I had a positive sample and sent in a box of 3 repeat samples, and now I have another box of 3 samples, what are they for?

If you have Total Coliform or E coli detected in a routine water sample:

  • The first box of 3 samples are "Repeat" samples. Look for the "RP" on the sample submission forms to the right of your account name at the top of the form.
  • The next set of samples are "Temporary Routine" samples. Look for the "TR RTOR" on the sample submission forms to the right of your account name at the top of the form. The Temporary Routine samples should be collected in the month following a positive sample. You must collect no fewer than 5 samples the month following a positive routine sample. The number of "TR RTOR" samples you receive is based on how many routine samples you normally collect each month. If you collect two routine samples a month, you will receive 3 "TR RTOR" samples to bring your total collections for the next month to five. If you collect three routine samples a month, you will receive 2 "TR RTOR" samples to bring your total collections for the next month to five, etc.
  • The Temporary Routine samples will be mailed on or around the first of the month they are to be collected. They can be collected anywhere on your site plan and collected as you would a routine sample. It is advised to collect them throughout the month on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday not preceding a holiday. They must all be returned to the lab by the end of the scheduled month. Failure to collect and return five routine samples in a month following a positive routine sample will result in a monitoring violation.

Show All Answers

1. What is the monitoring period for bacteriological (Total Coliform Rule) compliance?
2. What criteria are used to determine the minimum number of bacteriological samples a Public Water Supply System is required to collect each month?
3. I missed my collection day. What do I do?
4. Can you test my well?
5. What about water supply address or personnel changes?
6. How does the State Laboratory mail out the collection kits?
7. How do I handle collection kits that are delivered while I still have bottles to collect?
8. What can I do if I have sent my sample, but forgot to fill out the collection form?
9. What if there is a small amount of liquid or white powder in the bottle? Is it safe to use?
10. What should I do if the lid on the bottle is loose?
11. I had a positive sample and sent in a box of 3 repeat samples, and now I have another box of 3 samples, what are they for?
12. I collected my sample but forgot to mail it, or I know my sample will be too old. What should I do?
13. Where do I collect the replacement for my rejected sample?
14. How many repeat samples are required following a coliform-positive result and where are they to be collected?