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Description This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of coliform/E.coli, enterococci, pH and conductivity and is ideal to test open water used for swimming and other recreational and water sports activities (ie lake, river, pond or sea water) in line with regulations & guidelines. This multi-parameter test is ideal to test water bodies for 4 key elements: Coliform/E.coli Analysis: tests for coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) are the most important routine microbiological examinations carried out on water. These tests provide a sensitive means for detecting faecal contamination, for assessing raw water quality and for monitoring the quality of water. Enterococci/Streptococci: are commonly found in the faeces of human and warm-blooded animals. The presence of enterococci in recreational water is an indicator of faecal pollution and possible enteric pathogens. pH: The pH of human skin and eyes is around 7 which is why the pH of swimming pools is maintained in the range of 7.2 – 7.6. For open water swimming it is advised that the pH range should fall within 6 to 9 to prevent potential health issues. Conductivity: measures the ability of water to conduct electricity. Common ions in water that conduct electrical current include sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. Because dissolved salts and other inorganic chemicals conduct electrical current, conductivity increases as salinity increases. Salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) are used to calculate the conductivity of water, which helps to indicate the water’s purity. The purer the water the lower the conductivity. If the conductivity is high and all other tests are satisfactory, then it can indicate there is something in the water that has not been tested for. It is not a regulated parameter but is included in this test as an early indicator for other potential problems with water quality, typical range for freshwater streams is 100-2000 µS/cm. 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 10-12 working days after receipt of the water sample Bulk buy discounts available – applicable for water samples returned together Ideal for home & business use including the sports and leisure industry, hotels, education sector, holiday rentals, farm premises and property management Laboratory testing of open waters is important to make sure that you do not put yourself or others at risk from illnesses. Swimming in open water in the UK is regulated by the Bathing Water Regulations 1991 & 2013. This water swimming test is recommended for public use and is used by event organisers, caravan parks, film industry, landowners and watersports centres. Tests should be carried out regularly, ideally at the beginning of the swimming season, every 2-4 weeks throughout, before an event, when there are visible changes to the water, after heavy rainfall as well as at the end of the bathing season. For more information on sampling, how often to test and how to understand the results of the test, refer to our guide Water Quality Testing for Open Water Swimming. Suitable for: Recreational water / surface water / ground water / open water analysis, including water from lakes, rivers, wells, boreholes, springs, ponds, streams, sea water, estuaries (water with some salinity) etc The kit for laboratory analysis contains: Clear step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water sample, Sample bottles to take the water samples, 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 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 in the order. Expiry: Water sample to be posted within 7 weeks of order date (unless otherwise agreed). Please note, that we do not provide interpretation of the test results. 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. 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. MPN: OWat-LAB-2