Importance of Water Sampling & Testing
Where & When to Sample
Dugouts and Small Ponds
Groundwater and Wells
Raw water distribution lines
Small-scale Water Treatment Systems
Distribution-Systems
Containers
Preparing & submitting samples
Laboratory Analysis
Prices

Adapted from the Government of Alberta: Agriculture & Rural Development “Water Quality� (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/wqe11078)

Importance of Water Sampling & Testing

Water, water Everywhere.  Our daily lives revolve around water.  Scientific theory strongly believes; “Where there’s water, there’s life�.  Whether it is used for domestic, commercial or industrial use, just looking at water is no easy way of telling what’s in it.  Regular testing is the only way to know if problems exist with your water quality, other than an already-identified problem.  Proper sampling and analysis will allow you to take a subjective look into an objective qualitative and Imperial means of knowing exactly what else is in your water other than Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms.

Where & When to Sample

The sample source and timing greatly deals with the type of water source, as well as sometimes a subjective call on when to sample.  Seasonal variations, weather, precipitation accumulation, runoff, or special circumstances in or around a water source will dictate when, where, and how often water should be sampled.  For best results, an environmental service provider, or water well drilling and/or testing company can provide this service.

Dugouts and Small Ponds

Dugouts and small ponds are naturally more prone to stagnation and stratification than larger water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. The lack of mixing from inflow, wind, and water currents produce these conditions, which can result in a variety of sampling approaches.




The most common way to take a representative sample from a pond or dugout is to obtain a sample representative of the entire depth (depth integrated sample). This sample would normally be taken over the entire depth of the water column in the middle of the dugout or pond.

Sampling for specific reasons may require the use of a discrete sampler, which allows a specific zone or depth to be targeted, such as when groundwater influence is suspected. Here only depth integrated samplers are discussed as they are the most commonly used for these types of applications.

Groundwater and Wells

The sampling of groundwater wells requires purging wells before sample collection to eliminate stagnant water. The stagnant water must be removed as it will not be representative of the water from the aquifer entering your well. The method and rate of purging, time between purging and sampling, and sampling itself will depend on the well's diameter, depth, and recharge rate.

Each well should be slug, pressure, or pump tested to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the formation and to estimate the extent and rate of purging prior to sampling. You may want to consult your local agriculture office or a certified well driller for assistance with this type of sampling if you are unsure.

A standard purge volume obtains a stabilized concentration of the parameter of interest. Purge volumes usually range from three to ten well volumes.

In general, a sample should only be taken after the pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature have stabilized.

Groundwater sampling at municipal and domestic wells is best, preferably at a location prior to any purification/treatment process. This more accurately determines the water quality of the aquifer. Chlorination, filters, softeners, and other treatments, including iron, acid and potash, may chemically alter or physically absorb the water quality parameters of interest in the raw source water.

Raw water distribution lines

Distribution-Systems

Distribution-system sample points are used to determine the quality of water being delivered at various points beyond the source or treatment system (i.e. barn nozzle, kitchen faucet). Samples may be of significantly different quality than samples taken at the treatment system or source.

Corrosion and contamination are common problems in distribution systems and therefore sampling and testing at various points in the distribution system can be useful.

Containers

If you are sampling the water source yourself, you MUST use properly-cleaned containers that are applicable to the type of testing you require.  Central Labs can provide you with properly-cleaned, labeled containers specific for y

Basic Water Chemistry

     Bacteriological (Coliforms)

Preparing & submitting samples

Basic Water Chemistry

Bacteriological (Coliforms)

Laboratory Analysis

Your laboratory analysis should include the basic physical and chemical properties that you can compare with the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/sum_guide-res_recom/index-eng.php).  While it would be nice to test for ALL these parameters, Central Labs has identified the parameters of most common concern:

Prices

Currently, Central Labs is accepting cash & cheque. 
Payment must be made before results are released, unless a credit application has been approved. 
The list prices are: