Sample Acceptance Rules

The following acceptance rules are for NPDES, RCRA and SDWA regulatory compliance only.

Sample Acceptance Rules for Drinking Water Updated 8/19/24; notation numbers refer to Notes above (Sample Acceptance Rules).
	Container¹	Preservation²	Holding Time³	Notes
Metals & Hardness (except Hg)	P, G – 250 mL	Preserved within 14 days HNO₃ to pH<2	6 months
Uranium	P, G – 125 mL	Preserved within 14 days HNO₃ to pH<2	6 months	Separate container.
Mercury	P, G – 125 mL	Preserved within 14 days HNO₃ to pH<2	28 days
Copper & Lead (first draw)	P, G – 1 L	Preserved within 14 days HNO₃ to pH<2	6 months	Let water sit in pipes overnight. Take draw first thing in AM.
Coliform, E. coli	P – sterile bottle	Sodium thiosulfate. ≤10°C recommended for DW, ≤10°C required for NPDES.	30 hours -DW 8 hours – NPDES	Need just over 100mL.
Nitrate-N	P – 60mL	≤6°C (Maine only)	48 hours
Nitrite-N	P – 60mL	≤6°C (Maine only)	48 hours
Fluoride	P – 60mL	≤6°C	28 days	Plastic container ONLY!
Chloride	P – 60mL	≤6°C	28 days
pH	P- 125mL	None required.	15 minutes	Report will be flagged as out of hold.
Radon	2 x 40 mL vial	Fill to top⁷; NO BUBBLES!	72 hours

PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT ACCEPT FROZEN SAMPLES!