Coliform Bacteria Sample Collection and Submission Instructions

For Otsego County homeowners affected by the June 2006 flood

 

Note:  The well must have been properly disinfected at least 48 hours prior to sample collection in accordance with the procedure on the reverse side of this sheet.

 

Sample Collection Instructions

 

1.        The sample must be collected the morning of Wednesday, July 12th ONLY.  Do not collect the sample before this time.  

 

2.         Collect the sample from a tap that is used often, i.e., kitchen or bathroom sink.  Do NOT use an outside spigot or hose.  If possible, remove the aerator or screen from the faucet.

 

3.         Use only COLD water for the sample - let the water run for 1-2 minutes before collecting the sample.

 

4.         Do not rinse the white powder from the bottle (if present).  Carefully remove the cap from the sample bottle and slowly fill the bottle with cold water.  Take care to avoid contaminating the cap - do not set the cap down on anything and do not touch the inside of the cap or bottle with your hands.  Once the bottle is filled, immediately put the cap back on the bottle.

 

5.         Completely fill out the form below - remember to give complete information as it will be used to pass on the sample results to you.  Also, write your name on the bottle cap in permanent ink or marker.

 

6.         Keep the sample cold until you deliver it to the town clerk's office. In Otsego County only Unadilla and Otego. The sample and this sheet must both be returned to your town clerk's office no later than noon on Wednesday, July 12th.  

 

Sample Submission Form

 

Name:              ______________________________________________________

 

 

Address:           ______________________________________________________

 

 

Phone:              ______________________________________________________

 

 

Sample Collection Date:            __________________________________________

 

 

Sample Collection Time:           __________________________________________

 

 

Sample Collection Location:      (i.e., kitchen or bathroom tap)___________________

 

 

 

 

Emergency Water System Disinfection Procedure

 

 

1.         After flood waters have receded (ie. no surface water around the well casing or in a well pit), run the well until the water is clear, using an outdoor faucet closest to the well or pressure tank.

 

2.         Flush all water lines on the system with water until the water appears to be free of particulates and discoloration.

 

3.         Mix one quart of unscented household bleach containing about 5% chlorine in 5 gallons of water in a large bucket or pail in the area of the well casing.

 

4.         Turn electrical power off to the well pump.  Remove the well cap and well seal if necessary. 

 

5.         Place a hose connected to an outdoor faucet inside the well casing.  Turn electrical power back on to the well pump and turn water on to run the pump.

 

6.         Pour the water and bleach mixture from the bucket or pail down the open well casing.  At the same time, continue to run the water from the hose placed inside the well casing.  Mix a second solution of one quart of 5% household bleach to 5 gallons of water in a large bucket or pail and repeat this step.

 

7.         At each indoor and outdoor faucet, run the water until a chlorine odor is present, then shut each faucet off.

 

8.         Continue running water through the hose inside the well casing to re-circulate the chlorine-treated water. Use the hose to wash down the inside of the well casing.

 

9.         After one hour of re-circulating the water, shut all faucets off to stop the pump. Disconnect power supply to pump.  Remove hose from well.

 

10.       Mix one quart of 5% household bleach in 5 gallons of water and pour mixture down the well casing.  Repeat this process with a second mixture.  Disinfect the well cap and seal by rinsing with a chlorine solution.  Replace well seal and cap.  Allow the well to stand idle for at least 8 hours and preferably 12 to 24 hours.  Avoid using the water during this time.  Evaluate the system for leaks and pressure loss.

 

11.       Refer to the instructions on the reverse side for collecting a water sample for Total Coliform bacteria analysis, and submit the sample to your town clerk's office no later than noon on Wednesday July 12th.  You can contact the New York State Department of Health’s Oneonta District Office at 607-432-3911 for additional information or assistance.