WORK PLANS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

APPENDIX D COLLECTION OF WATER QUALITY SAMPLES Water from all new wells should be sampled in order to determine the quality of the water that is being produced. The type of analysis that will be made is dependent on the expected use of the water. For example, individual domestic wells should be sampled for determination of bacterial quality and chemical quality. The water from agricultural wells is generally examined only for the presence of specific chemicals unless there is the likelihood that there will be incidental domestic use of the water, in which case the bacterial quality ought to be determined too. Recommendations regarding the types of analyses to be performed for the various uses of water will be found in numerous references on water quality and ground water; however, it is best to consult with local agencies such as county farm advisors, health departments or water service agencies (irrigation or water districts). Sampling of commu- nity water supply wells is covered by requirements of the California Department of Health Services.f Bacterial Sampling For individual domestic wells, technical advice regarding the collection of bacteriological samples may be obtained from the local health departments or from the labora- tories that will examine the sample. If no technical assis- tance is available, the following procedure will suffice: A sterile sample bottle, preferably one provided by the labora- tory, must be used. It is extremely important that nothing except the water to be analyzed come in contact with the inside of the bottle or the cap; the water must not be allowed to flow over an object or over the hands and into the bottle while it is being filled. If the water is collected from a sample tap, turn on the tap and allow the water to flow for 2 or 3 minutes before collecting the sample. Do not rinse the sample bottle. The sample should...be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible and in no case more than 30 hours after its collection. During delivery, the sample should be kept as cool as possible (but not frozen). Refer to Section 4026, California Health and Safety Code and Chapter 15, "Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring" of Title 22, California Administrative Code. An alternative is to sterilize the tap first with a propane torch or similar device.