Get New Mexico Water Sampling Certification Study Guide Utility Operator Certification Program Surface

The two types of water samples typically taken are grab samples and composite samples. Grab samples are usually taken when you want information specific to a particular sampling location, time or distinct areas within a sampling location.

Mexico's tap water can be problematic. To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid drinking tap water until you have evaluated the local water supply, the city-wide water distribution system, and the local water storage system. Things like old pipes or a dirty storage tank can contaminate water sources.

Wear gloves and eye protection when collecting samples. Rinse the bottle and cap three times with sample water and fill the bottle to within one to two inches from the top. Place the sample into a cooler with ice for immediate delivery or shipment to the laboratory. Sterile 125 or 150 mL plastic bottles must be used.

Do not run the water before collecting the sample. Simply remove the bottle lid, place the bottle under the faucet, and collect the first water out of the faucet in the morning. Fill the bottle to the top and screw the lid on tightly to prevent leakage. Refrigerate until you are ready to send to the laboratory.

New Mexicans enjoy iconic rivers and aquatic playgrounds at our many beautiful lakes and reservoirs. Yet, many of our precious surface waterbodies, forested watersheds, and groundwater resources are polluted or at risk of degradation due to human activity, natural disasters, extreme weather, and other threats.

The water supplied to our customers meets or is better than all federal and state drinking water standards. The Water Authority water quality monitoring program not only meets all requirements, but performs additional monitoring to assure our customers that our water is of the highest quality.

The majority of New Mexicans are provided high quality drinking water. About 90% of people in New Mexico get their water from a Community Drinking Water system. The US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) sets regulations for treating and monitoring drinking water delivered by community water systems.