Every Tuesday morning of each week, two water samples are taken in the subdivision and sent to IHA for bacteriological testing. There is a very specific process that needs to be followed to do these tests correctly. That process is outlined below.
Where to Sample: One sample is taken from the outside tap at the reservoir pump house. A second sample is taken from a residence somewhere downhill towards the highway on the west side of the subdivision. This second sample could be from an outside tap or any inside tap at that residence. Certain precautions must be followed while collecting both of these samples.
Cleanliness: As much as possible, ensure your hands are clean. If inside, wash your hands first. The faucet must be cleaned first and not be contaminated during the collection process.
Sterilize the faucet: There are several ways to do this properly. If you're at an inside tap, remove any aerator. Our most common way then is to flame the faucet with a small torch or a match. A solution of bleach soaking the faucet for 1 minute will also work. Some instructions will recommend wiping the faucet with an alcohol wipe. Once sterilized, though, do not touch the faucet with any other object.
Flush the line: Run cold water through the tap for 2 or 3 minutes. Then reduce flow to a slow rate and leave running.
Verify Presence of Chlorine in the Water: You will have little test packets of chlorine testing reagent. Use one of these to verify that there is chlorine in the water system. It's not necessary to know how much chlorine is present, just that there IS chlorine in the water.
Collect the Sample: Remove the cap of the collection bottle but DO NOT touch the inside of the cap OR the top of the collection bottle. While continuing to hold the bottle, place under the running tap and fill to the volume required. There will be a white powder in each collection bottle. Do Not remove that powder. It's a de-chlorinating agent and must remain. When filled, place the cap back on the bottle.
Record Collection Data: Each bottle will have a requisition sheet. Record the date, location sample taken and bundle with the bottle(s).
Deliver to Primary Health Center: This is time sensitive. All collection bottles must be delivered before 11:00 on Tuesday morning of each week (excluding stat holidays). Remember to pick up replacement collection bottles for the following week's samples.
Here are several short videos that demonstrate the process. Remember that the process in each video might not exactly follow the procedure outlined above, but they will give you a visual idea of how the task is done.