Description Laboratory test specifically designed to check for sewage and faecal contamination in water. Laboratory analysis will check for Coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) as well as Intestinal Enterococci/Streptococci in water. These tests are important routine microbiological examinations carried out on water – they 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 water. This laboratory test is designed: To detect sewage and faecal contamination in flood water or water from a leak To test water from springs, wells, streams and other open water sources To test open water used for swimming, recreational and other water sports activities for sewage contamination (ie lake, river or pond water) Arranging a laboratory test is easy and our service includes everything required to carry out this analysis. Once you have ordered on our website, we will send you a water sample bottle, clear instructions as well as pre-paid postage label and return box to send the sample for laboratory analysis. Laboratory results in 5 easy steps Includes everything required to carry out the test Simply collect the water sample and post it to our UK laboratory for expert analysis Results available within 5-6 working days days after receipt of the water sample Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry, hotels, education sector, holiday rentals, farm premises and property management Bulk buy discounts available – applicable for water samples returned together Suitable for: Recreational water / surface water / ground water / open water analysis, water from floods, leaks, lakes, rivers, wells, springs, boreholes, ponds, streams 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, pre-paid postage label and courier collection are included, Analysis by an accredited laboratory*. (*The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS for coliform/E.coli, TVC/ACC, P.A., enterococci, legionella analysis of potable, process as well as water from spa & pool.) 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. Results: The report shows the test results in the appropriate measurement, like ppm, mg/l, cfu/100ml etc. These can be compared to 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 to place the order. Please note, that we do not provide interpretation of the test results. Expiry: Water sample to be returned within 7 weeks of order date (unless otherwise agreed). Please contact us for bulk orders and if you would like to set up regular testing. We can provide you with a customised quote. 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). Where the return packaging includes ice-packs these need to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample. 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. We can not take any responsibility for delayed or failed delivery of the samples to the laboratory for analysis. When samples are not analysed on time or analysis has failed, we can not be made liable for any costs relating to sample collection (ie travel cost etc) or any other costs relating to the failed or delayed analysis. 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. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) UKAS Accredited Laboratory for expert analysis (ISO 17025) Our UK laboratory is UKAS-accredited (ISO 17025) for various bacteria analysis of potable water as well as spa and pool water. All UKAS-approved testing strictly follows guidelines for sample storage, test procedures, and result evaluation—providing complete peace of mind with every test. While some companies may offer expedited results, these may not comply with UKAS standards. Why is a UKAS accredited laboratory so important? The UKAS-accredited laboratories are based in the UK, and all UKAS-approved bacteria testing follows strict guidelines. A UKAS accredited laboratory undergoes rigorous assessment to ensure it has the necessary technical competence, equipment, and processes to produce valid and reliable results. This accreditation is essential for minimising risk, protecting your reputation, building trust and reduces the risk of unreliable or invalid test results. To ensure sample integrity and fast processing, we only use a next-day delivery service from your location to the lab, guaranteeing the most accurate results. Do the sample bottles expire? Water samples must to be returned within 7 weeks of order date (unless otherwise agreed). How do I receive the results for my water laboratory test? Results will be sent per email (to the email address used to place the order). What if I want to carry out more than one test? 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. Does the price include shipping to the lab? Yes the price includes shipping to you and next working day shipping to the lab. There are no further costs. How fast is the return shipping? All water samples are sent with next working day delivery to a UK based UKAS accredited laboratory. What is included with a water laboratory test? Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample. Sample bottle to take water sample. Return packaging and pre-paid postage label, courier collection is included. Analysis by a UK based accredited laboratory. Do you offer any bulk discounts? Yes. Please contact us for bulk orders and if you would like to set up regular testing. We can provide you with a customised quote. MPN: OWat-LAB-4-3