If a routine water sample is positive, what should be done next?

When a routine water sample tests positive for contaminants, it indicates a potential health risk to consumers and requires immediate action to confirm the result and ensure the safety of the drinking water supply. The correct procedure is to flush the system to remove any possible contaminants and then check the chlorine residual. Chlorine residual is an important indicator of water disinfection and can help determine whether the issue is related to maintenance or a more serious contamination problem.

Following this, it is essential to resample the water within 24 hours to confirm the initial positive result. The timely resampling allows for prompt assessment of the water quality and ensures that any necessary corrective actions can be taken without delay. Addressing a positive sample proactively helps to protect public health by ensuring that safe drinking water is consistently maintained.

The other choices do not align with best practices. For example, simply ignoring the sample or relying solely on monitoring future samples does not address potential risks and could endanger consumers. Reporting to the health department is important but is a part of the protocol that follows the initial response actions, rather than being the immediate next step after a positive sample. Thus, flushing the system, checking chlorine levels, and resampling within 24 hours is the most comprehensive and effective response to a positive water sample