ISO 19458-2006 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 19458:2006 — Water quality — Sampling for microbiological analysis. Guidance standard describing planning of sampling programmes, aseptic sampling procedures, and transport, handling and storage of water samples prior to microbiological examination.

Abstract

ISO 19458:2006 provides guidance on design and implementation of water sampling regimes for microbiological investigations. It covers selection of sampling points, sampling techniques and equipment, personnel competence, sample containers and volumes, measures to avoid contamination, preservation and transport conditions, documentation and chain of custody, and basic statistical considerations (including an informative annex on determining the number of samples required for quantitative microbiological determinations).

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: 26 July 2006.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.45 (Examination of water in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2006).
• Number of pages: 18.

Scope

This International Standard gives guidance on planning water-sampling regimes and on sampling procedures for microbiological analysis. It addresses sampling for investigations of microbiological quality in different types of water (for example, drinking water, recreational waters, groundwater, surface waters and some wastewaters), and describes transport, handling and storage of samples up to the start of analysis. The standard is intended to ensure representative, uncontaminated samples and to minimise changes to the sample between collection and laboratory examination.

Key topics and requirements

• Planning of sampling programmes: objectives, frequency, representative selection of sampling points and statistical considerations for sample numbers.
• Definition and selection of sampling points (taps, abstraction points, intake/outlets, network points, surface film vs subsurface sampling).
• Personnel competence and training requirements for samplers; documentation of training and sampling records.
• Aseptic sampling techniques to avoid contamination and preserve target organisms.
• Sample containers and volumes: sterilization, suitable materials, typical volumes (e.g., 100–500 ml guidance for routine microbiology) and handling of containers.
• Use of field blanks, duplicate samples and other quality-control measures.
• Transport and storage: temperature control, maximum holding times before analysis, conditions to minimise microbial change during transit.
• Sample preservation and pre-treatment where appropriate (e.g., neutralization of residual disinfectant when required).
• Documentation and chain-of-custody: labelling, records of sampling conditions, time stamps, and information to accompany samples to the laboratory.
• Annex guidance on calculating the number of samples required to estimate mean microbial concentration with a given confidence for cultivation-based determinations.

Typical use and users

Used by water utilities, public health laboratories, environmental laboratories, consultants, regulators, researchers and organisations responsible for water-safety monitoring. Typical applications include routine monitoring of drinking-water systems, investigations of suspected contamination events, recreational water monitoring, verification of treatment performance and research studies requiring representative microbiological sampling.

Related standards

ISO 19458:2006 complements the ISO/TC 147 suite of water-quality standards. Commonly referenced related standards include the ISO 5667 series (Water quality — Sampling: general guidance and part-specific sampling methods for surface water, groundwater, drinking water and wastewaters), and various microbiological test standards for analysis (national and ISO methods for enumeration and detection of specific microorganisms). National and regional adoptions (for example EN ISO 19458) are also available.

Keywords

water quality; sampling; microbiological analysis; aseptic technique; sample transport; sample preservation; chain of custody; sample containers; sampling point; ISO 19458; water monitoring.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 19458:2006 is an International Standard giving guidance on the planning and conduct of water sampling for microbiological analysis and on the handling and transport of samples prior to laboratory examination.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of sampling points, sampling techniques and equipment, aseptic procedures, sample containers and volumes, quality-control samples, transport and storage conditions, documentation and basic statistical considerations for sample numbers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Water utilities, environmental and public-health laboratories, consultants, regulators and researchers involved in microbiological monitoring and investigations of water quality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 19458:2006 is a published International Standard (first edition, 2006). It has been maintained/confirmed in international review cycles since publication; users should check their national body or ISO for the most current confirmation or any later revisions before relying on it for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it complements the ISO 5667 series (Water quality — Sampling) and falls under the work of ISO/TC 147 (Water quality) and its microbiological methods subcommittee. National adoptions (for example EN ISO 19458) exist.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water sampling, microbiological analysis, aseptic sampling, sample transport, sample preservation, chain of custody, sampling point, ISO 19458.