These are open and exposed to insects, animals, dirt, weather, runoff, etc so their water is constantly changing and are almost always going to test positive for bacteria.  Streams and creeks are even more variable since they are constantly flowing.  There is also no way to treat them. Therefore, we do not usually recommend testing them.

If you do decided to have a natural body of water tested, the following apply:

• There must be a collection point where we can easily fill up a water bottle. You can email or text us a photo if you are unsure.
• The collection point must be on property you own or are looking to buy.
• The collection point must be safely and easily accessible (ie, not down a bank, or in a thorn thicket, or in poison ivy, etc).
• The collection point must be near the road/driveway/parking area (no more than a 5-10 min walk – not a hike/climb).