Water Collection Guide for Livestock, Blue-Green Algae and Cyanotoxin Testing

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect sample according to table below

2. Use clean plastic or amber glass container. Rinse 2-3 times with sample water before collecting sample if container isn’t sterile.

3. Wear gloves.

4. Fill the container completely and tape or parafilm shut to prevent leakage.

5. Label clearly with black marker. Include name of waterbody, sampler, and date & time of collection.

6. Refrigerate until shipment on ice packs. Ship to the laboratory within 24 hours to prevent sample degradation.

7. Complete Toxicology Feed & Water Submission Form with all information requested.

TIP:

Collect and ship water samples to arrive by last day of work week to avoid a delay over the weekend and possible deterioration of the water quality.

Revised 07-28-2026

Printable version available here.