Test Your Water

Procedure for taking a

water sample

  • Use a new bottle and cap. (1.5 – 2 Lt if the water is cloudy or coloured).
  • Rinse the bottle three times with the water to be sampled before taking the sample.
  • Fill the bottle with a representative sample of water and cap so there is little or no air in the bottle.
  • In dams or rivers, take the sample as close to the pump intake as possible.
  • In boreholes, let the pump run for 20 minutes before taking the sample from a point close to the pump.
  • Dry thoroughly and attach the completed label using clear tape to prevent it getting wet.
  • Keep the sample away from sunlight and in a cool place until it can be sent by courier to H2O | BWT SA.
  • It is recommended that a full SANS 241 Water analysis be done yearly to ensure all contaminants are within limits. This recommendation is where non-municipal water sources are being filtered / purified for human consumption and domestic usage.
Download water analysis PDF

FAQ

Why you need a water sample of at least 1 litre.

  • This is the amount of water the lab needs to analyse all the parameters comfortably. They can get away with 750ml but not really less than this.
  • If 500ml is supplied they cannot analyse everything and some parameters are then left out of the analytical data set
  • Small samples may slow down the work as they have to be careful with rinsing procedures and constantly ensure they keep enough water aside for any remaining analytical work.

How long does the water sample remain viable for an analysis?

  • Anytime is okay: Provided the sampling date is included on the label of the sample.
  • However, things can go wrong if the sample heats up to a temperature higher than 20°C for extended periods of time
  • So keep the sample cool wherever possible.

Please complete Water Sample Form

Shape

Information to Include

When Sending A Water Sample For A Whole House Water Purifier

What is the source of the water? Municipal / Non-Municipal

If Non-Municipal

  • dam, river, borehole, rainwater etc?
  • does the water come directly from the source, or does it go into a tank first?
  • If it comes from a water tank, is there a booster pump to pump water into the house?

Are there any existing filtration systems being used (on the system where the sample was taken), or is the water being pre-treated in any way?

  • If so, please send all details of existing system and problems that is being experienced?

What is the physical address of the site where the water sample was taken?

What will the water be used for?

  • Drinking, showering, cleaning, gardening, bottling, all of the above, etc.