SAMPLE COLLECTION GUIDELINE

Water and Wastewater

Prepared by the Inorganic Chemistry Section – Chemistry Laboratory

A. Scope

This guideline covers the collection, handling and transport of water and wastewater
samples for chemical analysis.

Note:

In general, the shorter the time that elapses between collection of sample and its analysis,
the more reliable are the results of analysis. For certain constituents and physical values,
immediate field analysis is required in order to obtain dependable results. The composition
of the sample may change before it arrives at the laboratory.

Care should be taken to obtain a sample that is truly representative of existing conditions,
and handle it in such a way that it doesn’t deteriorate or become contaminated before it
reaches the laboratory.

B. Sample Container

1. Containers to be used for collection of water and wastewater samples should be clean
and free from the analyte(s) to be analyzed.
2. Recommended type of container is polyethylene or polypropylene bottle. Glass or
ordinary plastic container may also be used depending on the testing parameters. If
water and wastewater samples are to be analyzed for Total Mercury content, containers
to be used should be borosilicate glass (or amber) bottle.
3. Glass bottles should not be used for water and wastewater samples to be analyzed for
most trace inorganics because active sites on the glass surface can bind inorganic ions.
4. If containers to be used are from commercial products, remove product label before
usage of the container.
5. Containers with metals caps should not be used for collection of samples for metals
analysis.

C. Sample Volume

1. Volume of water and wastewater samples to be collected will depend on the parameters
to be tested.
2. For certain special determinations, larger sample volumes may be necessary.
3. No attempt should be made use the same sample for chemical, bacterial and
microscopic examinations because methods of collection and handling are quite
different.
D. Sample Collection

1. Rinse the container several times, ideally three times, with the water or wastewater to be
sampled before taking the sample.
2. When removing cap of the sample container, do not put cap face down, in pocket or in
any other area to avoid contamination. Do not allow inside of cap, inside of container or
bottle threads to be contaminated so as not to contaminate the samples as well.
3. Document the location and procedure used for each sample taken.
a. From distribution systems
i. Remove filters, screen and all attachments from the faucet. Clean mouth of
faucet with clean cloth or tissue.
ii. Take samples as close as possible to the source of the water supply.
iii. Flush with tap fully open for 2 to 3 minutes before sampling.
iv. Fill sample container slowly with a gentle stream to avoid turbulence and air
bubbles.
b. From natural water, discharged wastewater (open water)
i. Obtain water and wastewater samples ideally as near the middle of the body of
water as is practical, at least several feet from the shore or edge of the tank.
ii. For river systems, collect grab samples by facing the container against the flow
of the water and at least 1 inch below the water surface in quiet areas. Open
sampling below the surface should be done to avoid collecting surface scum.
iii. For lakes, take at least 6 or more grabs composite samples at the proposed
intake of irrigation pump at about 500 m radius.
iv. If water from ponds is to be used for irrigation, sampling should be made at the
outlet of the pond.
c. From shallow and deep wells
i. Let the pump run long enough to draw fresh groundwater into the system. Ideally,
samples should be collected after the pump has been running for 10-15 minutes.
ii. Collect a sample from a tap near the well.
4. Leave enough air space inside the container, ideally 1 inch of the bottle top, to allow
shaking of water sample prior to analysis.
5. For water and wastewater samples to be analyzed for residual chlorine and Mercury
concentrations, collect samples by filling container to the brim.
6. Replace cap of container securely.
7. Label the sampling container as to source, date and time of collection.

E. Sample Transport

1. Deliver samples to the laboratory the same day these were collected.
2. If samples cannot reach the laboratory within 6 hours, samples should be placed in a
cooler immediately after collection.
3. If wet ice is to be used to maintain temperature in the cooler, it is best to contain the ice
in plastic zip locked bags so as not to contaminate the sample with the melting ice.
4. Samples exceeding 24 hours from the time of collection to analysis are not accepted.

Please refer to the Standards and Testing Division Facebook Page for visuals on sample
collection.

Prepared 28 September 2015

Revision 0