Begin all postharvest activities with water that is the equivalent of drinking water. If you are not sure of your water quality, test it to confirm it is free of total coliforms. If you are using municipal water, municipalities treat and test the water so you should be able to get a copy of their test results. Well water should be tested at least twice per year.

If you use surface water from a reservoir, pond, stream, lake, canal, ditch, river, rainwater or cistern for postharvest use, it should be treated to be the equivalent of drinking water and tested to ensure it is safe to use. Document all water treatment practices and keep records of all water tests.

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