Inorganic Chemicals (IOC) Metals Sampling Procedures The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate recommended sampling techniques. This presentation includes: supplies needed supplies needed sample tap selection sample tap selection collection; and collection; and shipping. shipping. Inorganic Chemicals (IOC) Metals Sampling We know and recognize that there are numerous techniques and methods for collecting drinking water samples. The idea of this presentation is to demonstrate the general method used while providing some helpful suggestions for sample collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or trainee. This presentation is in no way to be considered a substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and amendments. Inorganic Chemicals (IOC) Metals Sampling What are Inorganic Chemicals and why do we sample for them? Inorganic chemicals are elements or compounds found in water supplies. What are Inorganic Chemicals and why do we sample for them? They may occur naturally in the geology or they may be caused by : Industry or Agricultural activities. Mining What are Inorganic Chemicals and why do we sample for them? It is common to have trace amounts of many inorganic chemicals in water supplies. What are Inorganic Chemicals and why do we sample for them? Damaging Effects In larger amounts, however, inorganic chemicals can be dangerous, and can cause a variety of damaging effects to the liver, kidney, nervous system, circulatory system, gastrointestinal system, bones, and skin, depending upon the chemicals and level of exposure. Pregnant women and infants are especially susceptible to harm from inorganic chemicals. Damaging Effects What are Inorganic Chemicals and why do we sample for them? First regulated in 1975, the US Environmental Protection Agency established "maximum contaminant levels" or "MCLs." for various inorganic chemicals. IOC Groups There are three different IOC for sampling: Non-Metals Non-Metals Metals Metals Cyanide Cyanide This procedure is for Metals. State Guidelines Rules Sample Requirements Be sure to check with your state or tribal drinking water program office for additional guidelines, rules and/or sample requirements since they may be more stringent than those required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Before you begin sampling, it is important to have all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the suggested supplies you may need: Cooler for shipping and storage of your sample while in transit between collection point and lab. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves which are necessary to keep your hands safe from sample container preservative chemicals. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Safety Goggles which are necessary to keep your hands and eyes safe from sample container preservative chemicals. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Sample Container IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample container identification IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Additional Recommended Items are: Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample container after sampling. IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Plastic storage baggies for ice and sample container IOC-Metals Sampling Supplies Sample preparation instructions Although different sizes and types of sampling containers may be used for collecting IOC-Metals samples, most laboratories supply sampling containers using an acid added as a preservative. Caution and safety in use of these containers must be taken. These containers are normally plastic with a volume of 80m/L. As a general rule, proper washing of hands is highly recommended for the sample collector. Sample preparation instructions Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette smoke should never come into contact with the sample or its containers. These foreign objects have been suspected of causing false results in samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample collection procedures. Sample preparation instructions Do not sample with any containers that appear to have been tampered with since this may cause an undesirable sample result. Sample preparation instructions Sampling Instructions The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers may provide instruction with the kit for the type of monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those instructions when provided. Important Safety Precautions Safety goggles and gloves must be worn. Wash hands before and after sampling. Important Safety Precautions Sampling Procedures Caution-Hazard Sample containers may contain liquid preservatives. Liquid preservatives will cause burns. If it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, flush with liberal amounts of water and seek immediate medical attention. Select a state approved sampling location if any have been designated. If not, select a representative sampling location. For a surface water system, the plant effluent tap might be an appropriate sampling location. For a well discharging directly into a distribution system (entry point to the distribution system or EPTDS), a tap on the wells discharge piping after any treatment would be appropriate. Sampling Procedures If possible, use a non-swivel faucet and remove all attachments, including any aerators, strainers and hoses. It is normally recommended not to take a sample at that location if all attachments cannot be removed because they may alter the sample results. Sampling Procedures Turn on the water tap and run the water until the temperature has stabilized (use a thermometer if possible) This typically takes 2 to 3 minutes. Then reduce the flow so that the stream is approximately inch in diameter. Do not change the flow rate until after sampling is completed. Sampling Procedures While the water is running for those 2-3 minutes, completely fill out the 2-3 minutes, completely fill out the labels and lab slip. Be sure to clearly labels and lab slip. Be sure to clearly identify the system information, like identify the system information, like the public water system identification the public water system identification number, exact sample location, date and time of collection, and the samplers name. number, exact sample location, date and time of collection, and the samplers name. If the sample collection point has a specific coded identification, include it on the label and sample submission form. Be sure to attach the label prior to sampling. A wet sample container may not allow the label to properly adhere. Sampling Procedures Hold bottle at an angle and carefully fill it to its shoulder. Do not touch the interior of the bottle or the underside of the cap. Do not allow the bottle to touch the faucet, or allow water to splash up onto the faucet. Sampling Procedures If stated in your labs instructions, add necessary preservatives or chemicals to the sample. Sampling Procedures Screw the cap on the container. Sampling Procedures Pack the samples in a cooler with ice if instructed to do so. As a tip, it might be a good idea to bag up the sample and the ice separately in the cooler. This will help prevent leakage or contamination of the sample from the ice. Sampling Procedures Deliver the samples to the laboratory or ship the samples by an overnight courier. This will ensure prompt testing for the most accurate results. Sampling Procedures If the laboratory has any additional recommendations or requirements, they should be read and followed closely. Sampling Procedures If you have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance. Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isnt our goal to ensure... Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isnt our goal to ensure... Sampling Procedures Inorganic Chemicals (IOC) Metals Sampling Procedures Water Safe to Drink