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Description This laboratory test will check your water sample for the presence of coliform/E.coli, enterococci, pH, conductivity & cyanobacteria/ blue-green algae and is ideal to test open water used for swimming and other recreational water sports activities (ie lake, river, pond or sea water) in line with regulations & guidelines. This multi-parameter test is ideal to test water, which is used for open water swimming, for 5 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. Cyanobacteria: are aquatic and photosynthetic and hence live in water. They are also called blue-green algae, but they are a bacteria not an algae. They are a health risk to humans and animals as they can produce neurotoxins, cytotoxins, endotoxins and hepatotoxins. Cyanobacteria reproduce explosively under certain conditions and toxins produced by them can not be detected by visual inspection alone. This results in algal blooms, which can become harmful and pose a danger to humans and animals, if the cyanobacteria involved produce toxins. This analysis provides a count of cyanobacteria but does not indicate the types of cyanobacteria present. 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 analysis 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 and how to understand the results of the test, also 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 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 the Guidelines set by the UK Bathing Water Regulations, a summary can be seen in our guide Water Quality Testing for Open Water Swimming. For blue green algae – a total count is provided (a specification of species is not included). Results will be sent per Email to the Email address used to place 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.