Paragraph 4 Sampling equipment

(1)

Subject to paragraph 7, the appropriate agency must only use sampling bottles which—

(a)

have been—

(i)

sterilised in an autoclave for at least 15 minutes at 121 degrees Celsius;

(ii)

dry sterilised at no lower than 160 degrees Celsius and no higher than 170 degrees Celsius for at least one hour; or

(iii)

irradiated by their manufacturer and not used previously;

(b)

are of a size which allows sufficient water to be taken and analysed for the presence of intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli; and

(c)

are made of transparent and colourless material.

(2)

The appropriate agency must—

(a)

use aseptic techniques to maintain the sterility of the sample bottles; and

F1(b)

clearly identify every sample taken by marking the sample bottle and linking the bottle to its associated documentation.

Annotations

F1: Sch. 4 para. 4(2)(b) substituted (21.11.2025 for E., 1.4.2026 for W.) by The Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/1129), regs. 1(2)(3), 11(c)