Water Laboratory Testing Procedures

Laboratory work is a crucial process to water and wastewater systems. Although operators tend not to be involved in the testing procedures, having knowledge of techniques used to find different results can be beneficial. The following video clips give an overview using the titration method to run several tests, including chloride, nitrite, organophosphates, sulfide and …

An Overview of Wastewater Sampling

Sampling is a very important part of a wastewater operator’s job. The following video by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency covers sampling trip preparations, wastewater sampling techniques and facility self-monitoring and program review. This video gives a good basic understanding of what must be considered before taking any wastewater samples. Every plant may have …

Lead and Copper Sample Collection

The lead and copper rule was put in place to help prevent customers from overexposure of lead and copper at their tap. The video will cover the basic procedures of collecting lead and copper samples. Always use sanitary practices when collecting any sample.  Be sure to follow all of the steps with collection of drinking water …

Sampling for Organics

In drinking water systems, controlling the amount of organics is extremely important. This video by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) will cover the basics of sampling for organics in a drinking water system. Material covered will be sampling sites, containers used and procedures for sampling. Remember to cover all your fundamentals when taking any …

Are You Using the Right Test Method?

Recently, DCA received a request for assistance from a facility that was not using the appropriate test method to determine values for their Discharge Monitoring Report. As a certified operator, your certification training involves knowing how to take samples properly, storing, preserving and using the correct test method. EPA publishes laboratory analytical methods, or test …

Oops…Where’s an Automatic Sampler?

A staff member of the Environmental Compliance Assistance Program recently received a call from a small wastewater facility. The facility had received a new permit but hadn’t fully reviewed it during public comment. Since the permit has been finalized, the facility was faced with a new sampling frequency and definition in their permit. The small …

Basic Sampling Procedures

Water sampling is extremely important for all water operators. It is also incredibly important to take the time to do it correctly. Over the next few posts, we will look at several sampling methods and techniques. Before we get into the techniques and methods, American Water Works Association (AWWA) has released a video that provides …