When submitting drinking water samples to us for fluoride testing under NSW Health’s Drinking Water Monitoring Program, please following these instructions.
Sample container
Use a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 250 mL screw capped container that is clean and free from contaminants.
Label
- Use a yellow label with a barcode beginning with 3.
- Select a label for the correct supply system, current year and sample type.
- Using a waterproof pen record the site code, and time and date of collection on the label.
- Conduct a fluoride test on a separate sample and record the fluoride field result on the label.
- Ensuring the outside of the container is completely dry, place the label evenly around the sample container (not on the lid) so that the entire barcode can be scanned at the laboratory.
Collection precautions
- Keep the container closed until the sample is to be taken.
- Remove the lid only long enough to collect the sample.
Collection tips
- Flush the lines for at least 3 minutes before collecting the sample.
- Fill the container to the brim.

Transporting samples
- Pack the sample into an insulated cooler with enough freezer bricks to keep it cool (≤6oC) during transportation.
- Attach a copy of the Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) address label to the insulated cooler.
- Send/deliver the samples to FASS as soon as possible.
- If sending fluoride and microbiology samples together in same cooler, send/deliver to the NSWHP Westmead – Microbiology Laboratory.
