Getting Started
When You Receive the Box
Put the Ice-pack(s) in the freezer and freeze them for at least 24 hours before using.
Checking Sample Containers: Take a look at the sample containers. Some are clean, while others have preservatives. Keep them sealed until you’re ready to collect water samples.
Labelling
Labelling Your Samples
Write the Order Number (e.g. MyWSB24XXXXX) on the Sample Bag Label and containers.
Choose your Sampling Point and record it on the Sampling Bag Label or in our handy App.
Planning and Preparation
Planning Ahead
Plan your sample collection and decide how you’ll return the samples to the Lab.
Samples should reach the Lab within 24 hours.
Pre-Sampling Preparation
Before sampling, flush the water source and lines. If it’s from a bore, flush to waste to sample the fresh recharge water, not the water that’s been sitting in the bore.
Sampling Process
Preparing the Tap
Clean the tap thoroughly. Sterilise it with heat, boiling water, methylated spirits (without lighting it), or plain household bleach (just sodium hypochlorite) to kill any bacteria.
Run water at a medium flow for 5 minutes.
Ensure hands are clean or use disposable gloves to avoid cross-contamination.
Collecting Samples
Turn the tap to a low flow to sample the water without flushing out the contents of the sample container. When ready to collect a sample, open the container with the lid facing down to prevent airborne contamination. Collect a water sample without overfilling the container. Screw the cap on firmly and return the containers to the ziplock sample bag. If you’re not sending the sample to the Lab immediately, chill the sample bag in a fridge.
Packing for Return
Packing Instructions
When packing the frozen Gel Ice-pak(s) in the return box along with the sample containers, ensure the frozen side(s) face the sample containers and the bubble wrap side faces away.
The Woolpack liner provides insulation for the return journey.
Additional Resources on Water Quality Sampling
Getting samples to the Lab
Chill Before Transport
After collecting the sample, the sample must be chilled to maintain its integrity during transportation. It is important to get the sample to the Lab within 24 hours of collection
A: Drop the sample to the Lab
If you choose to drop the samples off the the Lab, the sample must reach the Lab by 3 pm
B: Drop-off to a New Zealand Post Collection Location:
If you choose to drop the sample to a New Zealand Post location, contact them and confirm the NZ Post collection times. This will prevent the sample box from being left | unattended for an extended period.
C: Arrange for the New Zealand Post Rural Driver to collect
If you choose to get the New Zealand Post Rural Driver to collect the sample, it is recommended that you carefully arrange the collection time with the Rural Driver in advance. This will ensure that it is collected and sent to the Lab.
