept away from the non-sampling hand, body parts and avoid floating debris.

Collect the sample to the 200mL fill line. If possible, fill another bottle to the fill line. Do not overfill the bottle(s). If overfilled, remove some of the water so the bottle is just filled to 200 mL line.

Tighten the cap on the collection bottle. Leaking samples will not be processed; a new sample and requisition will be required.

Refer to Instructions For Official Agencies Submitting Water Samples to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory⁴ for step by step instructions for completing the documentation and submitting/relinquishing the sample.