When it comes to collecting a water sample for testing–you may find yourself having to make some decisions. Because a test provides a snapshot of your water quality at a given time, the decisions you make around things like choosing a sampling location and sampling method may impact the results.

Ultimately, there are no wrong answers. Determining which options you choose simply comes down to what information you are most interested in knowing. We’ve summarized some common choices you may be faced with when collecting a water sample and what they could mean for your results.

If you are testing one sample (ie. you ordered one kit), we generally recommend that you collect the sample at the location you drink from the most frequently–as this will best represent the water quality you consume most regularly. For many people, that could mean the kitchen faucet or a refrigerator dispenser, for example.

If you want to test your water at multiple locations (ie. kitchen faucet AND a filtered refrigerator dispenser), you'd need to order multiple testing packages.

If trying to choose between testing unfiltered versus filtered water–you must decide what information you are most interested in learning.

If you are most interested in the untreated/raw water quality, then we suggest collecting the sample at a location before it has passed through any filter, softener, treatment unit, etc.

Alternatively, if you are more interested in the water quality post-filtration, we suggest you collect the sample after it has passed through a filtration device.

To truly compare unfiltered water against a filtered sample to see how well the device is performing, you need two separate testing packages–since "before and after" samples are considered two separate sources.

Along with the location of where you collect your water sample, how (ie. the sample collection method) can also impact the kind of information revealed in your results. Two common water sample collection methods are: first draw and fully-flushed.

Simply put, the main difference between these collection methods refers to how long the water you are collecting in the sampling containers has been sitting in the pipes prior to sample collection.

A first draw sample contains water that has been stagnant in the pipes/plumbing for an extended period of time (usually 6-18 hours). This kind of sample is best collected first thing in the morning, before any water throughout the home or building is run for several hours. A first draw sample likely will demonstrate any impacts your plumbing has on your water quality. This is because the water in this kind of sample has had time to interact with your plumbing and may reveal plumbing-related issues.

This approach is ideal if you are concerned about old pipes and fixtures. A first draw sample will likely capture a “worst case scenario” (ie. highest concentration) for things like plumbing related metals like lead, copper, and nickel.

A fully flushed sample, on the other hand, is a sample that is collected after the tap has been run for about 5 minutes. Running the tap (ie. flushing the water line) clears the plumbing on any stagnant water that has been sitting in the pipes. Subsequently, the water that is collected after this 5 minute period will tell you more about the water quality as it comes directly from the source.

This method is frequently used by those on a private well and are concerned about the source water quality. However, the fully-flushed method is also sometimes recommended for specific contaminants, regardless if you are served by a well or a public utility.

For example, some contaminants rapidly dissipate out of water and into the surrounding air (such as volatile organic compounds). Subsequently, if water has been sitting stagnant in the pipes for an extended period of time, it is very likely that these types of contaminants have already volatilized (ie. evaporated) out of the water and into the air. In these kinds of scenarios, it is best to collect a sample for these kinds of tests with water that has not been sitting in the pipes for hours. A fully-flushed sample achieves this–as all stagnant water will have been flushed out of the pipes and the volatile compounds will not have had time to escape into the air and remain in the water.

Subsequently, a fully-flushed sample will likely capture a “worst case scenario” (ie. highest concentration) for things like volatile organic compounds (like chlorine and trihalomethanes), radon, etc.

When a certain test does have a recommended sampling approach (method, location etc), the instructions do provide that information. However, it's important to always remember there are no wrong choices. Different sampling locations and methods simply provide a slightly different snapshot of the water quality at that time. Water quality is constantly changing and dynamic. The best sampling choices are the ones that provide some insight into the water quality that you care most about.