Why collect water samples?

- In most cases, it is suggested that a water sample be submitted for basic water chemistry analysis along with fish sample submission so that water quality can be ruled out as the cause or a contributing factor to fish mortalities.

 What to consider when collecting water samples?

- Samples should be collected in clean, plastic bottles with a screw cap.  

-  Ensure the cap is tight prior to shipping.

-  Clearly identify each bottle with a sample I.D. using the owner’s last name or the facility name, date of collection, source format (i.e. Name, 01/01/2024, well water).

- It is preferable not to submit samples in glass containers because of the higher potential for breakage and most laboratories do not accept receiving samples in glass containers.

-  Make sure not to disturb any sediments prior to or during sample collection. Sediments picked along with the water sample can change the results of water chemistry analysis.

- The water sample is acceptable “as is” if sediment is already suspended in the water column although sediment was not disturbed during sample collection.

-  Also, make sure the sample bottle contains no vegetation, insects, snails, tadpoles, small fish or other organisms after collecting the sample, as they will change the water chemistry and the result of the water test will not be accurate.

- Dissolved oxygen should be immediately measured by the sample collector at the site and not at the laboratory.

-  Do not combine fish and water in the same container.