Correct Water Sampling

Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

24 Jul 201903:03

Summary

TLDRThis Kansas State veterinary diagnostic lab video outlines the proper techniques for water sampling to ensure accurate analysis of potential toxins. Key points include sampling from the water distribution line, not the wellhead, and submerging containers to avoid surface contaminants. For pond sampling, maintain a distance from the bank and use sterile containers. Special considerations are given for testing hydrocarbons or insecticides, requiring glass mason jars and aluminum foil. Coliform testing necessitates same-day delivery to the lab in a sterile container. The video concludes with advice on labeling, refrigeration, and contacting client care for further information.

Takeaways

💧 Water is an essential nutrient for animals and can be a source of toxins such as nitrates, sulfates, heavy metals, lead, and blue-green algae.
🚱 Do not take your only water sample from the wellhead or the end of the water distribution line; sampling from these areas may miss potential contamination.
🌊 When sampling water from an open surface source, do not leave the container on the surface to avoid floating contaminants.
🔍 Submerge the container 3-4 inches below the surface to collect a more accurate sample.
🏞️ For pond sampling, stay 3-6 feet away from the bank to prevent contamination from the shoreline.
🧴 Use a sterile container of at least one pint in size, or if unavailable, an unopened quart water bottle can be used after rinsing twice with the water to be sampled.
🧪 For testing hydrocarbons or insecticides, using a glass mason jar with aluminum foil under the lid is recommended to avoid contamination from the lid.
⚠️ Be cautious of surface contamination from nearby sources like liquid feed containers, fertilizer tanks, or oil field structures, especially if they could contaminate the wellhead.
🦠 If requesting coliform testing, the sample container must be sterile and delivered to the lab on the same day it was collected.
📋 Label your sample container with the location, owner's name, and date, and refrigerate the sample after collection for proper transport to the lab.

Q & A

Why is water sampling important for veterinary diagnostics?
-Water sampling is crucial for veterinary diagnostics as it helps in investigating potential problems related to water quality, which is an essential nutrient for animals. It can also identify toxins such as nitrates, sulfates, heavy metals, lead, and blue-green algae that could be present in the water.
What is the recommended location for taking a water sample from a distribution line?
-The best location for sampling water from a distribution line is not the wellhead but rather the end of the line, as this allows the sample to flow through the pipes that may be the source of contamination.
How should one collect a water sample from an open surface source to avoid contamination?
-When collecting a water sample from an open surface source, one should not leave the opening of the container on the surface of the water. Instead, submerge the container three to four inches under the surface and allow it to fill to prevent floating contaminants from entering the sample.
What is the recommended distance from the bank when sampling a pond?
-When sampling a pond, it is recommended to stay three to six feet away from the bank to minimize the chance of contamination from the bank area.
What size of container is suggested for water sampling, and what can be used if a sterile container is not available?
-A sterile container of at least one pint in size is suggested for water sampling. If a sterile container is not available, an unopened quart water bottle purchased from the store can be used, after rinsing it twice with the water to be sampled.
Why is it advised to use a glass mason jar with aluminum foil under the lid when testing for hydrocarbons or insecticides?
-A glass mason jar with aluminum foil under the lid is advised for testing hydrocarbons or insecticides because it helps prevent contamination from the lid, ensuring a more accurate sample.
What should one be alert for when considering surface contamination during water sampling?
-One should be alert for surface contamination from leaking sources such as liquid feed containers, fertilizer tanks, or oil field structures, especially when the contamination could flow into the wellhead.
What are the requirements for a water sample if coliform testing is requested?
-For coliform testing, the sample container must be sterile, and the sample needs to be delivered to the lab within the same day it was collected.
How should a water sample be labeled and stored after collection?
-After collection, a water sample should be labeled with the location, owner's name, and date. It should then be refrigerated for storage and transport to the lab.
Who should one contact for more information on water sampling procedures or other tests offered by the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab?
-For more information on water sampling procedures or any other tests offered, one should contact client care at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Outlines

00:00

🐾 Introduction to Water Sampling Importance

This paragraph introduces the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab's YouTube channel and highlights the significance of correct water sampling. It emphasizes that water is a crucial nutrient for animals and should be monitored for potential toxins like nitrates, sulfates, heavy metals, lead, and blue-green algae. Proper water sampling is key to identifying potential problems.

🚰 Tips for Sampling from Water Distribution Lines

This section advises against taking water samples only from the wellhead or the end of the water distribution line. Instead, it recommends sampling after the water has flowed through the pipes, which could be a source of contamination. This approach helps in obtaining a more accurate sample.

💧 Proper Technique for Sampling Open Surface Water

Here, the focus is on correct water sampling from an open surface source. It warns against leaving the container's opening on the water's surface, as floating contaminants could enter. Instead, the container should be submerged three to four inches below the surface to collect a clean sample.

🏞️ Guidelines for Pond Water Sampling

This part provides specific instructions for sampling pond water. It advises staying three to six feet away from the bank and using a sterile container of at least one pint. If a sterile container isn't available, an unopened quart water bottle can be used after rinsing it twice with the water to be sampled.

🧪 Best Practices for Testing Hydrocarbons or Insecticides

For testing hydrocarbons or insecticides, using a glass mason jar is recommended, with aluminum foil placed under the lid to prevent contamination from the lid. This ensures a more accurate test result by minimizing external contaminants.

⚠️ Beware of Surface Contamination

This paragraph highlights the importance of being vigilant about potential surface contamination from sources like leaking liquid feed containers, fertilizer tanks, or oil field structures. It stresses that such contamination is particularly concerning when it could flow into the wellhead.

🔬 Coliform Testing Requirements

For coliform testing, it is crucial to use a sterile container and deliver the sample to the lab on the same day it was collected. The paragraph also advises labeling the container with the location, owner's name, and date, and refrigerating the sample for transport.

📞 Contact Information and Additional Resources

The final section directs viewers to contact the lab’s client care for more information on the water sampling procedure or any other tests offered. This provides a point of contact for further guidance and support.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Water Sampling

Water sampling is the process of collecting a representative water sample for analysis. In the context of the video, it is crucial for identifying potential toxins in water that could harm animals. The video emphasizes the correct methods for sampling to ensure the accuracy of the results, such as not taking the sample directly from the wellhead to avoid missing contamination that might occur in the pipes.

💡Nutrient

A nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life. In the video, water is referred to as an essential nutrient for animals, highlighting its vital role in their health and well-being. The video's theme revolves around ensuring that this nutrient is not only present but also safe for consumption.

💡Toxins

Toxins are poisonous substances that can cause harm or illness. The video mentions toxins such as nitrates, sulfates, heavy metals, and blue-green algae as potential contaminants in water. Understanding and detecting these toxins is critical for preventing health issues in animals, which is why proper water sampling is emphasized.

💡Contamination

Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or impurities in a substance where they should not be. In the video, contamination is a significant concern when sampling water, as it can lead to inaccurate test results. The script provides guidelines to avoid contamination, such as submerging the container when sampling from an open surface source.

💡Sterile Container

A sterile container is one that is free from all living microorganisms and other contaminants. The video stresses the importance of using a sterile container for certain tests, like coliform testing, to prevent the introduction of external contaminants that could skew the results. This ensures the integrity of the water sample.

💡Coliform Testing

Coliform testing is a type of bacterial test used to check water for the presence of coliform bacteria, which can indicate fecal contamination. The video mentions that if coliform testing is requested, the sample must be collected in a sterile container and delivered to the lab on the same day to maintain the accuracy of the test.

💡Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. In the context of the video, hydrocarbons are mentioned as potential contaminants that could be present in water, requiring specific sampling techniques and containers, such as glass mason jars with aluminum foil, to prevent contamination during testing.

💡Insecticides

Insecticides are substances used for controlling insects that are considered pests. The video suggests that if testing for insecticides is necessary, a glass mason jar should be used for sampling to avoid contamination from the lid, which could affect the accuracy of the test results.

💡Surface Contamination

Surface contamination refers to the presence of contaminants on the surface of a body of water or other materials. The video advises being alert for surface contamination from sources like leaking feed containers, fertilizer tanks, or oil field structures, especially when these contaminants could flow into the wellhead and affect the water quality.

💡Refrigeration

Refrigeration is the process of cooling and preserving perishable food or other materials at low temperatures. In the video, it is recommended to refrigerate water samples after collection and during transport to maintain their integrity and prevent any changes that could occur at room temperature, ensuring the reliability of the test results.

💡Client Care

Client care in the context of the video refers to the services provided by the veterinary diagnostic lab to assist clients with their testing needs. The video concludes by directing viewers to contact client care for more information on water sampling procedures or other tests offered by the lab, emphasizing the support available to clients.

Highlights

Water is an essential nutrient for animals and can be a source of toxins.

Correct water sampling is crucial for investigating potential water quality problems.

Avoid taking water samples only from the wellhead; sampling from the end of the water distribution line is preferred.

Sampling from the end of the water distribution line allows the sample to flow through pipes that may be contaminated.

When sampling from open surface sources, avoid leaving the container opening on the water surface to prevent floating contaminants.

Submerge the container under the water surface by three to four inches to fill it properly.

When sampling a pond, stay three to six feet away from the bank to avoid bank-related contaminants.

Use a sterile container of at least one pint in size for water sampling.

If a sterile container is not available, use an unopened quart water bottle and rinse it with the water to be sampled.

For testing hydrocarbons or insecticides, use a glass mason jar and line it with aluminum foil under the lid to prevent contamination.

Be vigilant for surface contamination from leaking sources such as liquid feed containers, fertilizer tanks, or oil field structures.

Coliform testing requires a sterile sample container and same-day delivery to the lab.

Label your sample container with location, owner's name, and date for proper identification.

Refrigerate your sample after collection and during transport to the lab to maintain sample integrity.

Contact client care for more information on water sampling procedures or other tests offered.