Safe Drinking Water Act Phase II & V Sampling Procedures: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Safe Drinking Water Act Safe Drinking Water Act Phase II & V Sampling Phase II & V Sampling Procedures: Volatile Procedures: Volatile

Organic Compounds (VOCs)Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate recommended sampling techniques. This recommended sampling techniques. This presentation includes:presentation includes: supplies neededsupplies needed sample tap selectionsample tap selection collection; and collection; and shipping. shipping.

Volatile Organic Compounds Sampling ProceduresVolatile Organic Compounds Sampling Procedures

We know and recognize that there are numerous We know and recognize that there are numerous techniques and methods for collecting drinking techniques and methods for collecting drinking water samples. The idea of this presentation is to water samples. The idea of this presentation is to demonstrate the general method used while demonstrate the general method used while providing some helpful suggestions for sample providing some helpful suggestions for sample collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or trainee. This presentation is in no way to be trainee. This presentation is in no way to be considered a substitute for the federal Safe considered a substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and amendments.Drinking Water Act and amendments.

Volatile Organic Compounds Sampling ProceduresVolatile Organic Compounds Sampling Procedures

What are VOCs and why do we sample What are VOCs and why do we sample

for them?for them?

The US Environmental Protection Agency has The US Environmental Protection Agency has established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL)

for 21 different VOCs. for 21 different VOCs.

What are VOCs and why do we sample for them?What are VOCs and why do we sample for them?

These organic compounds can occur in both untreated These organic compounds can occur in both untreated and treated drinking water. They are generally found at and treated drinking water. They are generally found at higher concentrations in ground water than in surface higher concentrations in ground water than in surface water. This is because evaporation is restricted in water. This is because evaporation is restricted in ground water. Because these organic chemicals are ground water. Because these organic chemicals are volatile, they require special sampling procedures.volatile, they require special sampling procedures.

What are VOCs and why do we sample for them?What are VOCs and why do we sample for them?

As a result, EPA has established maximum safe As a result, EPA has established maximum safe levels for each of these contaminants, called levels for each of these contaminants, called "maximum contaminant levels" or "MCLs." "maximum contaminant levels" or "MCLs."

State Guidelines – Rules – Sample State Guidelines – Rules – Sample

RequirementsRequirements

Be sure to check with Be sure to check with your state or tribal your state or tribal drinking water program drinking water program office for additional office for additional guidelines, rules and/or guidelines, rules and/or sample requirements sample requirements since they may be more since they may be more stringent than those stringent than those required by the federal required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Safe Drinking Water Act.

VOC Sampling SuppliesVOC Sampling Supplies

Before you begin sampling, it is important to have Before you begin sampling, it is important to have all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the

suggested supplies you may need: suggested supplies you may need:

Cooler for shipping and storage of your sampleCooler for shipping and storage of your samplewhile in transit between collection point and lab.while in transit between collection point and lab.


Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler. Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler.


PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves which are PVC or unsupported Neoprene gloves which are necessary to keep your hands safe from sample necessary to keep your hands safe from sample

container preservative chemicals.container preservative chemicals.


Safety Goggles which are necessary to keep Safety Goggles which are necessary to keep your hands and eyes safe from sample your hands and eyes safe from sample

container preservative chemicals.container preservative chemicals.


Sample ContainersSample Containers


Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample containerLab slips, labels, and markers for sample containeridentificationidentification


Additional Recommended Items are:Additional Recommended Items are:

Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample container after sampling.container after sampling.


Plastic storage baggies for ice andPlastic storage baggies for ice and

sample container sample container


Sample preparation instructionsSample preparation instructions

Although different Although different sizes and types of sizes and types of sampling containers sampling containers may be used for may be used for collecting VOC collecting VOC samples, most samples, most laboratories supply laboratories supply 40mL to 120mL glass 40mL to 120mL glass vials. The laboratory vials. The laboratory will normally add the will normally add the proper preservative in proper preservative in advance to each vile.advance to each vile.


For chlorinated waters, a powdered dechlorinating For chlorinated waters, a powdered dechlorinating agent (ascorbic acid) will be added, and the agent (ascorbic acid) will be added, and the sampler must subsequently add hydrochloric acid sampler must subsequently add hydrochloric acid to the to the filledfilled vials. Therefore, a small container of vials. Therefore, a small container of 1:1 hydrochloric acid, disposable pipets and small 1:1 hydrochloric acid, disposable pipets and small eye-dropper bulbs for chlorinated systems.eye-dropper bulbs for chlorinated systems.

For unchlorinated waters, the laboratory will add For unchlorinated waters, the laboratory will add the acid to the empty vials.the acid to the empty vials.

Sample preparation Sample preparation instructionsinstructions

Samplers should obtain specific instructions from the Samplers should obtain specific instructions from the laboratory at the time the empty vials are received. laboratory at the time the empty vials are received.

Sampling Preparation InstructionsSampling Preparation Instructions

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT: The laboratory supplying the : The laboratory supplying the sample containers may send trip blanks, sample containers may send trip blanks, sometimes called field reagent blanks, along sometimes called field reagent blanks, along with the sample containers. Trip blanks with the sample containers. Trip blanks consist of sample containers filled at the consist of sample containers filled at the laboratory, that must remain sealed and must laboratory, that must remain sealed and must be shipped back to the lab . This is done to be shipped back to the lab . This is done to check if samples were contaminated during check if samples were contaminated during shipment. shipment.

Sampling Preparation InstructionsSampling Preparation Instructions

If the laboratory has not included trip blanks, If the laboratory has not included trip blanks, contact the laboratory before taking any contact the laboratory before taking any

samples.samples.

As a general rule, As a general rule, proper washing of proper washing of hands is highly hands is highly recommended for recommended for the sample the sample collector.collector.


Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette smoke should never come into contact with the smoke should never come into contact with the sample or its containers. These foreign objects sample or its containers. These foreign objects have been suspected of causing false results in have been suspected of causing false results in

samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample collection procedures.collection procedures.


Do not sample with Do not sample with any containers that any containers that appear to have been appear to have been tampered with since tampered with since this may cause an this may cause an undesirable sample undesirable sample result.result.


Sampling ProceduresSampling Procedures

The laboratory that supplies the sampling The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers may provide instruction with the containers may provide instruction with the

kit for the type of monitoring being kit for the type of monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those performed. Be sure to refer to those

instructions when provided. instructions when provided.

Important Safety PrecautionsImportant Safety Precautions

Safety goggles and Safety goggles and

gloves gloves mustmust be worn. be worn.

Wash hands before and after sampling. Wash hands before and after sampling.



Caution-Hazard Caution-Hazard

Sample containers may contain liquid Sample containers may contain liquid preservatives. Liquid preservatives will cause preservatives. Liquid preservatives will cause burns. If it comes into contact with the skin or burns. If it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, flush with liberal amounts of water and seek eyes, flush with liberal amounts of water and seek immediate medical attention.immediate medical attention.

Select a state approved sampling location if Select a state approved sampling location if any have been designated. If not, select a any have been designated. If not, select a representative sampling location. For a surface representative sampling location. For a surface water system, the plant effluent tap might be an water system, the plant effluent tap might be an appropriate sampling location. For a well appropriate sampling location. For a well discharging directly into a distribution system discharging directly into a distribution system (entry point to the distribution system or (entry point to the distribution system or EPTDS), a tap on the well’s discharge piping EPTDS), a tap on the well’s discharge piping after any treatment would be appropriate. after any treatment would be appropriate.


If possible, use a non-swivel faucet and remove all If possible, use a non-swivel faucet and remove all attachments, including any aerators, strainers and hoses. attachments, including any aerators, strainers and hoses. It is normally recommended not to take a sample at that It is normally recommended not to take a sample at that location if all attachments cannot be removed because location if all attachments cannot be removed because

they may alter the sample results.they may alter the sample results.


Turn on the water tap Turn on the water tap and run the water for 2-and run the water for 2-3 minutes then reduce 3 minutes then reduce the flow so that the the flow so that the stream is stream is approximately ¼ inch approximately ¼ inch in diameter.in diameter. Do not Do not change the flow rate until change the flow rate until after sampling is after sampling is completed.completed.


While the water is running for thoseWhile 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, number, exact exact sample location, date and time of collection, and the sampler’s name. sample location, date and time of collection, and the sampler’s name.

If the sample collection point has a specific coded identification, include it on the label and 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 sample submission form. Be sure to attach the label prior to sampling. A wet sample container may not allow the label to properly adhere. container may not allow the label to properly adhere.



For Chlorinated WaterFor Chlorinated Water: If the water has been : If the water has been chlorinated, select vials to which powdered ascorbic chlorinated, select vials to which powdered ascorbic acid has been added. If the water has not been acid has been added. If the water has not been chlorinated, select vials to which liquid hydrochloric chlorinated, select vials to which liquid hydrochloric acid has been added. Fill at least two vials for each acid has been added. Fill at least two vials for each sample that is taken.sample that is taken.

Remove the cap from the vial, keeping the vial Remove the cap from the vial, keeping the vial upright to prevent spilling any preservatives. Do upright to prevent spilling any preservatives. Do

not put the cap face down or put it in your pocket. not put the cap face down or put it in your pocket. Do not allow the inside of the cap or the bottle Do not allow the inside of the cap or the bottle

threads to be touched by any object threads to be touched by any object


Hold the vial at an angle Hold the vial at an angle pointing away from your pointing away from your faceface and carefully fill it until it is full. Be careful not and carefully fill it until it is full. Be careful not to rinse out the preservatives. If acid has been added to rinse out the preservatives. If acid has been added to the vial by the laboratory, it will mix rapidly with to the vial by the laboratory, it will mix rapidly with the water and may splatter a bit. If ascorbic acid the water and may splatter a bit. If ascorbic acid powder (dechlorinating agent) has been added to the powder (dechlorinating agent) has been added to the vial by the laboratory, it will rapidly dissolve. vial by the laboratory, it will rapidly dissolve.


For Chlorinated WaterFor Chlorinated Water:: If the water has been If the water has been chlorinated, use the vials with a 1:1 (one chlorinated, use the vials with a 1:1 (one part acid to one part water) hydrochloric part acid to one part water) hydrochloric acid (HCl) for each 20 mL of sample volume. acid (HCl) for each 20 mL of sample volume. This should have been supplied by the lab This should have been supplied by the lab for you.for you.


Carefully complete filling the vial by putting Carefully complete filling the vial by putting water inside the cap and transferring it one drop water inside the cap and transferring it one drop at a time to the vial at a time to the vial


Screw the cap on the bottle being sure not to Screw the cap on the bottle being sure not to overtighten the cap overtighten the cap


Invert the bottle, tap against your other Invert the bottle, tap against your other hand, and check for air bubbles. If any are hand, and check for air bubbles. If any are

present, add additional water- just a drop or present, add additional water- just a drop or 2, seal and check again.2, seal and check again.


Remember that each Remember that each “sample” consists of “sample” consists of 2 to 3 filled vials. 2 to 3 filled vials. Repeat the sampling Repeat the sampling procedures to fill procedures to fill additional vials for additional vials for each sample. each sample.



Complete all necessary forms supplied by the Complete all necessary forms supplied by the laboratory with the appropriate information. In laboratory with the appropriate information. In many states, the same form that is filled out many states, the same form that is filled out here will be used to report the analytical here will be used to report the analytical results. Also, you may need to complete a chain results. Also, you may need to complete a chain of custody form, if required. of custody form, if required.

Place the samples in a cooler. The trip blanks should Place the samples in a cooler. The trip blanks should still be in the cooler. Keep the samples at 2 degrees to 6 still be in the cooler. Keep the samples at 2 degrees to 6 degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 43 degrees Fahrenheit) degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 43 degrees Fahrenheit) and keep them away form direct light or gasoline and and keep them away form direct light or gasoline and solvent vapors. solvent vapors.

Pack the samples in a cooler with Ice. As a tip, it might Pack the samples in a cooler with Ice. As a tip, it might be a good idea to bag up the sample and the ice be a good idea to bag up the sample and the ice separately in the cooler. This will help prevent leakage separately in the cooler. This will help prevent leakage or contamination of the sample from the ice.or contamination of the sample from the ice.


Deliver the samples to the laboratory or ship Deliver the samples to the laboratory or ship the samples by an overnight courier This the samples by an overnight courier This will ensure prompt testing for the most will ensure prompt testing for the most

accurate results. It is recommended that all accurate results. It is recommended that all samples be received by the laboratory samples be received by the laboratory

within within 7days7days..


If the laboratory has any additional If the laboratory has any additional recommendations or requirements, they recommendations or requirements, they should be read and followed closely.should be read and followed closely.


If you have any additional questions, please If you have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance. program office for assistance.

Following the proper drinking water sample Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isn’t our goal to ensure . . .all, isn’t our goal to ensure . . .


Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)(VOCs)

Sampling Procedures Sampling Procedures

““Water Safe to Drink”Water Safe to Drink”

Safe Drinking Water Act Phase II & V Sampling Procedures: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

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