Water sample should be taken as follows: taken as follows: Clean tap thoroughly, including the inlet, with a flame (or disinfectant wipes, disinfectant, etc.). Turn on faucet and allow the water to run for a minimum of two minutes. Take the cap off the sterile bottle and immediately fill the container. Replace the bottle cap as soon as the bottle is full (leaving a small headspace) and record the site and date of sampling. Deliver to the IEC as soon as possible, i.e. within 24 hours of taking the sample.