1. Caribou Lake Home Owners Meeting - May 25, 2019
Well Water Sampling Procedure
and Analysis Options

2. Routine test parameters
The minimum analytes required by the MDH: (2 bottle test kit)
Bacteria that includes: Total Coliform and E. coli $25.00
Nitrogen compounds that include: Nitrate and Nitrite $25.00

3. Additional analytes (3 or more bottles required) Arsenic $25.00
The following parameters are optional:
(3 or more bottles required)
Arsenic $25.00
Lead $25.00
Iron $25.00
Hardness $35.00
Fluoride $25.00 (also local testing)

4. Rmb chain of custody form

5. Rmb chain of custody form

6. Procedure to take a bacteria sample
1. Collect sample as close to the well as possible. Use a point in the water system that is used regularly.
2. Select location before a water softener, iron filter or water heater, but definitely bypass water softener.

7. Bathroom sink
Select a sink without a swivel faucet that is used regularly

8. Procedure to take a bacteria sample
3. Remove aeration screen and any rubber washers from the faucet.
4. Flame the faucet (only if it is solid metal) until thoroughly heated using a small propane torch, butane lighter, or a candle. If it cannot be heated disinfect with rubbing alcohol. (Do not use chlorine bleach)

9. Faucet aerator
Unscrew from faucet

10. Aerator removed

11. Rubber washer
Use finger to reach inside and pull washer out of faucet

12. Butane lighter
Flexible neck lighters are also available

13. Heat faucet
Flame around outlet on metal faucets only

14. Procedure to take a bacteria sample
5. Run the water for at least 5 minutes (much longer if the water system has not been in regular use)
6. For seasonal properties wait a couple days after you arrive to take the water sample.
7. If you must take the sample earlier run the water for at least 15 minutes so the pressure tank cycles at least 5 times.

15. Run water
Minimum of 5 minutes. Longer if water system has not been used much.

16. Procedure to take a bacteria sample
8. Collect the water in the sterile container being careful to not touch the inside of the container or the inside of the cap.
9. Fill the container to just above the 100 ml fill line.
10. Fill out the information requested on the bottle label and the Chain of Custody form.
11. Mail or drop off the sample so it arrives at the lab within 24 hours of collection.

17. Procedure to take a lead sample
Do not flush the water lines prior to collecting the sample. Best to do this first thing in the morning.
Collect the first water released from the drinking/ cooking water faucet after the water has been sitting in the pipes a minimum of 6 hours.
Completely fill the 1 liter bottle.
Fill out the Chain of Custody form and label on the bottle. Return to RMB as soon as possible.

18. Health Concern levels Total Coliform Bacteria: any detectable level
E. coli Bacteria: any detectable level
Nitrate: MCL = 10 mg/L (ppm)
Nitrite: MCL = 1 mg/L (ppm)
Lead: AL = mg/L or 15 ppb
Fluoride: MCL = 4 mg/L (ppm)
Arsenic: MCL = mg/L or 10 ppb
Iron: effects aesthetics over 0.3 mg/L (ppm)