Water Sampling & Monitoring for
OTM and NN Water Systems Dave Lawrence WRWA Training Specialist
Water Sampling Why? Who? What? When? Where? How?
Water Sampling
Why? Official answer- The Safe Drinking Water Act Real reason- Protect Public Health
Water Sampling
Who? All Public Water Systems Sampling requirements based on level of risk Municipal Community Other Than Municipal Community Non-Transient, Non-Community Transient Non-Community
Water Sampling
What to Sample For – Contaminants required under the SDWA – Primary Drinking Water Contaminants – States can increase or decrease monitoring if situation warrants
Water Sampling
Types of Samples SDWA Compliance- Required sampling from monitoring schedule.
SDWA Confirmation- As directed by DNR to
confirm samples over MCL.
Investigation- As directed by the DNR.
Water Sampling
Types of Samples (Coliform) Routine- From location in the distribution system. Check- After unsafe sample, from same location as original sample.
Repeat- After unsafe sample, from services
upstream & downstream of original sample.
New Construction- Safe sample required before new or reconstructed facilities are put into service.
Water Sampling
When to Sample – Timeframes established at the Federal Level – States have some flexibility – Depends on the contaminant – Depends on past results – Depends on Vulnerability Assessments – Listed in your Monitoring Schedule
Water Sampling
Sampling Frequency Standard Monitoring Framework Compliance cycle- A nine year period in which systems must monitor.
Compliance cycles – First – Second – Third
Jan 1, 1993 – Dec 31, 2001 Jan 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2010 Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2019
Water Sampling
Sampling Frequency Compliance period- Each compliance cycle consists of three, three-year periods.
Compliance periods- First Compliance Cycle – First – Second – Third
Jan 1, 1993 – Dec 31, 1995 Jan 1, 1996 – Dec 31, 1998 Jan 1, 1999 – Dec 31, 2001
Water Sampling
Sampling Frequency
Compliance periods- Second Compliance Cycle – Fourth – Fifth – Sixth
Jan 1, 2002 – Dec 31, 2004 Jan 1, 2005 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2010
Water Sampling
Sampling Frequency Compliance periods- Third Compliance Cycle – Seventh – Eighth – Ninth
Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2016 Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2019
Water Sampling
Where can samples be analyzed? – From list supplied by DNR – At an approved, SDWA certified lab – Must use approved methods – Must report results to you and DNR – Must submit results to DNR electronically – Check costs – Check references
Water Sampling
Where should samples be collected? Raw Water- From well before pressure tank and
any treatment, sometimes referred to as well sample.
Entry Point- First sampling location after pressure tank and any treatment, but before the first service line.
Distribution- From location within the distribution
system that is representative of the water people are drinking.
Water Sampling
Where should samples be collected?
According to a written sample site plan. NR 809.31(1)(a) Suppliers of water for public water systems shall collect total coliform samples at sites which are representative of water throughout the distribution system according to a written sample siting plan. These plans are subject to department review and revision.
Water Sampling
Written Sample Site Plans
Should include a map of the system showing; – – – – – –
Source (well) Storage Treatment Entry point Routine sampling location(s) Follow-up sampling locations- upstream, downstream
Water Sampling
Compliance Issues Missed Sample Deadlines – Wasn't aware of deadline – Just plain forgot – Waited until the last minute – Only one sampler
Water Sampling
Other Compliance Issues – Sample received by lab too late – Forms filled out incorrectly – Bottles not labeled correctly – Sample not iced – Incorrect collection procedures – Incorrect sample collection location – Sample results not reported
Water Sampling Tips
Prepare yourself for sampling – Set up your own monitoring schedule – Sample early in the required period – Order bottles in advance – Familiarize yourself with sampling materials – Sample to meet mailing/analysis times – Sample within monitoring period – Correct forms- sample, chain-of-custody
Water Sampling Tips
Location, Location, Location
Consider – Plumbing materials Galvanized, copper, plastic, smooth or rough inside, solder and connection materials
– Types of treatment Softening, hot water heaters, point of use devices
Water Sampling Tips
Location, Location, Location
Consider – Environment Air quality (chemicals, restrooms), cleanliness, place to set things down
– Location in the distribution system Distance from main lines, dead ends, areas of good flows, temperature
Water Sampling Tips
Prepare Sampling Equipment – Correct bottles- check before using – Correct forms – Pen/pencil, clipboard – Bacti- torch, spare bottle – Mailer- correct labels – Ice/freezer packs, plastic bags
Water Sampling Tips
Allow yourself enough time, take your time. Follow the sample collection, packing and mailing instructions supplied by the lab Make sure you’re prepared to collect sample before removing cap from bottle.
Microbial Sampling
Generally referred to as Bacteriological or Bacti sampling
Usually sample monthly or quarterly
Routine sampling is for naturally occurring indicator organisms (total coliforms)
Follow-up sampling also for E Coli (fecal)
Health affects usually flu-like including nausea and diarrhea
Bacteriological Sampling
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is 0
Results are either– Safe, Negative, Absent or Good for sample in which no coliforms are detected – Unsafe, Positive, Present or Bad for sample in which coliforms are detected
Violation occurs if more than one sample per monitoring period is unsafe
Bacteriological Sampling
Sample sites – Generally recommended to not use; Leaking
faucets, outside faucets, swivel faucets, plastic faucets, areas with strong odors, areas with low flow
– Do use; Sampling
faucets (consider installing), clean areas, good air quality, good flows, newer piping materials
Bacteriological Sampling
Procedures – – – – – – –
Complete paperwork & bottle label Remove aerator & rubber gasket Flush faucet long enough to get fresh water (5-10 min.) If chlorinating, test for chlorine level Flame faucet with torch Flush faucet at reduced flow for 5 minutes Remove cap from sample bottle, fill bottle to within 1/2 inch from top, replace cap – Lab must start analysis within 30 hours
Bacteriological Sampling
If unsafe result – – –
If unsafe again – – –
Lab analyzes sample for E coli (fecal) Check sample (at location of unsafe) 3 Repeat samples- upstream, downstream, well Repeat above sampling Public Notification Investigation, treatment, alternate source
5 samples the following month
Bacteriological Presence
With direction and approval from the DNR
Investigation – Well – Distribution system, facilities, cross connection
Treatment – Disinfection- well, distribution system – New well, well reconstruction
Alternate source – Bottled water – Bulk water
Nitrate Sampling
Nitrates in drinking water are generally associated with fertilizers, septic systems, agricultural wastes/runoff Fairly common in Wisconsin groundwater Detection of elevated levels can be an indication that the well is susceptible to other forms of contamination An acute contaminant, health affects generally associated with infants, including “Blue Baby
Syndrome”
Nitrate Sampling
Results are reported in ppm or mg/l Maximum Contaminant Level is 10 ppm (mg/l) Compliance based on average Generally sample for them annually, increased frequency with levels over 5 ppm Collect sample from entry point(s)
Nitrate Sampling
Procedures – Flush faucet for 5-10 minutes on steady stream – Enter information on sample bottle – Remove cap, fill bottle to top, replace cap – Put bottle in plastic bag, place in cooler – Put ice in plastic bag, place in cooler – Complete forms, put in plastic bag, place in cooler – Must be analyzed by lab within 48 hours
Lead & Copper
Usually from household plumbing materials Sample every year or every 3 years Results reported in ppb (ug/l) Health affects – Lead- Damage to brain, nervous system, kidneys – Copper- Anemia, damage to liver, kidneys, GI
Samples collected from home/building faucets Sample collector must know how to do so correctly
Lead & Copper
Must be from highest Tier site possible
Must be from approved location
Must be cold, untreated water from kitchen or bathroom, or location where water is used for consumption Must be “first draw” sample taken after water has been motionless for at least 6-hours
Lead & Copper
OTM Sample Sites Tier 1- Single family residences with lead service line or copper plumbing & lead solder built between January 1983 – September 1984
Tier 2- Multiple family residences built between January 1983 – September 1984
Tier 3- Single family residences built before 1983 Exceptional- Built after 1984 or with water softeners
Lead & Copper
NN Sample Sites
Tier 1- All sites with lead service line, or sites with copper
Tier 2- Sites with copper plumbing & lead solder built
Exceptional- Built after 1984 or with water softeners
plumbing & lead solder built between January 1983 – September 1984
before January 1983
Lead & Copper
Sampling Procedures – Do NOT run water from faucet – Enter location information on the 1-liter polyethylene sample bottle – Add preservative to bottle if not already added by lab – Fill bottle to within 1” or so from the top – Put sample bottle in plastic bag and place in mailer – Complete sample form, place in mailer, seal mailer and ship to lab
Lead & Copper
Compliance – Lead Action Level- .015 mg/l - 15 ug/l – Copper Action Level- 1.3 mg/l - 1300 ug/l – Compliance is based on the levels of Lead & Copper in the 90th percentile of samples collected
Lead & Copper
Compliance – For systems serving over 100 people, rank the sample results from low to high. Sample at 90% rank is compliance level – For systems serving less that 100 people, compliance level is the average of the 2 highest results
Lead & Copper
Compliance – Sample for Water Quality Parameters – Public education – Complete Desktop Evaluation – Propose treatment – Once approved, install treatment – Follow-up sampling to monitor treatment
Inorganic Sampling
Usually, naturally occurring or discharge from industrial processes Include- Antimony, Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Beryllium, Bromate,
Cadmium, Chloramines, Chloride, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorite, Chromium, Copper, Cyanide, Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, Nitrate, Nitrite, Selenium, Thallium
Usually sample every 3 years Results reported in ppm (mg/l) or ppb (ug/l) Health effects vary Collect samples from entry point(s)
Inorganic Sampling
Sampling Procedures – Collect samples early in the week – Run water on steady stream until well kicks on – Enter information on sample bottles – Fill bottles according to lab instructions – Add preservative to bottles (if required)
Inorganic Sampling
Sampling Procedures (cont.) – Put bottles in plastic bags, place in cooler – Fill bag with ice, seal, place in cooler – Fill out forms, put in plastic bag, place in cooler – Mail/ship cooler to lab – Must be analyzed within 48 hours
Volatile Organics
Usually chemical, industrial or petroleum discharges Include- Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, o-Dichlorobenzene, pDichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Trans-1,2 Dichloroethylene, Dichloromethane, 1,2- Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene, Haloacetic Acids, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene, 1,2,4- Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Total Trihalomethanes, Toluene, Vinyl Chloride, Xylenes
Generally sample every 3 to 6 years Results reported in ppb Health affects vary Collect samples from entry point(s)
Volatile Organics
Sampling Procedures – Make sure area is free of chemicals and strong chemical odors – Run water until cold and well is running – Enter information on sample bottles – Reduce flow to a thin, constant stream – If chlorinating, remove cap and add ascorbic acid to sample bottle(s)
Volatile Organics
Sampling Procedures (cont.) – Tilt sample bottle and fill along side to reduce air bubbles – Fill bottle to form positive meniscus of water over top of rim, but do not overflow – Slowly replace cap and check for air bubbles – If air is present, add more water – Put bottle(s) in plastic bag(s), place in cooler
Volatile Organics
Sampling Procedures (cont.) – If supplied, fill bag with ice, seal and place in cooler. – If not supplied, add ice to cooler around sample bottles – Fill out sample and chain of custody forms, put in plastic bag and place in cooler – Close and seal cooler, mail/ship to lab according to lab instructions
Synthetic Organics
Usually herbicides, pesticides, industrial chemicals
Include-
2,4-D, Alachlor, Atrazine, Benzopyrene, Carbofuran, Chlordane, Dalapon, Di-adipate, Di- phthalate, Dinoseb, Diquat, Dioxin, Endothall, Endrin, Glyphosphate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide, Lindane, Oxamyl, PCBs, Silvex, Simazine, Toxaphene
Generally sample every 3 or 6 years
Results reported in ppb
Health affects vary
Sample(s) collected from entry point(s)
Synthetic Organics
Sampling Procedures – Run the water until cold and well is running – Enter information on sample bottles – Reduce flow to a thin, constant stream – If chlorinating, add sodium thiosulfate to 1-liter amber bottles
Synthetic Organics
Sampling Procedures (cont.) – Tilt sample bottle and fill along side to reduce air bubbles – Fill bottle to form positive meniscus of water over top of rim, but do not overflow – Slowly replace cap and check for air bubbles – If air bubbles present, add more water – Put bottles in plastic bags, place in cooler
Synthetic Organics
Sampling Procedures (cont.) – If required by lab, add ice to bag or cooler – Complete sampling form and Chain of Custody form, put in bag and place in cooler – Close and seal cooler, mail/ship to lab
Radionuclides
Naturally occurring radioactive elements Include- Gross Alpha, Gross Beta, Radium 226, Radium 228, Strontium, Tritium, Uranium,
Only community water systems- every 3,6 or 9 years, depending on initial sampling results Results reported in Picocuries per liter pCi/L or ppb Health affects generally cancers Collect samples from un-softened entry point(s)
Radionuclides
Gross Alpha Grab Sample – Run water until cold and well is running – Enter information on sample bottle – Fill 1-liter sample bottle – Complete sample and lab forms – Place sample bottle & forms in mailer and mail/ship to lab
Radionuclides
Quarterly Composite Sample – – – –
Run water until cold and well is running (each time) Fill 1-quart bottle and pour into 1-gallon cubitainer Add preservative (nitric acid) to cubitainer* Add one quart of water to cubitainer every three months – Complete sample and lab form and place bottle & form in mailer. – Mail/ship to lab *Always be careful when adding acid to water. If any is spilled on you or other surfaces, rinse immediately
Radionuclides
Radium (Grab & Quarterly) – Run water until cold and well is running – Fill container – Add preservative (nitric acid) – Close container and place in mailer – Complete sample and lab forms and place in mailer – Mail/ship to lab
Radionuclides
Radon Sampling – Radon samples should be taken after well has run through several cycles – Run water until cold and well is running – Reduce flow to a medium, steady un-aerated stream – Take a clean bowl or other container large enough to submerge the sample bottle and hold under sample tap so that the end of the faucet is submerged when it is full
Radionuclides
Radon Sampling (cont.) – Let water run, overflowing the bowl for about one minute – Remove cap from bottle and submerge both in water with the opening up – Put cap on bottle while both are still under water so that no air is present in bottle – If any air is present in the bottle, empty the bowl and the sample bottle and repeat sampling procedures
Radionuclides
Radon Sampling (cont.) – Put sample bottle in plastic bag and place in mailer – Complete sample and lab forms and place in mailer – Ship/mail sample to lab by overnight or express delivery. Sample must be received by lab within 48 hours of being collected
Radionuclides
Uranium Sampling – Grab Sample- Run water until cold, fill 1-gallon container, put container in plastic bag and place in container. Include completed forms, seal mailer and send to lab – Composite Sample- Same as Gross Alpha quarterly composite – Samples must be received by the lab within 5days of being collected
DisinfectionDisinfectant Byproducts
Only systems that disinfect Sample for- Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids
Sample at:
– Locations according to a monitoring plan – Location(s) where disinfectant is in system the longest – Each location disinfectant is added (can be reduced if water is drawn from 1 aquifer)
DisinfectionDisinfectant Byproducts
Sample during warmest months (July-August) Must include residual or free chlorine level at bacti sample location at time of sampling Color wheel results no longer allowed
Other Sampling
As additional rules are adopted
As investigation for future rules
For secondary contaminants by complaint
Is there such a thing as a non-compliance sample?
Sample Reporting Requirements
When you receive your test results; – Check to make sure the required sampling was done – Check to make sure results were reported to DNR (on DNR website) 10-days of the end of the month received 10-days of the end of the required sampling period
– Notify DNR of any violation (monitoring, MCL, reporting, public notice) within 24-hours
Sample Result Record Keeping
Bacteriological Results- 5 years
Lead & Copper Results- 12 years
All Other Results- 10 years
Sample Result Record Keeping
Except for Lead & Copper, do not have to keep actual result sheets. But must include: – – – – – –
Date, place, time, and name of sample collector Sample identification (Routine, check, etc.) Date of analysis Lab & person performing analysis Analytical method used Sample result
Other Sampling Tips
Fill out all forms completely
Clearly identify sampling location
Use the correct mailing label for the mailing method used
Other Sampling Tips
Give yourself enough time- early in monitoring period If you’re confused about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for assistance Don’t take chances. If something happens to interrupt your sampling procedures, start over.
Other Sampling Tips
If you have concerns about the sampling conditions, consider waiting until another time. If you have concerns about your approved sampling location(s), check with your DNR rep and see if you can use another location.
Helpful Websites
www.epa.gov/safewater/index.html
www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/
www.slh.wisc.edu/
www.wrwa.org
Questions?
