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Microbiological Sampling
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Do I need Microbiological Sampling?
- Domestic water systems are supplied with water fit to drink, so ACoP L8
advices that regular microbiological sampling is not required.
- Where potable (drinking water) water is stored, BS6700 sets out a regime
where 6 monthly microbiological activity is measured.
- ACoP L8 recommends that sampling for Legionella should be carried out when:
1. Systems treated with biocide where storage and distribution temperatures
are outside acceptable parameters
2. In systems where the control measures are not consistently achieved
3. Where a Legionella outbreak is suspected (download
action levels from ACoP L8)
4. High risk areas where the users of water systems are in a highly susceptible
category e.g. hospital wards with immunologically compromised patients
What is involved during Microbiological
sampling?
We can test for over 50 different types of microbiological activity and water
chemistry analysis.
An engineer will visit your site, undertaking an audit of the water system to
determine the appropriate number of samples to take and their locations.
On some occasions samples can be tested on site, but microbiological samples need
to be incubated, so they are taken to our UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis.
The most common microbiological samples are:
| Test |
Incubation Period |
Purpose |
| Dip slides |
On site/ Instant |
Semi-quantitative measurement
for the general presence of bacteria in water |
| TVC - Total Viable Counts |
2-5 Days |
Basic test of water quality
Determines overall levels of contamination
Essential that TVC falls within recommended guidelines for the control of
Legionella |
| Coliforms |
24-72 Hours |
Indicates potential contamination
of water source
Evaluates general quality of the water
Two Types: Coliform and Faecal Coliform
Coliform - indicates water pollution
Faecal Coliform - indicator of water contamination from human and other
warm blooded animals' waste products |
| E-Coli |
24-72 Hours |
Coliform bacteria are used to
indicate the presence of other bacteria
E-Coli does not live very long in water so is an indication of recent contamination
Their presence also indicates the possibility of similar bacteria also being
present |
| Legionella |
72-96 Hours |
Legionella is commonly found
naturally water systems; an increase to harmful levels can cause Legionnaires'
disease
Legionella sampling is required under ACoP L8 guidelines to identify systems
which may pose a risk |
| Pseudomonas |
Up to 7 Days |
Appropriate to test for in certain
water systems
It is a common environmental organism which easily colonises water systems
and can produce a biofilm which affect taste and colour of water. Harmful
levels can cause severe infection; particularly in immunocompromised people
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Why choose AQUA-Safe for your Microbiological
sampling?
- Strictly compliant:
All microbiological samples are taken, transported and analysed under UKAS accredited
conditions as stipulated by ACoP L8 to keep you compliant.
- Experience:
Over 500 samples are taken and tested each year by our engineers, overseen by
an operational management team qualified in Microbiology so you can be reassured
of our experience and qualification.
- Record keeping:
Each sample is issued a unique reference and is logged on an online portal so
we can trace their status. Full reports are then interpreted and issued by our
dedicated account management team to ensure your records are compliant.
- Responsive and reassuring:
In the event of any out of range results, we have strict procedures in place to
remedy the situation, fast tracking action where possible and responding to site
usually within 24 hours to minimise any required system shut down.
- Quality standard:
All testing is undertaken using equipment, which has been pre-calibrated in accordance
with UKAS accredited test methods and managed under our quality standard ISO 9001:2008
to ensure your results are recorded accurately, every time. |
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