SUPPLIES
Taiga provides the sampling bottles you need free of charge. We can have them available for pick-up, or we can arrange to have them shipped to you. We can provide you with coolers to ship your samples in, and de-ionized water for field blanks. Our laboratory also has filtration kits and a Van Dorn, which may be of assistance in your project and are available for rental. Please contact us directly to make arrangements.

BEFORE YOU GO...

Ordering Bottles



For each sampling site, make a list of the test parameters required (example: pH, Turbidity, Calcium, etc.). You need to sample according to your water license requirements, or your sampling program



Determine which sample bottle type(s) you need to order for each site, using the Field Sheet. If you need any of the test(s) listed under a particular bottle type, than you will need one of the listed bottle(s). This means you will probably need more than one type of bottle per sample site.



Fill out the bottle order request form and fax or e-mail it to us. You can also call us at the lab to make your request. Tell us the total number of bottles you require of each particular bottle type. If you need a cooler and ice packs, we can provide these with your bottle. Please indicate when the bottles are required, and whether the bottles will be picked up or where we should ship them.

Collecting Samples



Several days before sampling, ensure you have all the sample bottles you require. Use the instructions above for Ordering Sample Bottles.



Check the departure flight schedule from your community to Yellowknife for the day you plan to take samples. Samples need to be shipped to the Laboratory as soon as possible after collecting the sample(s). Time your sampling so that the sample(s) can be shipped out by plane right away.



Follow the sampling instructions for each bottle type. Package the bottles, including the completed Field Sheet(s), in a cooler (include ice packs if necessary) and send to the Laboratory.

Safety Issues
Wear gloves if the water/soil you are sampling is known to be contaminated (example: sewage) or suspected to be contaminated (example: spill). Wearing gloves will also prevent contamination of the sample from your hands.

The sample preservatives provided by the Laboratory are corrosive and will cause a burning sensation on your skin. If you should spill any on your skin or clothes, rinse the area immediately with lots of cool water. Call a doctor if the burning sensation continues. Wearing gloves will protect your hands from direct contact, however, if you should spill any on your gloves, you should remove and discard the gloves immediately.