To ensure drinking water is bacteriologically safe, routine sampling is required under the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation (Schedule B), with the number of samples required determined by population. For most small water systems, the minimum number of samples to be taken per month is four (4), unless otherwise specified by the Drinking Water Officer (DWO). In order to determine the best sampling locations, it is best to consult with your local DWO.
Typically, sampling sites include bacteriological sample collections at the source, mid-point, and far end (distal end) of the distribution system. Once set, these locations remain permanent in order to compare the latest samples with past results. Typically, source water samples are only collected once per month or quarterly (to cover the four seasons) whereas distribution samples are collected weekly or every other week.