How to Test Creek Water for Giardia or E. Coli Bacteria

Your creek water can harbor dangerous pathogens such as Giardia or Escherichia coli. These microorganisms cause serious illness if ingested -- causing serious symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Giardia is a parasite that is tolerant to chlorine disinfection and is normally spread through recreational or drinking waters. E. coli is a bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. It produces a powerful toxin causing severe illness. It is important to test your creek water for Giardia or Escherichia coli to determine if your waters are safe for recreational or consumption purposes.

Things You'll Need

• Water test kit
• Disposable gloves
• Antibacterial soap
• Envelope
• Box

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your city or state public health department for a water-testing kit. Ask for a list of approved, state-certified independent water-testing laboratories if your public health department does not provide water testing.

• 2

  Obtain your water sample. Place disposable, clean gloves on your hands to prevent cross contamination. Unscrew the sampling bottle provided in the test kit. Dip the sampling bottle gently into the creek with one hand, while you hold onto the cap with the other to prevent unwanted contamination.

• 3

  Travel home and work in a clean area. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. Put the petri dish -- provided in the test kit -- on a level surface with the lid side up. Do not touch the inside or open the petri dish, until you are ready to perform the test.

• 4

  Collect a 2 milliliter of creek water sample with the pipette provided in the kit. Drop the sample into the petri dish and place the bacteria medium onto the dish bottom. Replace the lid quickly and swirl the petri dish until the bottom is covered.

• 5

  Rest the dish on a flat location for one hour to harden. Incubate the petri dish at room temperature for 48 hours. Fill out the information form provided with the test kit.

• 6

  Use clear tape to seal the edges of the petri dish, before placing the water sample and the completed information form into a padded envelope or box.

• 7

  Mail or drop the samples off to the professional laboratory for coliform analysis.