v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
<
Ground Water Rule Sample
Collection and Transport: A Quick
Reference Guide
Overview of the Rule
Title
Purpose
General
Description
Utilities
Covered
Ground Water Rule (GWR) 71 FR 65574, November 8, 2006, Vol. 71, No.
216
Correction 71 FR 67427, November 21, 2006, Vol. 71, No. 224
Reduce the risk of illness caused by microbial contamination in public
ground water systems (GWSs).
The GWR establishes a risk-targeted approach to identify GWSs
susceptible to fecal contamination and requires corrective action to correct
significant deficiencies and address source water fecal contamination in all
public GWSs.
The GWR applies to all public water systems (PWSs) that use ground
water, including consecutive systems, except that it does not apply to
PWSs that combine all of their ground water with surface water or with
ground water under the direct influence of surface water prior to treatment.
GWR Situations Requiring Sample Collection and Transport
The GWR requires that systems that do not provide 4-log treatment of viruses for all
their ground water sources collect at least one source water sample after detection of
total coliform in a routine Total Coliform Rule (TCR) (40 CFR 141.21) sample. These
triggered source samples must be collected from ground water sources in use at the
time of the TC positive. Samples must be collected within 24 hours unless the State
allows an extension and the State will specify how long the extension is. Samples must
be analyzed for the presence of one of three fecal indicators, E. coli, enterococci, or
coliphage. See Ground Water Rule Triggered and Representative Monitoring: A Quick
Reference Guide (EPA815-F-08-004) for more information.
If a fecal indicator is found to be present in a triggered source sample and the State
does not require corrective action, the GWR requires systems to collect five additional
source water samples and analyze the samples for the presence of one of the three
fecal indicators.
Assessment source water monitoring may be required by the State for systems
with sources that may be at risk for fecal contamination. Systems must meet
State requirements for the number of samples collected and the analyses (£. coli,
enterococci, coliphage) conducted.
Sampling Location
>• For both triggered source water monitoring and assessment source water monitoring,
samples must be collected at the ground water source before treatment, unless
another location is approved by the State.
>• GWSs should install a sample tap at each source to enable source water monitoring.
>• The diagram below represents an appropriate sampling location for source water
monitoring.
Treatment
Pumps, Pump Facilities,
and Controls
k^H
Distribution
System
Source
SAMPLING LOCATION
-------
Sample Collection
Sample Containers
^- Samples should be collected in sterile, plastic or glass containers with a leak-proof lid.
>• The GWR requires GWSs conducting source water monitoring to analyze at least a 100-mL sample volume.
• However, EPA recommends that the GWS collect and ship more than 100-mL of sample to ensure that a minimum
of 100 ml is available for analysis (see below).
>• The sample containers should be large enough to allow at least 1-inch of headspace to facilitate mixing of the sample
by shaking prior to analysis.
>• Sample volume and container size recommendations for samples of various types are provided below.
£. co// and
Enterococci
Samples
>• Sample volume: At least 120 ml_ of sample should be collected to ensure sufficient volume for
sample analysis is available in the event of spillage at the laboratory.
>• Container Size: The capacity of sample containers should allow at least a 1-inch headspace to
facilitate mixing of the sample by shaking prior to analysis.
Coliphage
Samples
^- Sample volume: If Method 1601 is used for coliphage sample analyses, either 100-mL or 1-L sample
volumes may be analyzed (Method 1602 only accommodates 100-mL volumes).
• While the minimum sample volume requirement for the GWR is 100 mL, systems may wish to
collect and analyze a 1-L sample volume to increase the sensitivity of the Method 1601 analysis.
• For all coliphage analyses, the GWS should collect 2.5 times more of the sample than necessary
(i.e., 250 mL for 100 mL samples and 2.5 L for 1 L samples) to allow for sample re-analysis, if
necessary.*
>• Container size: The capacity of sample containers should allow at least a 1 -inch headspace to
facilitate mixing of the sample by shaking prior to analysis.
* Alternatively, samples for male-specific and somatic coliphage analyses can be collected in separate containers.
Collection Procedures
Gloves and
hand washing
When collecting samples from a ground water source, individuals should wash their hands before
collecting samples and if possible wear gloves (latex, etc.).
Records
All samples taken should be recorded in an on-site sample log book or on a sample collection
form if it is to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Sample log books and sample collection forms
should contain the following information:
• Name of system (e.g., Public Water System Identification number)
• Sample site location
• Sample type (assessment, triggered)
• Sampler's name
• Sample number
• Date of sample collection
• Time of sample collection
• Analysis requested
Water tap and
service line
Water taps used for sampling should be free of aerators, bubblers, strainers, hose attachments,
mixing type faucets, and purification devices. The flow of water out of the tap should be adjusted so
the water will not splash out when the sample is collected. The tap should be cleaned and flushed.
The service line should be cleared before sampling by maintaining a steady water flow for at least
two minutes (or until the water changes temperature).
Collecting
samples
Using aseptic technique (i.e., sanitize tap, do not touch the inside of the sample container), the
individual taking the sample should fill the sample containers, leaving at least 1-inch of headspace.
Cap and label
the container
Immediately following sample collection, the sampler should tighten the sample container lid.
The system name, sampler's name, sample number, sample type, date and time of sample collection,
sample location, and analysis requested should be recorded on the sample container.
IMPORTANT: If the sample will not be shipped off-site for analysis immediately, the sample should be
placed upright in a refrigerator to maintain the sample at a temperature of < 8°C prior to shipment. If
a refrigerator is unavailable, the sample should be insulated in some other manner to keep it cool.
-------
Sample Collection
Sample Containers
Packaging
If the samples will be analyzed at a laboratory that is off-site, the water system should contact the
laboratory as soon as possible (preferably prior to sampling) so that the laboratory can be prepared
with the appropriate media.
As soon as the sample has been collected, labeled and capped, the sample should be packaged in a
shipping cooler or foam box that is used exclusively for this purpose.
• The cooler should be double lined with plastic (i.e., with trash bags) and contain ice (wet ice in
ziplock bags, gel packs, or blue ice). The GWR recommends keeping samples below 10°C.
The signed and dated sample collection form should be included with the sample.
The lid of the cooler should be securely sealed and the joints of the container should be sealed with
duct tape.
If the package is being shipped, a copy of the airbill or shipping record should be kept by the ground
water system.
Packages should be sent priority overnight so that the arrangements for transport and shipping-time
from collection to analysis does not exceed 30 hours as required by the GWR.
Chain-of-
Custody
>• Sample collectors and laboratories should follow applicable State regulations pertaining to chain-of-
custody procedures, since it is necessary to have an accurate written record to trace the possession
and handling of samples from collection through reporting.
• This procedure includes:
• Field records of sample collection (sample collection form),
• Label or standardized tag on the sample container(s),
• Package sent to lab with chain-of-custody record form, pertinent field records, and analysis
request form.
• The procedure used by the water system and the laboratory should be documented.
• Every person who takes custody of the sample should fill in the appropriate section of the chain-
of-custody record.
• See EPA's Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water: Criteria and
Procedures Quality Assurance (Fifth Edition) for more information.
Office of Water (4606)
EPA815-F-08-007
www.epa.gov/safewater
July 2008
------- |