Bacteriological Sampling Clearance
Bac-T sampling on new mains, repaired lines and wells, with samples collected correctly and results delivered to whoever is holding the clearance.
Quick answer
Bacteriological clearance is the sampling step that proves a water line or well is safe to use: samples are collected from the line, sent to a certified lab, and the clearance is issued when they come back free of coliform. Collection technique is most of the job — a badly taken sample fails a clean line.
Credentials on every report
- Certified backflow tester#7337
- Drinking water operatorDW #A20193
- Wastewater operatorWW #A16614
What you get.
Every time.
The price is quoted before the visit. The person who quotes it is the person who shows up, and the certification number on the paperwork is his. If it is not the right service for you, you hear that on the phone.
- 1Samples collected per FDEP and utility requirements
- 2Chain of custody to a certified lab
- 3Results delivered to the utility, engineer or FDEP
After a line is chlorinated and flushed, someone has to take the bacteriological samples that clear it. This sounds like the easy part. It is where clearances fail. A sample point that was not flamed or sanitized, a bottle touched on the inside, a sample taken before the flush was complete — any of those gives you a positive result on a line that was fine, and the whole cycle starts again.
We collect the samples the way FDEP and the receiving utility expect, at the number and spacing of points the line requires, log the chain of custody, and get them to a certified lab. When results come back, they go to the engineer of record, the utility, or FDEP, whichever is holding the clearance.
The same service covers repaired mains that were depressurized, and clearance sampling on wells and small systems that need it. If you are unsure whether your situation needs a bac-T clearance, ask — the answer is usually a quick yes or no.
Not for: routine monthly compliance sampling on a system that already has an operator handling it, unless that operator is us. See Water & Wastewater Consultation for ongoing operator work.
Bacteriological Sampling Clearance — FAQ
What is a bacteriological clearance?
The sampling step that proves a new or repaired water line, or a well, is free of coliform bacteria before it is put into service. Samples go to a certified lab and the clearance is issued on clean results.
How many samples does a new water main need?
It depends on the length of the line and the receiving utility's requirements — AWWA C651 sets the general spacing and most Central Florida utilities follow it or tighten it. We confirm the count with the utility before we collect so there is no second trip.
Why did my line fail its bac-T sample?
Two common reasons: the chlorination or flushing was incomplete, or the sample was contaminated during collection. The second is more common than contractors expect. If a line fails, the next round has to fix both possibilities.
How long do lab results take?
Coliform tests need an incubation period, so results are typically available a day or two after the lab receives the samples. Factor that into the schedule — clearance is never same-day.
Holding a notice? Call the tester.
Read us the notice. We tell you who it says should do the test, what it costs if that is us, and — if your city already tests for you — that you do not need us at all.