Duplicate samples from private wells were respectively packed immediately in ice for shipment by express, and mailed in containers without ice. The minimum period of transit was 24 hours, the maximum 60, average 36. All samples were examined for colon bacteria and for the 20 and 37[degree]C. counts on agar. Other studies consisted of determining the bacterial changes in fresh samples stored at room and ice-box temperatures in the laboratory. There was very little difference in the Bact. coli results on the iced and non-iced samples within a 48-hour period of transit. There was a gradual decline in Bact. coli both in samples stored at room temperature and in the ice box, resulting in disappearance of these bacteria in about 2 weeks. Other water bacteria multiplied more rapidly at room- than at ice-box temperature, but little significance is attached to total counts on shipped samples even when iced. The use of a non-iced container for shipping water samples, therefore, seems justified on the basis of convenience and of these results.