Drinking Water Testing
Specifics
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Limit of Detection
1 Viable Cell
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Sample Size
100 mL
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Days to Result
1 to 2
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MethodologyColisure®
Overview
| Download Sampling Instructions: | |
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| PWS Instructions | Production Facilities Instructions |
Results Interpretation
The Colisure test directly analyzes water samples to simultaneously detect the presence of both total coliforms and Escherichia coli, eliminating the need for confirmatory testing.
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Production Facilities
Hoses, aerators, RO systems, and other attachments and devices commonly harbor bacteria. These systems should remain in place during sampling to represent the water used in production. If samples yield positive water test results, these items may need to be cleaned or replaced, followed by resampling.
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Public Water Systems
The primary objective is to test the water distribution system NOT the plumbing of an individual building.
In the event of positive results, refer to regulatory guidance, including requirements for follow-up testing.
FAQ
Is Murray-Brown Laboratories certified by the State of Colorado to analyze public drinking water?
Murray-Brown Laboratories is certified by the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to analyze public drinking water compliance samples for total coliforms & Escherichia coli using the SM 9223B Colisure by IDEXX Method. This U.S. EPA-approved method is included in the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, which are collected and submitted by Public Water Systems (PWS) to meet the requirements of the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
The purpose of the TCR is to monitor for the presence of microbes, specifically coliform bacteria, and to determine whether the drinking water in the distribution system of a PWS is potentially contaminated with pathogens.
Why analyze the water in Production Facilities?
In food preparation, water isn’t just for drinking; it’s added to recipes, sprayed on equipment, and used for handwashing. The water from your pipes will touch nearly every surface in your production room – which means it needs to be as clean and safe as possible.
Manufacturers should regularly test the water in their facility for total coliforms and E. coli to ensure the quality of water that contacts food or other products and maintains high drinking water quality.
Homeowners and others may also want to assess the quality of their water for safety.
Faucet Selection
When collecting samples from a production facility or home, ensure the water is taken from a representative tap that supplies water used for direct consumption or contact with goods destined for human consumption.
Will you accept samples on weekends?
- Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
- Contact Us for availability
How should I prepare and ship my sample?
- Keep the sample at <10°C during transit to the laboratory.
- Please do not use Dry Ice and do not freeze samples
- Ship next day, avoid Saturdays and weekends. If you must send for Saturday delivery:
- Select Saturday delivery with priority service from the carrier.
- Contact us to alert us of the expected delivery, including the tracking number.
Ship or deliver samples to:
Murray-Brown Laboratories, Inc
Attn: Sample Receiving
11455 Pearl St., Northglenn, CO. 80233
Do you report directly to the FDA, USDA, State or any other regulatory agency?
Drinking Water Sample Submission Form
Your order has been placed. Please include a copy of the order with your shipment.
Please pay your invoice on the Pay Invoice page.
