1. Ground Water Rule (GWR) Sample Collection and Transport
Using proper laboratory methods is essential for effective water treatment plant operation. In this module we will be exploring sample collection, laboratory procedures and measurements used in water treatment plant operation.

2. GWR Requirements Must Provide one source sample after detection of TC+
Must be collected from water source in use at the time of collection
Must be collected within 24 hours
Samples must be analyzed for one of three (3) fecal indicators: E. coli, enterococci or coliphage
If fecal indicator is found five additional source water samples must be analyzed
Assessment of source water monitoring may be requied for systems at risk for fecal contamination

3. Sampling Location
For triggered and source water monitoring and assessment source water monitoring, samples must be collected at the groundwater source
A smooth sample tap pointing downward must be provided at each source

4. Collection Procedures

5. Sample Collection Procedures
Provide for Easy Access and Safe Location
Collect Representative Sample, i.e., location, sample type, collection time and frequency
Use sterile, plastic or glass containers with leak-proof lid
Must analyze at lease 100 ml sample volume (suggest collect > 100 ml to ensure volume)
Sample containers should provide at minimum, 1” of headspace to facilitate mixing by shaking prior to analysis

6. Sample Collection Precautions to Prevent Accidental Contamination
Accidental Contamination – Remove Obstruction (aerators, hoses, etc. that harbor bacteria
Sample Containers – Use Appropriate Type of Container
Sample tap with no treads or leaking at spigot

7. Fecal Indicator Sampling
E. Coli and Enterococci
Sample Volume > 120 ml for spillage
Container to provide 1” headspace
Coliphage
If SM 1601 used either Sample Volume > 100 ml or 1 liter to be used.
If SM 1602 used only requires > 100 ml
Collect 2.5X more of the sample calls for
Provide 1” headspace

8. GWR Sampling Precautions
Sample collectors should wash hands and/or wear sterile gloves
Foreign material from hands or contact with contaminated surfaces must be prevented
Do not wash Bacteria into the sample from spigot when sampling
Keep Cigarette smoke (includes second hand smoke) or dust away from sample
Do not used damaged or contaminated sample container
Do not take sample in contaminated clothes

9. Proper Sampling Procedures
DEP-SOP-001/01 FS 2300 Drinking Water Sampling

10. DEP SOP’s for Drinking Water Sampling
See also the following Standard Operating Procedures:
FA 1000 and 2000 Administrative Procedures
FC 1000 Cleaning/Decontamination Procedures
FD Documentation Procedures
FM 1000 Field Planning and Mobilization
FQ 1000 Field Quality Control Requirements
FS 1000 General Sampling Procedures
FS 2000 General Aqueous Sampling
FT 1000 – FT 2000 Field Testing and Calibration Procedures

11. Preparing for Field Sampling
Cooler for shipping and storage of your sample while in transit between collection point and lab
Ice in baggies for shipping cooler
PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves to keep sample from possible contamination
125mL sample bottle with sodium thiosulfate for chlorinated water systems
Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample container identification
Paper towel for drying off the outside of sample

12. Sample Information Needed for GWR
Use on-site sample log book or sample collection form and record the following information:
Name of System and PWS #
Sample Site Location
Sample Type (whether Triggered or Assessment)
Sampler’s Name
Sample Number
Date of Sample Collection
Time of Sample Collection
Analysis Requested

13. Use Appropriate Sterile Sampling Containers and Gloves
125mL sterilized glass and plastic bottles

14. Step 1: Sample Site Selection
Select an approved sampling location
Non-threaded test spigots provide per DEP requirements at the wellhead should be used

15. Step 2: Remove Sources of Contamination
Water taps must be free of aerators, strainers, hoses, mixing or dosing tubes or any other device that can harbor bacteria and cause a false positive sample result.
The spigot must be free of dirt, mold or other foreign materials

16. Step 3: Flush Deposits or Debris from Spigot
Turn on the cold water and run the water to flush the tap.
This typically takes 1-3 minutes.
Then reduce the flow so that the stream is no greater than 1/8
inch in diameter, or the width
of a pencil.

17. Step 4: Prepare Sample Container
Remove the bottle cap
Be careful not to contaminate the sample by touching the inside of the cap or the inside of the sample container with your fingers.
Everything must be aseptic (sterile)

18. Step 5: Collection of Sample
Position the bottle under the water flow.
Hold the bottle in one hand and the cap in the other.
Do not lay the cap down or put it in your pocket!
Water dripping from your hands may also cause contamination.
Fill the bottle providing 1 inch head space with at least sample above the 100ml fill line.

19. Step 6: Preparing Sample for Storage
The sample container should be tightly capped.
Blot the sample container with a paper towel to dry it off.
Ice for shipping should be bagged separately or frozen in containers to prevent contamination.
Make sure sample is nestled and that any melted ice water does not raise above the sample containers.

20. Step 7: Label and Secure Sample for Shipping.
Check that the information on the label is correct and check the laboratory form and attach it to the bottle inside plastic bag and with a rubber band.
Complete additional laboratory forms that came with the sample bottle, including chain-of-custody
As soon as the sample is capped it must be placed in foam box
The cooler must be double bagged with ice and sealed with duct tape

21. Typical Sample Label

22. Step 8: Packaging and Transport of Samples to Laboratory
Contact the Laboratory ASAP after the samples are taken
The samples must reach the laboratory and the analysis must begin within 30 hours of collection. All samples must be cooled to 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit).
If the laboratory is nearby, refrigerate with them with ice packs, and deliver the samples directly.
If not, send the samples overnight by US mail or by an overnight courier.
Be sure to tape any additional forms or sample documentation either inside or on the outside of the lid.

23. The Chain of Custody The movement and location of physical presence of
the sample from the time it is obtained until the time it is analyzed.
A record of individuals who have had physical possession of the sample.
Duration of sample custody
Security and environmental conditions while handling or storing the sample
Manner in which sample is transferred to subsequent custodians each time such a transfer occurs
Signatures of persons involved at each step

24. Common Errors in Sampling
Improper Sample
Poor Preservation
Lack of Mixing during Compositing and Testing

25. Care in Sampling and Laboratory Procedure
Training, representative sample, contaminated clothing or environment
Collection
Sterile containers, proper collection tech., protection of samples before and after
Transport and Storage
Cooling, clean cooler, ice in baggies, sample isolated and secured
Quality
Assurance
Sample IDs, chain of custody, laboratory practices.

26. Special DEP Sample Collection Procedures

27. Required Quality Control and Quality Assurance Programs
All parties producing data for use by DEP are required to use applicable DEP SOPs per the DEP Quality Assurance Rule, , .240, .300 & .320, F.A.C.
QA – Written Operating Principles for
Collection, Testing and Analysis
QC - Management Responsibilities that Ensure the Quality of Sampling
Laboratory Procedures, Results and the
Inspection Processes Used to Prevent
Undetected Errors.

28. DEP Quality Management Requirements Each organization shall establish and maintain a system that:
Identifies, implement and promote quality assurance policies and procedures that will produce data of a known and verifiable quality
Creates and/or identify and follow standard operating procedures for all activities, both technical and administrative;
Monitors adherence to the established policies, procedures and written standard operating procedures;
Establishes and use procedures for continual improvement through both corrective and preventive action policies; and
Monitors quality of the organization’s operations.

29. Technician Level The field technician or sample collector must :
Perform field measurement tests according to FDEP SOPs including calibrations;
Verify that all calculations (e.g., purge volume) are correct;
Collect samples following the FDEP SOPs using appropriate equipment;
Ensure that sample containers are properly and accurately labeled;
Ensure that appropriate preservatives are added;
Legibly and fully document all activities in field logs or field data sheets ;
Ensure that all field information is accurately recorded;
Identify and/or document potential quality control problems;
Maintain equipment and test instruments in working condition, and document all preventative maintenance and repairs;
Implement any corrective action procedures that are a result of any type of audit.

30. Required Sample Documentation (DEP Bacteriological Sampling Forms)

31. DEP/ACHD Bacteriological Sample Information

32. Bacteriological Sample Information to be Supplied by the Sample Collector

33. DEP/ACHD Bacteriological Sample Laboratory Information

34. Bacteriological Sample Information to be Supplied by the Laboratory