Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality

Activities in the North Florida Program Office,

Florida District

Compiled by Marian P. Berndt and Brian G. Katz

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 00-426

Tallahassee, Florida

2000
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Charles G. Groat, Director

Use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only 

and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.

For additional information Copies of this report can be 

write to: purchased from:

District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services

Suite 3015 Box 25286

227 N. Bronough Street Denver, CO 80225

Tallahassee, FL 32301 888-ASK-USGS

Additional information about water resources in Florida is available on the World 

Wide Web at http://fl.water.usgs.gov
Contents III

CONTENTS

Abstract .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Purpose and Scope ................................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Organization and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.3 References Used for the Organization and Responsibilities Section ....................................................................... 7

3.0 Program and Project Planning ............................................................................................................................................ 7

3.1 Project Proposals ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Project Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

3.2.1 Review Schedules ....................................................................................................................................... 8

3.2.2 Review Documentation ............................................................................................................................... 9

3.3 References Used in the Program and Project Planning Section ............................................................................... 9

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories ................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.1 Selection and Use of an Analytical Laboratory ...................................................................................................... 10

4.1.1 Selection ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

4.1.2 Requirements for Use ................................................................................................................................. 10

4.2 Laboratories Used by the North Florida Program Office ........................................................................................ 11

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the North Florida Program Office ........................................................ 12

4.3.1 National Water-Quality Laboratory ........................................................................................................... 12

4.3.2 Ocala Water-Quality Service Unit, Ocala, Florida ..................................................................................... 13

4.4 References Used for the Water-Quality Laboratories Section ...................................................................... 14

5.0 Field Service Units, Laboratories and Field Vehicles ....................................................................................................... 14

5.1 Field Service Units and Laboratories ...................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.1 Facility ....................................................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.2 Procedures .................................................................................................................................................. 15

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies ............................................................................................................................. 16

5.2 Water-Quality Field Vehicles .................................................................................................................................. 17

5.3 References Used for the Field Service Units, Laboratories and Field Vehicles ..................................................... 17

6.0 Water-Quality Instruments ................................................................................................................................................ 18

6.1 References Used for the Water-Quality Instruments Section .................................................................................. 19

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation .................................................................................................................................... 20

7.1 Site Selection ........................................................................................................................................................... 20

7.1.1 Surface Water ............................................................................................................................................. 20

7.1.2 Ground Water ............................................................................................................................................. 20

7.1.3 Other Sites .................................................................................................................................................. 20

7.2 Site Documentation ................................................................................................................................................. 21

7.2.1 Surface Water ............................................................................................................................................. 21

7.2.2 Ground Water ............................................................................................................................................. 21

7.2.3 Other Sites .................................................................................................................................................. 23

 7.3 References Used for the Site-Selection and Documentation Section .................................................................... 23

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing .................................................................................................................................... 23

8.1 Constituents in Water .............................................................................................................................................. 24

8.1.1 Field Measurements ................................................................................................................................... 24

8.1.2 Cleaning of Sampling and Processing Equipment ..................................................................................... 27

8.1.3 Surface-Water Sampling ............................................................................................................................ 27

8.1.3.1 Equipment Selection ..................................................................................................................... 28

8.1.3.2 Sample Collection ......................................................................................................................... 28

8.1.4 Ground-Water Sampling ............................................................................................................................ 28

8.1.4.1 Equipment Selection ..................................................................................................................... 29

8.1.4.2 Sample Collection ......................................................................................................................... 29

8.1.5 Precipitation Sampling ............................................................................................................................... 29
IV Contents

8.1.6 Sample Processing ..................................................................................................................................... 30

8.1.6.1 Sample Compositing and Splitting ............................................................................................... 30

8.1.6.2 Sample Filtration ........................................................................................................................... 31

8.1.6.3 Sample Preservation ...................................................................................................................... 31

8.2 Other Types of Water-Quality Samples .................................................................................................................. 31

8.2.1 Biological Sampling ................................................................................................................................... 32

8.2.2 Suspended-Sediment and Bottom-Material Samples ................................................................................. 32

8.3 Quality-Control Samples ......................................................................................................................................... 33

8.4 Safety Issues ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

8.5 References Used for the Sample Collection and Processing Section ..................................................................... 34

9.0 Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking ................................................................................................................. 35

9.1 Preparation for Sampling ........................................................................................................................................ 35

9.2 Onsite Sample Handling and Documentation ......................................................................................................... 36

9.3 Sample processing ................................................................................................................................................... 37

9.4 Sample Shipment and Documentation .................................................................................................................... 38

9.5 Sample Tracking Procedures ................................................................................................................................... 39

9.6 Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Samples ............................................................................................................. 39

9.7 References Used for the Sample Handling and Tracking Section .......................................................................... 39

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management .................................................................................................................................... 40

10.1 Processing Data ..................................................................................................................................................... 40

10.1.1 Continuous Monitoring Data ................................................................................................................... 40

 10.1.2 Analytical Data ....................................................................................................................................... 40

10.1.3 Non-National Water Information System Data Bases ............................................................................. 41

10.2 Validation (Records Review) ................................................................................................................................ 42

10.2.1 Continuous Monitoring Data ................................................................................................................... 42

10.2.2 Analytical Data ........................................................................................................................................ 42

10.3 Data Storage .......................................................................................................................................................... 43

10.4 Records Archival ................................................................................................................................................... 44

10.5 References Used for the Water-Quality Data Management Section ..................................................................... 44

11.0 Publication of Water-Quality Data .................................................................................................................................. 45

11.1 Hydrologic Data Reports ....................................................................................................................................... 45

11.2 Interpretive Reports ............................................................................................................................................... 45

11.3 Other Data Outlets ................................................................................................................................................. 47

11.4 References Used for the Publication Section ........................................................................................................ 47

12.0 Water-Quality Training and Reviews .............................................................................................................................. 48

12.1 Training ................................................................................................................................................................. 48

12.2 Reviews ................................................................................................................................................................. 48

13.0 References ....................................................................................................................................................................... 49

13.1 Internal Documents ............................................................................................................................................... 53

Figures

1. North Florida Program Office organizational chart, December 2000.................................................................................. 4

2. First page of ground-water site schedule form for recording field general site data .......................................................... 22

3. Example first page of a field form for use in recording surface-water field-measurements............................................... 25

4. Example first page of a field form for use in recording ground-water field-measurements............................................... 26

5. Example page from North Florida Program Office sample-collection log book................................................................ 41

6. Example page from North Florida Program Office re-analysis request log book .............................................................. 43

7. Report review process for the Tallahassee Program Office ................................................................................................ 46
Contents V

Tables

1. Summary of references for organization and responsibilities related to quality assurance ................................................. 7

2. Summary of references for program and project planning .................................................................................................. 3

3. Research laboratories used for North Florida Program Office projects ............................................................................. 11

4. Summary of references for selecting and using water-quality laboratories ....................................................................... 14

5. Equipment and instruments provided by Tallahassee Field Preparation Laboratory and quality assurance .................... 15

6. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments in the North Florida Program Office ........................ 16

7. Summary of references for Field Service Units, laboratories, and field vehicles .............................................................. 17

8. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to measure selected parameters in the 

North Florida Program Office .......................................................................................................................................... 19

9. Summary of references for water-quality instruments....................................................................................................... 19

10. ummary of references for site selection and documentation for water-quality programs ................................................ 23

11. Summary of references for collecting and processing biological samples ...................................................................... 32

12. Summary of references for collecting suspended-sediment samples ............................................................................... 33

13. Summary of references used for collecting and processing water-quality samples ......................................................... 34

14. Directions for field rinse of bottles used to contain samples for inorganic constituents ................................................. 36

15. Common organic-compound and inorganic-constituent sample designation codes for the National Water Quality 

Laboratory of the U.S. Geological Survey ....................................................................................................................... 37

16. Recommended sequence for processing samples ............................................................................................................ 38

17. Summary of references for handling and tracking water-quality samples ....................................................................... 39

18. Summary of references for managing water-quality data and records ............................................................................. 44

19. Summary of references for publishing data ..................................................................................................................... 47
1

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality 

Activities in the North Florida Program Office, 

Florida District

Compiled by Marian P. Berndt and Brian G. Katz

ABSTRACT

In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Office of Water Quality in the Water 

Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, a quality-assurance plan has been 

created for use by the Florida District’s North Florida Program Office in conducting 

water-quality activities. This quality-assurance plan documents the standards, policies, 

and procedures used by the North Florida Program Office for activities related to the 

collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of water-quality data. The policies and procedures that are documented in this quality-assurance plan for water-quality 

activities are meant to complement the District quality-assurance plans for surface-water 

and ground-water activities and to supplement the North Florida Program Office qualityassurance plan.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 

1879, to provide a permanent Federal agency to perform the systematic and scientific “classification of the public lands, and examination of the geologic structure, mineral resources, and 

products of the national domain.” The Water Resources Division (WRD) of the USGS is the 

Nation’s principal water-resources information agency. The objectives of the WRD’s Basic 

Hydrologic Data Program are to collect and provide unbiased, scientifically based information 

that describes the quantity and quality of waters in the Nation’s streams, lakes, reservoirs, and 

aquifers. Water-quality activities in the Florida District are part of the WRD’s overall mission 

of appraising the Nation’s water resources. The Florida District has four operational centers, 
2 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

program offices and subdistricts geographically distributed across the State, the North Florida 

Program Office in Tallahassee, Orlando Subdistrict, Tampa Subdistricts, and Miami Subdistricts. This report documents the activities of the North Florida Program Office under the direction of the Assistant District Chief for North Florida Programs.

To address quality-control issues that are related to water-quality activities, the WRD has 

implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure that all scientific work conducted by 

or for the WRD is consistent and of documented quality. The Office of Water Quality (OWQ) 

is responsible for providing a quality-assurance (QA) plan that documents the policies and 

procedures that apply to the water-quality activities in each District in the Division.

A QA plan is a formal document that describes the management policies, objectives, principles, organizational authority, responsibilities, accountability, and implementation procedures 

for ensuring quality. Quality assurance, quality control, and quality assessment are all components of a QA plan. The terms are defined as follows:

Quality assurance (QA)—The systematic management of data-collection systems by 

using prescribed guidelines and criteria for implementing technically approved methods and 

policies. Quality assurance incorporates a comprehensive plan that outlines the overall process 

for providing a product or service that will satisfy the given requirements for quality.

Quality control (QC)—The specific operational techniques and activities used to obtain 

the required quality of data. Quality control consists of the application of technical procedures 

to achieve prescribed standards of performance and to document the quality of collected data. 

Quality-control data that do not meet required standards are used to evaluate and implement 

corrective actions necessary to improve performance to acceptable levels.

Quality assessment—The overall process of assessing the quality of environmental data 

by reviewing (1) the appropriate implementation of QA policies and procedures and (2) analyzing the QC data. Quality assessment encompasses both the measurable and unmeasurable 

factors that affect the quality of environmental data. Assessment of these factors may indicate 

limitations that require modifications to protocols or standard operating procedures for sample 

collection and analysis, or that affect the desired interpretation and use of the environmental 

data.

Quality-assurance, quality-control, and quality-assessment systems complement each 

other to provide a comprehensive QA program that ensures that quality objectives are identified 

and integrated into all levels of water-quality activities. By integrating these components into a 

discipline-wide QA guidance document, the OWQ hopes to enhance water-quality data 

collected by the USGS by providing for the following:

• Consistency in data quality across all levels of the WRD;

• Accountability to clients, the scientific community, regulatory agencies, and the 

general public;

• Comparability of results among samples, sites, and laboratories;

• Traceability from the end product back to its origins, and to all supplementary 

information, through written records;

• Application of appropriate and documented techniques that lead to similar results 

time and again;
3

• Representativeness of the data in describing the actual chemical composition of the 

biological or physical conditions at a sampling site for a given point or period in time; 

and 

• Adequacy of the amount of data obtained to meet data objectives.

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this QA plan for water-quality activities is to document the standards, policies, and procedures used by the North Florida Program Office for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of water-quality data. This plan identifies 

responsibilities for ensuring that stated policies and procedures are carried out. The plan also 

serves as a guide for all North Florida Program Office personnel who are involved in water-quality activities and as a resource for identifying memoranda, publications, and other literature that 

describe associated techniques and requirements in more detail.

The scope of this QA plan includes discussions of the policies and procedures followed by 

the North Florida Program Office for the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and publication of water-quality data. Although procedures and products of interpretive investigations are 

subject to the criteria discussed in this plan, some interpretive investigations may be required to 

have separate and complete QA plans. The policies and procedures documented in this QA plan 

for water-quality activities are intended to complement the North Florida Program Office QA 

plan for surface-water and ground-water activities and supplement the North Florida Program 

Office QA plan.

2.0 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality assurance is an active process of achieving and maintaining high-quality standards 

for water-quality data. Consistent quality requires specific actions that are carried out systematically in accordance with established policies and procedures. Errors and deficiencies can result 

when individuals fail to carry out their responsibilities. Clear and specific statements of responsibilities promote an understanding of each person's duties in the overall process of ensuring the 

quality of water-quality data.

2.1 Organizational Chart

The North Florida Program Office’s organizational structure is similar to those of other 

Districts in the Division, but different program requirements from one District to another 

contribute to the uniqueness of these organizational structures. The following chart illustrates 

the organization of North Florida Program Office personnel.
4 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Figure 1. North Florida Program Office organizational chart, December 2000.
5

2.2 Responsibilities

The final responsibility for the preparation and implementation of and adherence to the 

QA policies that are described in this QA plan lies with the District Chief and the Chief of the 

North Florida Program Office (Schroder and Shampine, 1992, p. 7). Following is a list of 

responsibilities for selected Florida District and North Florida Program Office personnel who 

are involved in the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of water-quality 

data.

The District Chief and designated management personnel are responsible for:

1. Managing and directing the Florida District program, including designation of personnel 

responsible for managing all water-quality activities; 

2. Ensuring that water-quality activities in the Florida District meet the needs of the Federal 

government, the Florida District, cooperating State and local agencies, and the general 

public;

3. Providing final resolution, in consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist, of any conflicts 

or disputes related to water-quality activities within the Florida District; and

4. Keeping subordinates briefed on procedural and technical communications from regional and 

Headquarters offices.

The Chief of the North Florida Program Office and designated management 

personnel are responsible for:

1. Managing and directing the North Florida Program Office program, including designation of 

personnel responsible for managing all water-quality activities; 

2. Ensuring that water-quality activities in the North Florida Program Office meet the needs of 

the Federal government, the North Florida Program Office, cooperating State and local 

agencies, and the general public; and 

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan are understood and followed by North Florida 

Program Office personnel. This is accomplished by direct involvement of the Chief of the 

North Florida Program Office or through clearly stated delegation of this responsibility to 

other personnel in the North Florida Program Office.

4. Providing final resolution, in consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist, of any conflicts 

or disputes related to water-quality activities within the North Florida Program Office;

5. Keeping subordinates briefed on procedural and technical communications from regional and 

Headquarters offices;

6. Participating in technical reviews of all water-quality programs on a quarterly basis; and

7. Ensuring that all publications and other technical communications released by North Florida 

Program Office personnel are accurate and comply with USGS policy.
6 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

The District Water-Quality Specialist or designated representative is responsible for: 

1. Ensuring that water-quality activities in the North Florida Program Office meet the needs of 

the Federal government, the North Florida Program Office, cooperating State and local 

agencies, and the general public;

2. Preparing and implementing the North Florida Program Office water-quality QA plan;

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan are understood and followed by North Florida 

Program Office personnel. This is accomplished by the Water-Quality Specialist’s direct 

involvement;

4. Keeping North Florida Program Office personnel briefed on procedural and technical 

communications from regional and Headquarters offices;

5. Participating in technical reviews of all North Florida Program Office water-quality programs 

on a quarterly basis;

6. Ensuring that all publications and other technical communications released by the North 

Florida Program Office that relate to and include water-quality information are accurate 

and comply with USGS policy; and

7. Ensuring that the North Florida Program Office QA plan is reviewed and revised at least once 

every 3 years to document current responsibilities, methodologies, and ongoing procedural 

improvements.

The project chief is responsible for:

1. Managing and directing the project’s field and laboratory water-quality activities;

2. Ensuring that the project’s field and laboratory water-quality activities meet the needs of the 

Federal government, the North Florida Program Office, cooperating State and local 

agencies, and the general public; 

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan that pertain to the project’s field and laboratory 

water-quality activities are understood and followed by project personnel;

4. Obtaining guidance, as appropriate, for project quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) 

activities from the District Water-Quality Specialist; and

5. Ensuring that QA/QC activities are properly carried out by the project staff.

The Data Base Manager is responsible for:

1. Maintaining North Florida Program Office data bases including GWSI, ADAPS, and 

QWDATA.

2. Creating site files, entering data, processing incoming sampling results, and tracking data 

from NWQL and Quality of Water Service Unit (QWSU) in Ocala, Fla., for above data 

bases.

3. Participating in technical reviews of North Florida Program Office water-quality programs on 

a quarterly basis; and

4. Answering requests for data from North Florida Program Office staff, other USGS personnel, 

other governmental entities, and the public.
7

2.3 References Used for the Organization and Responsibilities Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

3.0 PROGRAM AND PROJECT PLANNING

The Chief of the North Florida Program Office has primary responsibility for overall 

North Florida Program Office program planning and is responsible for ensuring that North Florida Program Office projects are supportive of District and national priorities. All water-quality 

projects require review and approval prior to the commencement of work. Quality-assurance 

requirements should be integrated into the project proposal. Whether or not a separate QA plan 

will be required for a water-quality project will depend on the complexity of the work, the needs 

of the North Florida Program Office or cooperator, or other criteria as described in Shampine 

and others (1992).

3.1 Project Proposals

Project proposals are developed at the local level in response to requests by cooperating 

agencies, needs recognized by the WRD in working closely with other agencies, or national 

programs. North Florida Program Office proposals conform to the format required by the Southeast Region.

Each proposal must (l) state the problem or need for the study, (2) define objectives—what 

will be done to help solve the problem, and (3) define the approach—how work will be done to 

accomplish the objectives and (4) describe the relevance of the study to the mission of the 

USGS. The approach consists of a detailed outline of the data-collection activities to be carried 

out (if new data are needed), the QA plans, the QC information needed, and the analytical techniques to be used. Project report plans, cost estimates, time schedules, and personnel requirements also are addressed. Consultation with regional and divisional specialists is encouraged in 

the preparation of proposals and in the execution of projects.

Review of project proposals is given high priority. Project proposals are reviewed by the 

Discipline Specialists, the Administrative Officer, the Assistant Chief, and the District Chief. 

At the discretion of the District Chief, proposals may be sent to other Districts for review. 

The Southeastern Region provides final review and approval of all project proposals.

Table 1. Summary of references for organization and responsibilities related to quality assurance

Reference Subject

Schroder and Shampine, 1992 Guidelines for preparing a quality-assurance plan.

Shampine and others, 1992 Integrating quality assurance into project workplans.
8 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

The project chief prepares a detailed workplan that identifies all project work elements and 

the related technical methods and approaches that are necessary to satisfy project objectives. 

The workplan links project personnel, tasks, and functions with associated funds and indicates 

the projected dates for on-time completion of project elements and, ultimately, the project. 

Workplans for water-quality programs and projects, including programs and projects with 

water-quality components, should clearly state how the North Florida Program Office’s 

“Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities” will be implemented.

Descriptions of the methods and approaches to be used to complete the technical elements 

of the project are required and include, for example, the design of environmental sample collection to meet the study objectives. The plan lists the environmental sampling locations and 

frequency, a description of the sample types and their expected uses, and descriptions of 

laboratory tests.

Workplans also include a description of the design of QC sampling that is required to 

document bias and variability in the environmental data. The workplan lists QC sample types, 

the frequency of collection, and their intended uses. The types of QC samples that typically are 

collected include blanks and spikes to estimate bias and replicates to estimate variability 

(Mueller and others, 1997). 

Workplans state anticipated methods for data analysis and presentation, including report 

plans. Accurate cost estimates are needed for personnel, materials, and services related to 

planned completion dates for properly budgeting the project. Assuring the availability of project 

personnel is often difficult and can impose serious constraints on completing project tasks; 

therefore, North Florida Program Office management should be consulted to ensure adequate 

staff resources and to avoid the over-commitment of individuals to multiple projects. The 

project timeline lists major project elements and planned completion dates.

3.2 Project Review

Project reviews are conducted periodically by North Florida Program Office management, 

technical advisors, or discipline specialists to ensure compliance with the project workplan or 

proposal. Project reviews are used to ensure that data collection, analysis, and reporting are 

being done in accordance with the workplan and with broader North Florida Program Office 

policies and requirements. Quality-assurance activities with respect to project reviews are 

outlined in the next section.

3.2.1 Review Schedules

The North Florida Program Office has developed and implemented a review schedule for 

evaluating the technical development and progress of water-quality programs and projects, such 

as quarterly reviews or the 10-, 40-, 70-percent (10/40/70) project-completion milestones. 

Regularly planned reviews ensure that water-quality programs or projects are conducted efficiently to produce quality products on time. Informal reviews are part of ongoing quality assurance, whereby problems and related issues are addressed as they arise.
9

3.2.2 Review Documentation

The North Florida Program Office has developed a method for documenting program and 

project reviews. The following information should be included in program and project review 

documentation: 

• Date of review

• Type of review (quarterly, 10/40/70, discipline)

• Names of reviewers and(or) attendees

• Responses to recommended action items from the last review

• Status, plans, and problems with data collection, data analysis, and report writing

• Major findings

• Cooperator/customer contacts

• Project-related training needs

• Recommended follow-up or action items

• Date for next review

The North Florida Program Office archives all review comments that address the presence 

or absence of project deficiencies, all actions or recommendations for fixing deficiencies, or 

documentation explaining why a fix cannot be made. The files relating to review documentation 

are maintained by the Secretary in the Administrative Services Section and stored in files in the 

Secretary’s office.

3.3 References Used in the Program and Project Planning Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

4.0 WATER-QUALITY LABORATORIES

Two of the most critical issues for a long-term, national water-quality program are data 

comparability and data consistency. Because of the inherent variability among laboratories, one 

of the best ways to provide comparability and consistency is to use a single laboratory as much 

as is practical. 

Table 2. Summary of references for program and project planning

[NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment Program]

Reference Subject

Mueller and others, 1997 Example of QC sample design used by NAWQA for surface-water sampling.

Shampine and others, 1992 Integrating quality-assurance into project workplans.
10 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

4.1 Selection and Use of an Analytical Laboratory

The National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) was established as the laboratory to meet 

the needs of the WRD, and it is the required laboratory for use in all WRD national water-quality 

programs (WRD Memorandum 92.036). However, there are conditions for selecting a laboratory other than the NWQL. The Florida District operates the Ocala Quality of Water Service 

Unit (QWSU) in Ocala, Fla., which is frequently used for Florida District and North Florida 

Program Office projects and is discussed in Section 4.3.2.

4.1.1 Selection

 Contract or cooperator laboratories can be used when the cooperative agreement designates a laboratory other than the NWQL or when analytical services are required that cannot be 

provided by the NWQL. Research laboratories can be used for developing analytical techniques 

or to provide data for research purposes, and these laboratories are generally exempt from 

approval requirements that other laboratories must meet (WRD Memorandum 92.035; OWQ 

Technical Memorandum 98.03). North Florida Program Office laboratories generally can be 

used when analyses must be done within a few hours of sample collection and cannot be done 

conveniently in the field.

4.1.2 Requirements for Use

 All laboratories that provide analytical services to the WRD for non-research purposes 

must meet the requirements of the WRD, as described in WRD Memorandum 92.035, before 

any analytical data can be stored in the WRD National Water Information System (NWIS) data 

base (discussed in Section 10) or published by the WRD. Laboratories affected by this policy 

include those that provide chemical, biological, radiochemical, stable isotope, or sediment 

analytical services. The Water Quality Specialist is responsible for assuring that all laboratories 

providing analytical services to the North Florida Program Office have met the requirements for 

approval. These laboratories must do the following:

1. Use approved and published analytical methods—Analytical methods must be approved and 

published by one of the following sources: USGS; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(USEPA); American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and 

Water Environmental Federation (Standard Methods); or American Society for Testing and 

Materials (ASTM). The publication of the method must include documentation for the analytical techniques and chemical processes plus the expected data quality. If a specific analytical method not published by the sources listed above is requested for a specific project, 

it is the responsibility of the WRD office requesting the analysis to have the method 
11

approved based on requirements specified in WRD Memorandum 82.028 before the analytical data from this method are published and(or) stored in the USGS national data base.

2. Have standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for analytical methods—All analytical methods 

must have documented SOP’s that are approved in accordance with procedures contained 

in the laboratory QA plan.

3. Have an approved laboratory QA plan—The laboratory must have an approved QA plan that 

is supplied to WRD customers upon request. The laboratory QA plan should provide 

internal guidance and documentation that will ensure the laboratory is operating under a 

standardized, rigorous QA program and is producing analytical results of a known and 

documented quality. The laboratory QA plan should describe QA activities, QC procedures 

and requirements, performance acceptance criteria, and required corrective actions that will 

be taken if the criteria are not met.

4. Have a documented QC program that provides the data necessary to continuously track the 

bias and variability of analytical data. All QC information, such as QC charts, analysis of 

laboratory QC samples, calibration records, and analyst bench logs should be maintained 

for at least 3 years and be available to WRD customers.

5. Demonstrate the ability to provide the analytical services required—Laboratories can 

demonstrate the ability to provide the required analytical services by participation in 

existing USGS or non-USGS certification/evaluation/round-robin programs or by 

documentation of similar projects (OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03). The USGS 

Standard Reference Sample (SRS) round-robin program is required for analytes included 

in the SRS samples.

4.2 Laboratories Used by the North Florida Program Office

The laboratories used for analytical services by North Florida Program Office projects that 

cannot be provided by the NWQL or the QWSU are shown in table 3. These research laboratories were used to provide data for research purposes, and these laboratories are generally 

exempt from approval requirements that other laboratories must meet (WRD Memorandum 

92.035; OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03). Each of the laboratories used by the North 

Florida Program Office are operated by USGS personnel in Reston, Va., and Menlo Park, Calif.

Table 3. Research laboratories used for North Florida Program Office projects

Project Analytical laboratory Laboratory contact Dates used

Various USGS Reston isotope fractionation Tyler Coplen 1990-2000

Various USGS Menlo Park strontium and 

boron isotope

T.D. Bullen 1996-2000

Various USGS Reston chlorofluorocarbon 

and dissolved gases

L.N. Plummer 1991-2000
12 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the North Florida Program Office

The methods used, laboratory QA plan, and QC program can be obtained from the laboratory contact listed in table 3.

4.3.1 National Water-Quality Laboratory

1. Methods used—The NWQL uses approved methods for determination of organic, inorganic, 

and radioactive substances in water, sediments, and biological tissues. The methods used 

include methods approved by the USGS, USEPA, the American Public Health Association, 

the American Water Works Association, the Water Environmental Federation, and the 

ASTM. A list of some published reports on analytical methods currently used at the NWQL 

can be found on the World Wide Web at http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/Public/ref_list.html. 

Analytical methods from the USEPA can be found on the World Wide Webb at http://

www.epa.gov/epahome/publications.htm. Analytical methods from the ASTM can be 

found on the World Wide Web at http://www.astm.org.

2. QA plan—The NWQL quality-assurance plan is contained in Pritt and Raese (1995). 

3. QC program—Quality control at the NWQL is monitored by three programs: (1) the internal 

blind sample program, (2) the external blind sample program, and (3) bench level QC 

samples. Information about QC program at NWQL can be obtained at the following World 

Wide Web location: http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/Public/pubs/QC_Fact/text.html. 

Information about the external blind sample program can be found at the following World 

Wide Web location:http://btdqs.usgs.gov/bsp/Fact.Sheet.html.

4. Performance evaluation studies and certification programs—The NWQL participates in 

performance evaluation studies and laboratory certification programs. Information on 

NWQL evaluation studies can be obtained at http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/USGS/

Performance/perf_eval.html.

5. Laboratory reviews—External agencies and customer organizations audit the NWQL to 

assess analytical methods and QA/QC programs. Information on NWQL audits can be 

obtained on the World Wide Web at http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/USGS/Performance/

perf_eval.html.

6. Miscellaneous services—Information about and access to other services offered by the 

NWQL can be found on the World Wide Web home page at http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/

USGS/USGS_gen.html. The services offered include but are not limited to the following:

Biological unit

Chain-of-custody procedures

Contract services

External performance evaluations

Laboratory services catalogue

Methods Research and Development Program

Organic spike kits

Publications

Quality assurance of selected field supplies

SPiN (schedules, parameters, and network record)

Technical memoranda
13

4.3.2 Ocala Water-Quality Service Unit, Ocala, Florida

1. Methods used—The QWSU uses approved methods for determination of organic and inorganic substances in water. The methods used include methods approved by the USGS, 

USEPA, the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association, 

the Water Environmental Federation, and the ASTM. A list of analytical methods currently 

used at the QWSU can be found on the World Wide Web at http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/ and in 

the document prepared by the Florida District, "Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan,”

for the 2000 fiscal year, available on the World Wide Web at 

http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html. Analytical methods from the USEPA can be 

found on the World Wide Web at http://www.epa.gov./epahome/publications.htm. Analytical methods from the ASTM can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.astm.org.

2. QA Plan—The QWSU QA plan is described in the Florida District’s Comprehensive Quality 

Assurance Plan," available on the World Wide Web at 

http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html.

3. QC program—The QWSU QC program is described in section 11.0 "Quality Control 

Checks,” in the Florida District’s Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan, available on the 

World Wide Web at http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html.

4. Performance evaluation studies and certification programs—The QWSU participates in 

performance evaluation studies and laboratory certification programs. Information on these 

studies are described in section 14.0, "Performance and System Audits,” in the Florida 

District’s Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan, 1999, available on the World Wide Web 

at http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html.

5. Laboratory reviews—The USGS Branch of Quality Systems (BQS) reviews the QWSU’s 

analytical section every 2 years. The BQS prepares reports which are distributed to the 

District Chief, the laboratory director and the Regional Hydrologist. A listing of the aspects 

of laboratory operations reviewed are available in section 14.0, in the Florida District’s 

Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan, available or on the World Wide Web at 

http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html.

6. Miscellaneous services—Information about and access to other services offered by the 

QWSU can be found on the QWSU hompage on the World Wide Web at 

http://qwsu.er.usgs.gov/.
14 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

4.4 References Used for the Water-Quality Laboratories Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report

5.0 FIELD SERVICE UNITS, LABORATORIES AND FIELD VEHICLES

The North Florida Program Office maintains laboratory facilities, such as a Field Service 

Unit and field vehicles for use in preparing equipment for field activities, processing samples, 

performing sample analysis, and preparing samples for shipment to analytical laboratories. This 

section documents the North Florida Program Office’s criteria for maintaining and operating 

these facilities.

5.1 Field Service Units and Laboratories

The Tallahassee Field Preparation Laboratory assists and supports water-quality activities 

by providing field instrumentation maintenance and calibration, preparations for sample collection, and QA for these activities.

5.1.1 Facility

The North Florida Program Office maintains a Field Preparation Laboratory located in the 

U.S. Geological Survey offices at 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee, Fla. The Tallahassee Field 

Preparation Laboratory contains laboratory benches, glassware, sinks, chemical storage cabinets, 

and other equipment and instruments listed in table 5. The Laboratory Manager has responsibility 

for maintenance of the Tallahassee Field Preparation Laboratory and QA of the equipment and 

instruments. The facility is maintained in accordance with standards set forth in the Florida 

District’s Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan available on the World Wide Web at http://

qwsu.er.usgs.gov/qwsucomp.html and Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01).

Table 4. Summary of references for selecting and using water-quality laboratories

Reference Subject

OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03 

(USGS)

Policy for the evaluation and approval of production analytical laboratories.

Pritt and Raese, 1995 Quality assurance/quality control manual—NWQL.

WRD Memorandum 82.028 (USGS) Acceptability and use of water-quality analytical methods.

WRD Memorandum 92.035 (USGS) Policy for approval of all laboratories providing analytical services to the WRD for 

non-research purposes.

WRD Memorandum 92.036 (USGS) Policy of the WRD on the use of laboratories by national water-quality programs.
15

5.1.2 Procedures 

The Tallahassee Field Preparation Laboratory is managed by the Laboratory Manager. 

This person is responsible for maintaining the laboratory space, supplies, and equipment listed 

above. The unit maintains QA records of laboratory equipment and supplies, such as calibration 

standards, chemical reagents, sample preservatives, and sample bottles that are provided to field 

personnel. The Laboratory Manager and project chiefs (or their designees) are responsible for 

repair and maintenance of project water-quality equipment and instruments. The Safety and 

Occupational Health Manager oversees the North Florida Program Office waste-disposal practices to ensure that procedures are in compliance with State and Federal regulations. The unit 

operations comply with the North Florida Program Office chemical-hygiene plan. The operation 

of the unit is reviewed annually by the Water-Quality Specialist and every 3 years by the OWQ.

Table 5. Equipment and instruments provided by Tallahassee Field 

Preparation Laboratory and quality assurance

[OWQ, Office of Water Quality; NA, not applicable]

Laboratory equipment Quality assurance 

Laboratory balance Calibration checked annually.

Refrigerator at 4 °C Temperature monitored weekly.

Fume hoods (two) Calibrated annually.

Supply of deionized water Maintained per OWQ Tech. Memo 92.01.

Ventilated acid cabinets NA

Wash sink NA

Metering pump, valveless, piston type NA

Lab pH and specific conductance meter Calibrated each use.
16 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies

It is the responsibility of project chiefs (or their designees) or the Laboratory Manager to 

order, store, and quality assure the field supplies, equipment and instruments as needed by field 

personnel.

Table 6. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments in the North Florida 

Program Office

[QWSU, Ocala Quality of Water Service Unit; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; FISP, Federal 

interagency Sedimentaion Project]

Supplies, equipment, and

 instruments Source and guidelines for quality assurance Responsible employee

Sample bottles Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Coolers/shipping containers Purchased from QWSU.

OWQ Tech. Memo 92.06.

Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Sample preservatives Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

pH calibration standards Commercially prepared buffers, traceable to NIST 

Standard Reference Material. Purchased from QWSU.

Laboratory Manager.

Specific conductance calibration standards Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager.

Blank water for QA Purchased from QWSU or NWQL. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Deionized water Made using deionizing columns as per 

OWQ Tech. Memo 92.01.

Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Bottom sediment samplers Purchased from FISP. Project chief or designee.

Suspended sediment samplers Purchased from FISP. Project chief or designee.

Isokinetic water-quality samplers Purchased from FISP. Project chief or designee.

Weighted bottle sampler Purchased from FISP. Project chief or designee.

Point samplers Purchased from FISP. Project chief or designee.

Bailers, teflon Purchased from commercial supplier using guidelines 

outlined in Koterba and others (1995).

Project chief or designee.

Pumps Purchased from commercial supplier using guidelines 

outlined in Koterba and others (1995).

Project chief or designee.

Splitting devices Purchased from QWSU. Project chief.

Specific conductance meters Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

pH meters Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Dissolved oxygen meters Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.

Thermometers Purchased from QWSU. Laboratory Manager or 

project chief.
17

5.2 Water-Quality Field Vehicles

Field vehicles refer to all vehicles that are designed, designated, and outfitted for use during 

water-quality sample-collection and processing activities at or near sample-collection sites. 

The North Florida Program Office maintains vehicles designated for water-quality sample 

collection and processing. If a non-designated vehicle must be used for water-quality work, 

portable processing and preservation chambers are used for sample processing, and extra 

QC samples are collected to document that the data have not been compromised. Refer to 

the USGS National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data for guidance 

(USGS Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations (TWRI), book 9, chaps. A1-A9: 

Lane and Fay, 1998; Myers and Sylvester, 1997; Lane and Fay, 1998; Radtke, 1998; Wilde 

and others 1998a-c and 1999a,b; and Wilde and Radtke, 1998).

A field vehicle is designated as a water-quality field vehicle when it meets criteria to maintain a non-contaminating environment for the constituents being sampled. The work area must 

be maintained to eliminate sources of sample contamination. Specifications for vehicles used 

when sampling for water-quality constituents are discussed by Horowitz and others (1994) and 

in the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1998b) and include the following: 

• Materials used for cabinets, storage, and work surfaces must be easy to maintain, 

made of or covered with non-contaminating materials, and such that they can be 

cleaned with water or solvents as appropriate. Cargo must be restricted to equipment 

and supplies related to water-quality sample collection unless stored in a separate 

compartment. No potentially contaminating equipment or supplies, such as sounding 

weights, solvents, fuel, etc., may be transported in the interior compartment of the 

vehicle.

• A dust barrier exists between the cab and work area of the vehicle.

The project chiefs (or their designee) are responsible for vehicle maintenance, for maintaining the suitability of the vehicle for water-quality sample collection, and for keeping the 

vehicle supplied.

5.3 References Used for the Field Service Units, Laboratories and Field Vehicles

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the report.

Table 7. Summary of references for Field Service Units, laboratories, and field vehicles

Reference Subject

Branch of Operations Technical (OP) 

Memorandum 91.01 (USGS)

Safety—Chemical-Hygiene Plan.

Horowitz and others, 1994 Protocol for collecting and processing samples for inorganic analysis.

NWQL Memorandum 92.01 (USGS) Availability of equipment blank water for inorganics and organics.

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01 (USGS) Distilled/deionized water for North Florida Program Office operations.

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.06 (USGS) Recommended guidelines for shipping samples to the NWQL.

Wilde and others, 1998b Guidelines for field vehicles.
18 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

6.0 WATER-QUALITY INSTRUMENTS

The North Florida Program Office complies with the WRD policy of providing personnel 

with high-quality field instruments and equipment that are safe, precise, accurate, durable, reliable, and capable of performing required tasks (WRD Memorandum 95.35). Accordingly, 

appropriate instruments for use in water-quality projects in the North Florida Program Office 

should be selected based upon the specifications described in the USGS "National Field Manual 

for the Collection of Water-Quality Data" (TWRI book 9, chaps. A1-A9) and the requirements 

of the project. The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), which provides analyses of precision and bias for water-quality instruments, also should be consulted for recommendations when 

appropriate. Consultation with the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, the National WaterQuality Laboratory, and the Quality of Water Service Unit should be done if project personnel 

need assistance with the selection or use of equipment. 

All instruments used by North Florida Program Office personnel for water-quality 

measurements are to be properly operated, maintained, and calibrated. For correct operation of 

any field or laboratory equipment, the manufacturer’s operating guidelines should be carefully 

followed. Most instruments will be calibrated in the field prior to making the sample measurements, as described below. Information regarding the preparation and storage of calibration 

standards is provided in Section 5.0 of this QA plan. 

Thorough documentation of all calibration activities associated with water-quality data 

collection is a critical element of the North Florida Program Office QA program. Calibration 

and maintenance records of field equipment, including the manufacturer, make, model, and 

serial or property number are to be kept. Log books are stored in the Tallahassee Field Preparation Laboratory. Similar records for North Florida Program Office laboratory equipment are to 

be kept by the Laboratory Manager. Information that is required to be included with the calibration and maintenance records includes the date, initials and last name of the individual performing the activity, results of calibration or equipment check, and any actions taken. Calibration and 

maintenance records are checked for completeness and accuracy annually by the Water Quality 

Specialist.

Recommended procedures for the use of single or multiparameter continuous monitoring 

have been outlined in draft guidelines by the Office of Water Quality (R.J. Wagner, Hydrologist, 

written commun., downloaded from USGS internal web page http://water.usgs.gov/usgs/owq/

wqm.html, on July 24, 2000). This document covers all aspects of such monitoring, including 

guidelines for site selection, installation, frequency of inspection and servicing, and documentation required. Site selection and installation are based on purpose of data collection. Installation guidelines are similar to those for selecting a gage site. The maintenance and servicing 

frequency is governed by the sensor stability. Inspection of the site consists of: (1) record initial 

sensor reading; (2) service the sensor; (3) record “cleaned” sensor readings; and (4) record final 

sensor reading. All information should be carefully noted in a field notebook.

Table 8 provides summary information regarding the calibration methods, acceptance 

criteria, calibration frequency and location, responsible employees, and references for specific 

instructions for the calibration and use of water-quality instruments to measure selected parameters in the North Florida Program Office.
19

6.1 References Used for the Water-Quality Instruments Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 8. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to measure selected 

parameters in the North Florida Program Office

[NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology]

Parameter Calibration

method used

Acceptance criteria and 

response if not 

acceptable

Calibration 

frequency and 

location

Responsible 

person

Reference for 

calibration 

and use

Temperature NIST-certified 

thermometer

Thermometers must be 

within 0.2 degrees Celsius 

of calibration at 3 points 

from 0 to 40 degrees 

Celsius, thermistors must 

be at 5 points; if not 

replace. 

Semi-annually in 

laboratory.

Field personnel or 

laboratory manager.

Wilde and Radtke, 

1998, chap. A6, 

section 6.1.2; see 

manufacturer’s 

instructions.

Specific 

conductance 

At least two 

standards, 

bracketing 

expected values

Acceptable range is 

within 5 percent; if not 

then clean or replace 

probe.

Daily in field, if 

appropriate, prior to 

taking measurements.

Field personnel or 

laboratory manager,

as appropriate.

Wilde and Radtke, 

1998, chap. A6; 

see manufacturer’s 

instructions.

pH Two-point 

calibration, 

bracketing 

expected values

Acceptable range, calculated slope must be within 

5 percent of theoretical 

slope;if not clean or 

replace probe.

Daily in field, if 

appropriate, prior to 

taking measurements.

Field personnel or 

laboratory manager,

as appropriate.

Wilde and Radtke, 

1998, chap. A6; 

see manufacturer’s 

instructions.

Dissolved 

oxygen 

Air calibration 

in water for zero 

dissolved oxygen check

Aacceptable range; zero 

should be <0.2 mg/L; 

+\- 0.3 mg/L is the 

stablilization criteria; if 

not change membrane, 

batteries or probe.

Prior to taking measurements at each sampling 

site in field or laboratory, as appropriate.

Field personnel or 

laboratory manager,

as appropriate.

Wilde and Radtke, 

1998, chap. A6; 

see manufacturer’s 

instructions.

Barometric 

pressure

Mercury 

barometer

Acceptable range is 

within 5 millimeters 

Hg; if not replace.

Quarterly. Laboratory manager 

or field personnel.

See manufacturer’s instructions.

Table 9. Summary of references for water-quality instruments

Reference Subject

Wilde and Radtke, 1998 Calibration of water-quality instruments.

WRD Memorandum 95.35 (USGS) Instrumentation plan for the WRD and the hydrologic field 

instrumentation and equipment policy and guidelines.
20 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

7.0 SITE SELECTION AND DOCUMENTATION

Deciding where to sample is an important initial step toward achieving project objectives and 

meeting North Florida Program Office QA/QC requirements. Once a site is selected, thorough 

documentation, usually in the form of a station description, is required. 

7.1 Site Selection

 Site selection for sampling is important to the validity of water-quality data. Selection of a 

suitable site can be made only after considering a number of factors, including the need for information in a particular location, the suitability of a site for sampling, and its accessibility and safety. 

Specific guidelines for site selection are contained in Wilde and others (1998a, chap. A1) and 

Schroder and Shampine (1995). The project chief is responsible for the selection of sampling sites, 

after consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist and the Surface-water or Ground-water 

Specialist, as appropriate.

7.1.1 Surface Water

If possible, water-quality stations are located at or near streamflow-gaging stations. If this is 

not possible, the water-quality station should be located where the stream discharge can be 

measured and water samples can be collected at all stages of flow to be monitored. If the waterquality station is located too close downstream from either the confluence of two or more streams 

or a point source of pollution, the collection of a representative sample may be difficult because 

of incomplete mixing. Under such conditions, the criteria for the minimum number of vertical 

transects sampled may need to be increased, and lateral mixing should be documented with crosssectional surveys at various stages.

7.1.2 Ground Water

The selection of wells for ground-water sampling is dependent on many variables, including 

location, depth and accessibility of the well, type of well completion, availability of geologic and 

water-use information, and sampling purpose(s). If suitable existing wells cannot be found, new 

wells will need to be installed.

7.1.3 Other Sites

The selection of sites for estuary sampling is dependent on many variables, including project 

and sampling objectives, location, size and depth of the estuary, and presence or absence of various 

flow regimes. More specific guidelines for site selection are available in a draft document from the 

Office of Water Quality describing the guidelines for continuous water-quality monitors 

(R.J. Wagner, Hydrologist, written commun., 2000) which are frequent sampling means used in 

estuaries. 
21

Guidelines for selection and establishment of sites for wet and dry deposition can be found 

in the report documenting protocols for establishment of sites for the National Atmospheric 

Deposition Program (Dossett and Bowersox, 1999).

7.2 Site Documentation

The project chief constructs a site file containing descriptive information on location, 

conditions, purpose, and ancillary information for all new water-quality data-collection sites 

(Schroder and Shampine, 1995). Much of this information also is stored electronically in 

computerized site files maintained by the Data Base Manager. The project chief and supervisor 

are responsible for assuring that the site file is maintained for each data-collection site. 

Archiving of this information is discussed in Section 10.4.

7.2.1 Surface Water

A station description is prepared for each water-quality station that is sampled on a regular 

or periodic basis. Sites established at existing surface-water gaging stations commonly will need 

only supplemental information to complete the description. Other surface-water sites, such as 

lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters, may require varying amounts of supplemental information 

to complete the station descriptions. Normally, the minimum electronically stored information 

required for a surface-water station record is dictated by the NWIS software used by the North 

Florida Program Office. The minimum information required for establishing electronic files in 

NWIS for surface water is listed in table 1-1 in Wilde and others, 1998a (chap. A1). 

7.2.2 Ground Water

A well file (analogous to a surface-water station description) is prepared for each well that 

is sampled on a regular or periodic basis. Normally, the minimum electronically stored information required for a ground-water-quality site is dictated by the NWIS software used by the North 

Florida Program Office. The minimum information required for establishing electronic files in 

NWIS is listed in table 1-4 in Wilde and others (1998a). Paper documents, such as agreements 

for use of the well between the well owner and USGS, also should be stored in the well file. The 

first page of the ground-water site schedule form for recording general site data is shown in 

figure 2. Additional guidelines are used for the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) 

program and are fully outlined in Lapham and others (1995).
22 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Figure 2. First page of ground-water site schedule form for recording field general site data.
23

7.2.3 Other Sites

The site description for continuous water-quality monitor collection sites in estuaries 

includes: location of station, station history, equipment used at the site, relation to adjacent 

benchmarks, cross-sectional measurements, purpose of site, maps, photographs, permits, and 

safety hazards (R.J. Wagner, USGS hydrologist, written commun., 2000). Documentation of 

precipitation collection sites for the National Atmospheric Depostion Program is described in 

Dossett and Bowersox (1999). All sites established according to these guidelines are required to 

use specific monitoring and collection equipment.

7.3 References Used for the Site-Selection and Documentation Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

8.0 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING

Water-quality data collected by the USGS are used by agencies throughout Federal, State, 

and local governments to establish laws and policies concerning the appropriate and efficient 

management of water resources for the Nation. Water-quality data are collected as part of such 

Federal programs as the National Stream-Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the 

NAWQA program, as well as cooperative projects jointly funded by local or State agencies, and 

are a vital component of water-resources activities performed by the USGS and the North Florida Program Office.

The primary objective in collecting a water-quality sample is to obtain environmental data 

that are representative of the system that is being studied. Sampling and processing techniques 

for specific constituents may vary according to the general class of compound, such as inorganic 

or organic chemicals. If incorrect sampling procedures produce a nonrepresentative sample, or 

if the sample is contaminated or degraded before analysis can be completed, the value of the 

sample is limited and the data are questionable. Therefore, compliance with documented and 

technically approved sample-collection and processing protocols is critical to ensuring the quality of water-quality data. 

Table 10. Summary of references for site selection and documentation for water-quality programs

Reference Subject

Dossett and Bowersox, 1999 National trends network site operation manual for the National 

Atmospheric Deposition Program.

Lapham and others, 1995 Ground-water data-collection protocol for the National Water-Quality Assessment 

Program: selection, installation, and documentation of wells.

Schroder and Shampine, 1995 Guidelines for documenting new water-quality data-collection sites.

Wagner, R.J., written commun., 2000 Guidelines for use of continuous water-quality monitors.

Wilde and others, 1998a Establishing electronic NWIS files for surface- and ground-water data.
24 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Policy of the North Florida Program Office mandates that all personnel involved in 

collecting and processing water-quality data will be adequately informed and trained regarding 

water-quality data-collection and processing procedures established by the WRD. Because of 

rapid changes in technology, however, new and improved methods for sample collection and 

processing are continually being developed. All North Florida Program Office personnel who 

are involved in water-quality sampling must be aware of changing requirements and recommendations. The Water-Quality Specialist or an appropriate designee is responsible for providing 

current information to field personnel on the correct protocols to follow in collecting and 

processing water-quality samples.

8.1 Constituents in Water

Most studies that are designed to evaluate the water quality of an aquatic system are based 

upon analyses of physical and chemical parameters associated with the water. Physical parameters generally are measured in the field, whereas most chemical parameters require laboratory 

analysis. This section of the QA plan includes an overview of relevant North Florida Program 

Office and WRD policies, as well as references for specific procedures pertaining to the 

measurement of field parameters and the collection and processing of samples for water-quality 

analysis. Information in this section is drawn primarily from the National Field Manuals—a 

TWRI that describes in greater detail the policies and procedures for collecting and processing 

water-quality samples in the WRD (Lane and Fay, 1998; Myers and Sylvester, 1997; Radtke, 

1998; Wilde and others 1998a-c; Wilde and others, 1999a,b; Wilde and Radtke, 1998). Additional sources of information include manuals published by the NAWQA Program (Shelton, 

1994; Koterba and others, 1995). The project proposal and workplan also should be consulted 

for specific guidelines for field personnel regarding details of sample collection and processing.

8.1.1 Field Measurements

Routine field measurements include temperature, dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentration, 

specific conductance (conductivity), pH, and alkalinity. Other types of measurements that also 

may be necessary for specific projects include acid neutralizing capacity, and turbidity. North 

Florida Program Office procedures for collecting field measurements in surface- and groundwater systems are from chapter A6 of the National Field Manual (Wilde and Radtke, 1998). 

Field measurements should represent, as closely as possible, the natural conditions of the system 

at the time of sampling. To ensure quality of the measurements, calibration within the range of 

field conditions at each site is required for most instruments.

Field-measurement data must be recorded while in the field, including methods, equipment, and calibration information. Field-measurement data can be stored either electronically or 

on paper field forms, which may be national forms (figs. 3 and 4), or customized for a particular 

project. The project chief or project chief (or their designee) is responsible for reviewing field 

records for completeness. To avoid the loss of data because of possible instrument malfunction, 

the project chief or project chief (or their designee) should ensure that backup sensors or instruments are readily available and in good working condition.
25

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, WRD, SURFACE-WATER QUALITY FIELD NOTES 

1

Other Observations

Purpose of site

visit (50280)

Observations:

(Cont. p. 3,4)

Hydrologic event :

Date

Codes: 0-none 1-mild 2-moderate 3-serious 4-extreme

Other Ice Thickness Ice cover

BQS-2298S

Weather: Clear Partly Cloudy est % cover Light Medium Heavy Steady Very Cold Cool 

Date samples

shipped to lab

LABORATORY SCHEDULES

labcodes

labcodes

added/

deleted

added/

deleted

Turbidity

Unfiltered Filtered Suspended Bottom

SOC Vol. filt. mL BOD COD

ORGANICS: Pesticide VOC BNA

TR. ELEMENTS:

Sediment conc. Sediment size Sed. bot. material Sand split/break

Other

Isotope

SAMPLES COLLECTED

Chkd by

Stream color(s): brown green blue gray other Stream mixing: Excellent Good Fair Poor Unknown

 Filter Type: Capsule, 0.45 Plate, 0.45 Plate, 0.10 Plate, 0.001 Other

Station

Sampled by

Sta.No. Date 

SMS Cntrl. No.

Agency

debris (01345)

garbage (01320)

algae mats (01325)

Detergent suds (01305) Fish kill (01340)

Turbidity (01350)

Atms. odor (01330)

Oil-grease (01300)

Floating:

Mean Time

Proj. Name/No.

Stage conditions:

Bottom: Bedrock Rock Cobble Gravel Sand Silt Concrete Other

SAMPLING CONDITIONS

Sampling

Start Points 

GHT

__________ __________

__________

__________

__________

__________

Sampling Time

__________

End

__________ __________

Mean __________

Other

LB RB Stream Width

Method:(82398) Nozzle size 

Sampling site: Pool Riffle Open Channel Braided Backwater

Nozzle made of

Sampler Type(80164) Sampler ID

Location: Wading cable ice boat bridge upstr. downstr. side bridge ft mile, above below gage and 

 EWI EDI OTHER

Sample Split: Churn Cone Made of Bottle type, size

4)Stable, low 5)Falling 6)Stable, high 7)Peak 8)Rising 9)Stable, normal A)Not Determined

FIELD MEASUREMENTS cfs

meas.

Q. Inst. (00061)

rating

est.

9)Routine sample 7)Flood 1)Drought 2)Spill 3)Reg. flow 4)Snowmelt A)Spg breakup B)Ice cover J)Storms

Nutrients Major Ions TOC DOC

NWQL Lab ID:

Record No.

Sample

purpose (71999)

m volts

DO sat. (00301) %

mm Hg

E. Coli (31633 )

 ( ) 

Carbonate ( )

FC (31625)

Hydroxide ( )

ANC (00410 )

col./100 mL; Rmk

col./100 mL; Rmk

col./100 mL; Rmk

Eh (00090)

mg/L

mg/L

mg/L

Bar. press.(00025) 

ÊS/cm 25 C

Gage Ht (00065) 

Temp. air (00020)

pH (00400) 

Sp. cond. (00095) 

C

C

units

Dis. oxy. (00300) mg/L

Temp. water (00010) 

Alkalinity ( ) mg/L

col./100 mL; Rmk

__________ __________

Warm Hot Intermittent Rain Snow Sleet Fog Calm Light Breeze Very Gusty Windy est speed

Preconditioned filter w/ mL Lot #

Radiochemical

QC Samples Collected Yes No

Laboratory: NWQL Ocala

HCl added ml Final pH

mg/L

QC Sample Rec. No.

Comp by

Bicarbonate ( ) mg/L

Figure 3. Example first page of a field form for use in recording surface-water field-measurements.
26 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Figure 4. Example first page of a field form for use in recording ground-water field-measurements.
27

To document the quality of field measurements, all North Florida Program Office personnel involved in the collection of water-quality data are required to participate in the National 

Field Quality Assurance (NFQA) Program (Stanley and others, 1992). Results of the NFQA 

Program are reviewed by the Regional Hydrologist and the District Water-Quality Specialist and 

project chief. Staff receiving an unsatisfactory rating will need to recheck the conditions of 

equipment, including probes, batteries and calibration techniques. An additional sample can also 

be requested from the NFQA program to recheck. 

8.1.2 Cleaning of Sampling and Processing Equipment

Procedures for cleaning equipment used for water-quality sampling and processing are 

described in chapter A3 of the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1998c). All new equipment acquired for water-quality sampling, as well as equipment that has been in long-term storage, must be cleaned in the office before being used in the field. Similarly, equipment must be 

cleaned as soon as possible after sample collection and before being used again to avoid crosscontamination between sampling sites. The field rinsing of equipment only with site water just 

prior to sample collection is not a substitute for proper cleaning.

Equipment blanks are a particular type of blank sample that is used to verify that cleaning 

procedures used by the field personnel are adequate for removing contamination. These blanks 

ensure that individual pieces of sampling equipment are not sources of detectable concentrations 

of constituents to be analyzed in environmental samples. An annual equipment blank, collected 

in the office laboratory, is required for each set of equipment used to collect water-quality 

samples (Horowitz and others, 1994; Wilde and others, 1998c, chap. A3). Annual equipment 

blanks that indicate detectable levels of constituents require submission of blanks for individual 

components of the equipment to isolate the source of contamination. When the source of 

contamination has been determined, the necessary maintenance must be performed to eliminate 

contamination, or the equipment must be replaced. The project chief and Water-Quality Specialist monitors the results of annual equipment blanks and ensures compliance with North Florida 

Program Office standards.

8.1.3 Surface-Water Sampling

Collecting surface-water samples that accurately represent the physical and chemical characteristics of the aquatic system requires the appropriate use of sampling equipment and methods to describe environmental variability and to prevent contamination or bias in the sampling 

process. All North Florida Program Office personnel who are involved in water-quality studies 

must be well informed of the various factors that must be considered to ensure the collection of 

representative samples. The choice of sampling equipment and method of sample collection are 

based on established protocols and guidelines, depending upon the characteristics of the target 

constituents, study objectives, hydrologic conditions, and sampling logistics.
28 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

8.1.3.1 Equipment Selection

Guidelines for selecting equipment for sampling surface water are provided in Horowitz 

and others (1994) and in chapter A2 of the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1998b). 

Review of equipment selection by District technical specialists occurs during proposal and 

workplan review and during periodic project reviews.

8.1.3.2 Sample Collection

Guidelines for the collection of surface-water samples are provided in chapter A4 of the 

National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1999a). Field personnel are responsible for examining 

the sampling site carefully and choosing the most appropriate sampling method to generate the 

best sample possible under the conditions at the time of sampling. The standard procedure for 

stream sampling is to collect the sample through the entire depth of the water column at multiple 

vertical transects by either the equal-discharge or equal-width increment method. These procedures generate a representative cross-sectional sample that is both flow-weighted and depth- and 

width-integrated (Edwards and Glysson, 1999; Ward and Harr, 1990). Occasionally, the use of 

non-integrated or non-flow-weighted methods may be appropriate because of hydrologic, 

climatic, or safety conditions, or specific project objectives. Dip samples from the centroid are 

acceptable when extreme flood or other conditions preclude the collection of the standard 

sample. Thorough documentation of sampling equipment and methods that are used is required 

in field records associated with water-quality samples. The project chief is responsible for 

timely review of field records.

Specific procedures employing two-person sampling teams with specific, designated roles 

in sample collection and handling are required when sampling for trace inorganic constituents 

with ambient concentrations less than about 10 parts per billion (ppb), as described in Horowitz 

and others (1994).

Review of surface-water sampling procedures for each North Florida Program Office 

water-quality project is performed at least annually by the Water-Quality Specialist and is documented with a memorandum to the appropriate project chief and the Chief of the North Florida 

Program Office. An independent review of field methods, for at least one North Florida Program 

Office project, is conducted once every 3 years during the Office of Water Quality North Florida 

Program Office technical review.

8.1.4 Ground-Water Sampling

North Florida Program Office ground-water sampling procedures are designed to ensure 

that the samples collected are representative of water in the aquifer and are not contaminated by 

well construction material or sampling equipment, and that the composition of the samples is 

not altered by physical or chemical processes during sampling. It is critical that field personnel 

be aware of all factors that can compromise the integrity of ground-water samples and implement consistent strategies to protect sample integrity.
29

8.1.4.1 Equipment Selection

Guidelines for selecting appropriate equipment for ground-water sampling are provided in 

the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1998b, chap. A2). All project personnel involved 

in ground-water sampling for water-quality studies must understand the advantages and disadvantages of available equipment with respect to study objectives. Because of the wide range of 

factors involved, the ideal equipment for sample collection under some circumstances may not 

exist. When compromise decisions are required, the field team must thoroughly document with 

field notes the compromises that are made. Review of equipment selection occurs during 

proposal and workplan review and during periodic project reviews by District Technical 

Specialists.

8.1.4.2 Sample Collection

Guidelines, which prevent or minimize loss of sample integrity, for collecting representative water-quality samples from ground water are provided in chapter A4 of the National Field 

Manual (Wilde and others, 1999a). The standard procedure for ground-water sampling is to 

purge the well to remove at least three well volumes of standing water while monitoring field 

measurements for stabilization. However, exceptions to the three-well-volume rule can be made 

under some circumstances, depending upon project objectives or site characteristics. The project 

chief is responsible for timely review of field records.

As a rule, field personnel are required to follow a prescribed order of sample collection, 

described in the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1999a, chap. A4, table 4-5), to help 

ensure the quality of the data collected. In addition, two-person sampling teams are to implement coordinated clean-handling techniques when collecting samples for trace elements with 

concentrations less than about 10 ppb, as described in Horowitz and others (1994). 

Review of ground-water sampling procedures for each North Florida Program Office 

water-quality project is performed at least annually by the Water-Quality Specialist and documented with a memorandum to the appropriate project chief and the Chief of the North Florida 

Program Office. An independent review of field methods, for at least one North Florida Program 

Office project, is conducted once every 3 years during the Office of Water Quality District technical review.

8.1.5 Precipitation Sampling

Specific procedures in the North Florida Program Office for collecting precipitation 

samples are based primarily on the study objectives. Major factors that must be considered in 

sampling for precipitation quality include the location of the sampling station relative to human 

influences, the choice of sampling equipment, and special sample-handling procedures that may 

be necessary. Precipitation-quality sampling equipment should be composed of inert, nonabsorbent material that will not affect the typically low concentrations of ions in solution.
30 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Guidelines regarding the collection of precipitation samples are provided in the following 

references: 

1. Dossett and Bowersox (1999), for National Trends Network Site Operation Manual for the 

National Atmospheric Deposition Program;

2. Peden and others (1986) for procedures for collecting precipitation samples recommended by 

the USEPA; and 

3. Willoughby (1995) for case study discussing methods of precipitation sampling and analysis. 

The project proposal and workplan should be consulted for specific guidelines regarding 

the factors that must be considered in choosing the sample location, the sampling equipment and 

frequency, and the special sample handling procedures that may be necessary based upon the 

study objectives. For specific questions related to precipitation sampling that are not addressed 

by these references, contact the USGS coordinator for the National Atmospheric Deposition 

Program. 

8.1.6 Sample Processing

All samples collected for water-quality analysis must be processed according to procedures in the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1999b, chap. A5) as soon as possible 

following collection. The constituents of interest and study objectives determine the specific 

processing procedures that are necessary, which must be described in the project workplan.

All North Florida Program Office water-quality studies that include the analysis of trace 

elements in concentrations less than 10 ppb must use the protocols for sample processing as 

described in Horowitz and others (1994). These techniques require the use of processing and 

preservation chambers to reduce the potential for contamination from the surrounding environment during sample splitting, filtration, and preservation. Review of sample processing procedures for all water-quality projects occurs during proposal and workplan review and during 

periodic project reviews by the District Water-Quality Specialist.

8.1.6.1 Sample Compositing and Splitting

Guidelines for using sample compositors and splitters are in the National Field Manual 

(Wilde and others, 1998b, chap A2). Two types of sample splitters presently in use in the WRD 

are the churn splitter, which also serves as a compositing device, and the cone splitter, which 

requires a separate compositing vessel. Each splitter has specific advantages and disadvantages, 

as described in OWQ Technical Memorandum 97.06. Either splitting method can be applied to 

inorganic and organic constituents within the technical design limits of the device and as long 

as the equipment is constructed of appropriate materials. 
31

8.1.6.2 Sample Filtration

Filtration is required for many water-quality samples to separate particulates from the 

water and constituents in solution. Selection of the appropriate filter unit and filter characteristics to be used depends on the constituent class of interest and is based on guidance provided in 

the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1998b, chap. A2). Guidelines for filtration procedures for specific constituent groups are provided in the National Field Manual (Wilde and 

others, 1999b, chap. A5). For surface water, the most common filtration system consists of a 

reversible, variable-speed battery-operated peristaltic pump and 0.45-micron pore size disposable capsule filter. For ground water, the sample is generally pumped directly from the well 

through a 0.45-micron pore size disposable capsule filter. Filtration of samples for analysis of 

trace elements in concentrations less than 10 ppb must be done in a processing chamber that 

encloses the filtering unit and sample bottles in a protected environment.

8.1.6.3 Sample Preservation 

Sample preservation techniques are required for some constituent groups to prevent reduction or loss of target analytes and to stabilize analyte concentrations for a limited time. Guidelines for sample preservation are provided in the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 

1999b, chap. A5), and the NWQL Services Catalog (see section 4.3.1 for location). Since some 

samples have a very limited holding time even when preserved, field personnel must ensure that 

all water-quality samples are shipped to the laboratory as quickly as possible and that time-sensitive samples are received in good condition within the appropriate holding time. For details on 

sample shipping requirements, refer to the next section of this QA plan. Procedures for shipping 

samples to the NWQL and ensuring samples arrive in good condition are described in Wilde and 

others (1999b, chap. A5).

8.2 Other Types of Water-Quality Samples

Many water-quality studies in the WRD are beginning to employ a multidisciplinary 

approach that relies on data from a range of sampling media. A variety of different types of 

biological, sediment, and radiochemical samples may be incorporated into a water-quality 

project to provide multiple lines of evidence with which to evaluate a particular aquatic system. 

This section of the QA plan includes an overview of standard North Florida Program Office QA 

procedures and references for detailed instructions that describe the collection of biological, 

sediment, and radiochemical samples. 
32 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

8.2.1 Biological Sampling

North Florida Program Office water-quality activities include the collection of biological 

samples for specific North Florida Program Office projects, including the NAWQA program. 

Biological samples include sampling for algae, including phytoplankton or periphyton; benthic 

invertebrates; fish; and contaminants in biological tissues. Measurements related to biological 

condition also include evaluations of stream habitat. Documentation and QA and specific references for these procedures are included in the reports referenced in table 11. 

8.2.2 Suspended-Sediment and Bottom-Material Samples

North Florida Program Office water-quality activities include the collection of suspendedsediment and bottom-material samples. Guidelines for the collection of sediment samples are 

described in selected WRD publications and in WRD Office of Surface Water (OSW) memoranda, which are referenced below. Suspended-sediment samples are typically analyzed by the 

Louisiana District sediment laboratory for concentration and either sand and silt distribution or 

complete particle-size distribution. Samples for both suspended sediment and bottom sediment 

may be analyzed for chemical constituents, including trace elements or hydrophobic organic 

compounds. 

Field personnel must be familiar with the factors involved in the selection of sedimentsampling equipment that are based on the type of analyses to be performed and hydraulic conditions, as well as special cleaning procedures that may be required when sampling sediment 

chemistry. The project workplan should be consulted for specific guidelines for sediment 

sampling, depending on project objectives.

Individuals who have questions regarding the collection and handling of sediment samples 

should contact the project chief. For particular questions concerning sediment chemistry 

samples, contact the project chief.

Table 11. Summary of references for collecting and processing biological samples

Reference Sample type

Crawford and Luoma, 1994 Contaminants in tissues.

Cuffney and others, 1993 Benthic invertebrates.

Fitzpatrick and others, 1998 Stream habitat.

Meador and others, 1993 Fish.

Porter and others, 1993 Algae.
33

8.3 Quality-Control Samples

Quality-control samples must be collected as integral components of all North Florida 

Program Office water-quality studies to determine the acceptability of performance in the datacollection process and provide a basis for evaluating the adequacy of procedures that were used 

to obtain data. Guidelines for the collection of specific types of QC samples and the use of QC 

data are provided in the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 1999a, chap. A4). Issues of 

QC sample design are addressed in section 3.2 of this plan. Specific guidelines for the collection 

and processing of QC samples must be included in the project workplan. The project chief is 

responsible for reviewing QC data in a timely manner and implementing necessary modifications, when appropriate, to sampling and processing techniques. The District Water-Quality 

Specialist has the responsibility for advising North Florida Program Office personnel regarding 

the collection and interpretation of QC samples.

8.4 Safety Issues

Because the collection of water-quality data in the field can be hazardous at times, the 

safety of field personnel is a primary concern. Field teams often work in areas of high traffic, 

remote locations, and under extreme environmental conditions. Field work involves the transportation and use of equipment and chemicals and commonly requires working with heavy 

machinery. Additionally, field personnel may come in contact with waterborne and airborne 

chemicals and pathogens while sampling. Beyond the obvious concerns regarding unsafe conditions for field personnel, such as accidents and personal injuries, the quality of the data also may 

be compromised when sampling teams are exposed to dangerous conditions. 

Table 12. Summary of references for collecting suspended-sediment samples

Reference Subject

District sediment laboratory QA plan, OFR 94-455 Laboratory procedures used in processing and analyzing 

sediment samples.

Edwards and Glysson, 1999 Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment.

Guy, 1969 (TWRI book 5, chap. C1) Laboratory theory and methods for sediment analysis.

Knott and others, 1993 Quality-assurance plan for collecting and processing sediment data.

OSW Memorandum 93.01 (USGS) Instrumentation and field methods for collecting suspendedsediment data.

Radtke, 1998 Collecting and processing bottom-sediment samples.

Shelton and Capel, 1994 Collecting and processing streambed-sediment samples.

Wilde and others, 1998c Cleaning equipment for sampling suspended-sediment chemistry.

Wilde and others, 1998b Selection of equipment for sampling suspended-sediment 

chemistry.
34 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

So that personnel are aware of and follow established procedures and protocols that 

promote all aspects of safety, the North Florida Program Office communicates information and 

directives related to safety to all personnel. This information is communicated through in-house 

training, memoranda, and videotapes, and other means as appropriate. Specific policies and 

procedures related to safety are in the North Florida Program Office safety plan.

An individual has been designated as Safety and Occupational Health Manager by the 

Southeastern Region. The duties of the Safety and Occupational Health Manager include 

disseminating safety guidelines of the USGS to supervisors, coordinating safety training, and 

reviewing and maintaining vehicle accident reports. Personnel who have questions or concerns 

pertaining to safety, or who have suggestions for improving some aspects of safety, should direct 

those questions, concerns, and(or) suggestions to the supervisor and the Safety and Occupational Health Manager. Guidelines pertaining to safety in field activities are provided in the 

National Field Manual (Lane and Fay, 1998) and at the USGS web site for safety: http://

1stop.usgs.gov/safety/.

8.5 References Used for the Sample Collection and Processing Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 13. Summary of references used for collecting and processing water-quality samples

[NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment Program; NADP, National Atmospheric Deposition Program; 

USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Reference Subject

Crawford and Luoma, 1994 Collecting samples of contaminants in tissue (NAWQA).

Cuffney and others, 1993 Collecting benthic invertebrate samples (NAWQA).

Dossett and Bowersox, 1999 Collection of precipitation samples, recommended by NADP.

Edwards and Glysson, 1999 Representative sampling techniques for surface water.

Fitzpatrick and others, 1998 Characterization of stream habitat (NAWQA).

Guy, 1969 Laboratory theory and methods for sediment analysis.

Horowitz and others, 1994 Protocol for collecting and processing inorganic constituents at ppb concentrations.

Knott and others, 1993 Quality-assurance plan for collecting and processing sediment data.

Koterba and others, 1995 Collecting and processing ground-water samples (NAWQA).

Lane and Fay, 1998 Safety in field activities.

Meador and others, 1993 Collecting fish samples (NAWQA).

OSW Memorandum 93.01 (USGS) Instrumentation and field methods for collecting suspended-sediment data.

OWQ Memorandum 81.07 (USGS) Field and laboratory procedures for precipitation samples.

OWQ Memorandum 97.06 (USGS) Comparison of splitting capabilities of the churn and cone splitters.
35

9.0 WATER-QUALITY SAMPLE HANDLING AND TRACKING

All water-quality samples must be uniquely identified, documented, handled, shipped, and 

tracked appropriately. Following proper protocols for sample handling, shipping, and tracking 

ensures that samples are processed correctly and expeditiously to preserve sample integrity 

between the time of collection and the time of analysis. This section describes the procedures 

used by the North Florida Program Office for handling, shipping, and tracking samples from 

collection through transfer of the samples to an analytical facility. Receipt of analytical data 

from laboratories is covered in Section 10.0 (Water-Quality Data Management).

9.1 Preparation for Sampling

Ensuring that field personnel have the correct equipment and supplies on hand to perform 

the necessary sampling activities saves time and labor costs associated with repeated sampling 

trips that result from inadequate planning. Therefore, before commencing field activities, the 

project chief is responsible for ensuring that the following preparations have been completed: 

• Review the sampling instructions for each site and the list of sample types required.

• Ensure that the station site file is current.

• Prepare bottle labels for samples.

• Obtain field sheets or notebooks and analytical services request forms (ASR’s) 

(See OWQ Technical Memorandum 2000.09).

Peden and others, 1986 Procedures for collecting precipitation samples, recommended by USEPA.

Porter and others, 1993 Collecting algal samples (NAWQA).

Radtke, 1998 Collecting and processing bottom-sediment samples.

Shelton, 1994 Collecting and processing stream-water samples (NAWQA).

Shelton and Capel, 1994 Collecting and processing streambed-sediment samples (NAWQA).

Stanley and others, 1992 National field quality-assurance program.

Ward and Harr, 1990 Representative sampling techniques for surface water.

Wilde and Radtke, 1998 Well-purging procedures.

Wilde and others, 1998c Cleaning equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

Wilde and others, 1999a Collecting water-quality samples from surface and ground water.

Wilde and others, 1999b Processing water-quality samples.

Wilde and others, 1998b Selection of equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

Willoughby, 1995 Case study discussing methods of precipitation sampling and analysis.

Table 13. Summary of references used for collecting and processing water-quality samples

[NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment Program; NADP, National Atmospheric Deposition Program; 

USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Reference Subject
36 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

• Ensure that necessary supplies are available, such as bottles, standards, filters, 

preservatives, meter batteries, waterproof markers, shipping containers, etc. 

(see section 5.1.3, Equipment and Supplies).

• Ensure that all bottles and sampling equipment are thoroughly cleaned and field 

rinsed, if necessary (table 14).

• Check meters and sensors for proper performance.

9.2 Onsite Sample Handling and Documentation

During a sampling trip, it is imperative that accurate notes be taken and that sample bottles 

be labeled and handled appropriately for the intended analysis. Otherwise, bottle mix-ups or 

other errors may occur, and the samples may be wasted. The project chief is responsible for 

ensuring that all of the following sampling requirements are implemented. Write legibly and 

include as a minimum:

1. Station identifier;

2. Date and time of sample collection;

3. Sample designation code (for example, schedule number or laboratory code), and

4. Bottle code (table 15). (For more complete bottle codes see Wilde and others, 1999b, 

app. A5-C, NWQL Technical Memorandum 95-04, and the NWQL web page at 

http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/servlets_u/SampleContainersTreatments?srchCntrType=All.)

Table 14. Directions for field rinse of bottles used to contain samples for inorganic constituents

[From Wilde and others, 1999b, chap. A5, table 5.2]

Bottle Preparation

If bottles were previously rinsed and half-filled with DIW1, discard DIW and rinse once only with the water 

to be sampled.

If bottles were not previously rinsed with DIW, rinse twice with DIW onsite, followed by one field rinse 

with the water to be sampled (use only 25-mL filtrate for bottle rinse for the filtered sample1,2 ).

Field-Rinse Technique

1. Put on disposable, powderless gloves.

2. Fill sample bottle about 1/10 full of rinse water. Cap bottle.

3. Shake the bottle vigorously to rinse all interior surfaces.

4. Discard rinse water by swirling the solution out of the bottle.

5. Shake off adhering droplets.

1 Required for filtered trace-element samples (Horowitz and others, 1994).

2 Refer to Wilde and others (1999b) for detailed guidance for surface-water and ground-water samples.
37

9.3 Sample processing

The sequence of sample processing is dependent on the type of constituents being sampled 

and analyzed. The most current guidelines (1999) for processing samples are listed in table 16.

Table 15. Common organic-compound and inorganic-constituent sample designation codes for the 

National Water Quality Laboratory of the U.S. Geological Survey

[Modified from Wilde and others, 1999b, chap. A5, p. 17; NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment Program]

ORGANIC-COMPOUND SAMPLES

Sample designation code Bottle description and sample preservations

GCV 40-mL amber glass septum vials, laboratory cleaned and baked, for analysis of volatile organic compound samples (VOC or VOA); sample chilled to or below 4o

C without freezing. Some programs 

(NAWQA) require chemical treatment.

GCC 1-L amber, glass bottle, laboratory cleaned and baked, for various types of pesticides and organiccompound samples other than VOCs; sample chilled to or below 4oC without freezing.

TOC, DOC 125-mL amber glass bottle, laboratory cleaned and baked, for total (TOC) or dissolved (DOC) organic 

carbon; sample chilled to or below 4oC without freezing.

INORGANIC-CONSTITUENT SAMPLES

RA, FA 250-, 500-, 1,000-mL polyethylene bottles, acid-rinsed, capped, to be filled with raw (RA) or filtered 

(FA) samples and treated with nitric acid to pH < 2.

RU, FU 250-, 500-, 1,000-mL polyethylene bottles, uncapped, to be filled with untreated raw (RU), or filtered 

(FU) samples (through 0.45 micron filter).

FCC 125-mL brown polyethylene bottles (FCC), uncapped, to be filled with filtered sample for nutrient 

analysis, and chilled to or below 4oC without freezing.

WCA, FCA 125-mL polyethylene bottles, uncapped, to be filled with raw (WCA, uncolored bottle) or filtered 

(FCA, brown bottle) sample for nutrient analysis, treated with sulfuric acid, and chilled to or below 

4oC without freezing.

RAM, FAM 250-mL glass bottles, acid-rinsed, capped, to be filled with raw (RAM) or filtered (FAM) sample for 

mercury analysis, and treated with nitric acid/potassium dichromate solution.

FAR 1-L polyethylene bottles, acid rinsed, capped, to be filled with filtered (FAR) samples for radiochemical analysis and treated with nitric acid to pH < 2.
38 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

9.4 Sample Shipment and Documentation

Upon completion of a sampling trip, samples should be packaged and shipped to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible. Generally, the shorter the time between sample collection 

and processing and sample analysis, the more reliable the analytical results. Before shipping 

samples to the laboratory, the field personnel should complete the following:

1. Check that sample sets are complete and that sample bottles are labeled correctly, with all 

required information (see section 9.2).

2. Complete the ASR’s for all samples being sent to the NWQL. If samples are being sent to a 

different, approved laboratory, information similar to that required on the ASR’s should be 

provided to the laboratory. 

3. Pack samples carefully in shipping containers to avoid bottle breakage, shipping container 

leakage, and sample degradation. Check that bottle caps are securely sealed. Follow the 

packing and shipping protocols established by the USGS and the receiving laboratory 

(NWQL Technical Memorandum 95.04; Wilde and others, 1999b).

4. Ship samples after sample collection; the same day whenever possible.

Table 16. Recommended sequence for processing samples

[From Wilde and others (1999b, chap. A5, table 5-1, p. 20]

Sequence of processing

1. Organic compounds--Raw (wholewater or unfiltered) samples first, followed by filtered samples. 

Do not field rinse bottles. Chill immediately.

a. volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

b. Pesticides, herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other agricultural and industrial 

organic compounds.

2. Total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC),1 and suspended organic carbon (SOC). 

Chill immediately.

3. Inorganic constituents, nutrients, radiochemicals, isotopes: For ground water, filtered samples first, 

followed by raw samples. For surface water, raw samples first, followed by filtered samples. (Field 

rinse sample each bottle, as required.)

a. Trace metals.

b. Separate-treatment constituents (such as mercury, arsenic, selenium) and major cations.

c. Major anions, alkalinity, and nutrients. Chill nutrients immediately.

d. Radiochemicals and isotopes. (Bottle-rinse, filtration, and preservation requirements depend on 

analysis to be performed (see section 5.6 and app. A5-C of Wilde and others, 1999b).

4. Radon and chlorofluorocarbons.2 Do not rinse bottle.

5. Microorganisms.

1 TOC and DOC samples can be collected whenever most appropriate for the specific field operation.

2 Radon and chlorofluorocarbon and most isotope sampes are collected outside of the processing chamber.
39

9.5 Sample Tracking Procedures

The projects maintain(s) a record of all samples collected and shipped to a laboratory for 

analysis to ensure the complete and timely receipt of analytical results. The data base manager 

has responsibility for recording the required information. The data base manager has responsibility for periodically reviewing the tracking log to determine if analyses are missing and for 

taking corrective action(s) if necessary. 

9.6 Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Samples

When chain-of-custody procedures are appropriate or required (for example, when data 

may be used in legal proceedings), the project chief should establish, maintain, and document a 

chain-of-custody system for field samples that is commensurate with the intended use of the 

data. A sample is in custody if it is in actual physical possession or in a secured area that is 

restricted to authorized personnel. Every exchange of a sample between people or places that 

involves a transfer of custody should be recorded on appropriate forms that document the release 

and acceptance of the sample. Each person involved in the release or acceptance of a sample 

should keep a copy of the transfer paperwork. The project chief, or designee, is responsible for 

ensuring that custody transfers of samples are performed and documented according to the 

requirements listed below.

9.7 References Used for the Sample Handling and Tracking Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 17. Summary of references for handling and tracking water-quality samples

Reference Subject

NWQL Memorandum 95.04 Shipping samples to the NWQL, and instructions for filling out 

Analytical Services Request (ASR) forms.

OWQ Technical Memorandum 2000.09 Mandatory use of new Analytical Services Request (ASR) form.

Wilde and others, 1999b Processing water samples.
40 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

10.0 WATER-QUALITY DATA MANAGEMENT

Water-quality data that are collected for hydrologic investigations are recorded on paper 

and electronically. Data that are recorded on paper include chemical, physical, biological, and 

ancillary data measured in the field. This information is documented on standard USGS field 

forms (fig. 8.1.1) and stored in site files. Data that are recorded electronically include analytical 

results and continuous monitoring data transmitted over the computer network or stored by electronic data logger. Data that are recorded on paper and electronically typically are stored either 

in the NWIS QWDATA data base (Garcia and others, 1997) or in NWIS-ADAPS data base 

(Bartholoma, 1997). Both of the preceeding references are also available online at http://wwwnwis.er.usgs.gov/conversion/nwisdocs3_2/index.html. The NWIS is the storage medium for 

water-quality, streamflow, well, and water-use information collected by the USGS. Data that 

cannot be stored in these national data bases may be stored in other data bases, such as project 

data bases.

10.1 Processing Data

Sampling information, field determinations, and ancillary information are recorded on a 

set of water-quality field notes that are considered original record. These data are combined with 

analytical data from the laboratory in computer data files and paper files.

10.1.1 Continuous Monitoring Data

Continuous monitoring data are water-quality records collected onsite by electronic 

sensors and data loggers. Two methods for electronically recording data are by (1) transmitting 

data from a remote location by land line or radio telemetry to a central location where they are 

recorded on disk or solid-state memory device, and (2) recording data at a remote location on 

disk or solid-state memory device. Initial data processing in the office is for the purpose of 

obtaining a copy of the original data for archiving (see section 10.4). Data are not manipulated 

by the field instrument or a computer except to convert recorded signals into data in commonly 

used units or to display data in a convenient format. The transfer of data from the electronic storage medium to NWIS requires thorough checking to ensure that the data have transferred 

successfully or that as much data as possible have been recovered and errors identified (WRD 

Memorandum 87.085). Water-quality data from the recording device are downloaded from the 

remote location onto the hard drive of a laptop computer then transferred to an archive disk as 

well as the North Florida Program Office computer server archive for field data.

 10.1.2 Analytical Data

Analytical data are results of field and laboratory chemical, physical, or biological determinations. Most water-quality samples are analyzed either in the field or at the NWQL and the 

QWSU. In some cases, samples may be analyzed by research laboratories or by laboratories 

outside of the USGS (see section 4.1). 
41

To enter analytical data into the NWIS data base, a site identification number must first be 

assigned and entered into the North Florida Program Office site file (see section 7.2). Field 

measurements are entered into the NWIS data base by data base manager as soon as possible 

after returning from the sampling field trip. A record number is assigned by the system and is 

recorded in a log book (fig. 10.1.2) and on the analytical services request form (see section 9.4 

for sample tracking.) Sample logging is required for data from the NWQL or QWSU to successfully transfer the data into the data base. Environmental sample data are entered into the North 

Florida Program Office NWIS QWDATA data base number 01; QA data are also entered into 

North Florida Program Office NWIS QWDATA data base number 01. NAWQA environmental 

sample data and QA data are entered into data base 40. 

Figure 5. Example page from North Florida Program Office sample-collection log book.

All data from the NWQL and QWSU are electronically transferred to the appropriate 

North Florida Program Office data base by North Florida Program Office Data Base Manager 

at least once per week. Hard copies of the analytical reports (WATLIST’s) are forwarded to the 

project chief for storage in project files. The NWIS QWDATA data base receives daily incremental backup and weekly full backup.

Data analyzed by laboratories other than the NWQL or QWSU must be entered into 

NWIS, if possible (Hubbard, 1992), and identified according to the analyzing laboratory. Data 

entry is the responsibility of the project chief (as assigned to the data base manager). Data are 

entered and stored according to procedures already described for processing NWIS analytical 

data. Appropriate codes are used to identify the data as originating from non-USGS sources.

10.1.3 Non-National Water Information System Data Bases

Sometimes data collected by project personnel cannot be entered into the North Florida 

Program Office NWIS QWDATA data base because the data are proprietary (such as data 

collected for some military projects) or because NWIS cannot accept the type of data that are 

generated by the project (for example, taxonomic data). In these cases, project data bases may 

Station 

number Date/time Schedules 

requested

NWIS record 

number

Lab ID 

number

Date 

shipped

Date

received

0208500 Sept. 21, 1993 1043 993000025

" " 542 "

0209754 Oct. 4, 1993
42 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

be established to accommodate the data storage requirements and formats. Project data bases 

that are the sole repository for project data should have a written procedure for data entry, storage, and long-term backup and archival. Project chiefs have the responsibility for developing 

and implementing management of project data bases.

10.2 Validation (Records Review)

Data validation is the process whereby water-quality and associated data are checked for 

completeness and accuracy. After validation, data records are finalized in the North Florida 

Program Office data base.

10.2.1 Continuous Monitoring Data

Following the entry of continuous monitoring data into NWIS, raw data and(or) graphs of 

raw data are reviewed by the project chief for anomalous values, dates, and times, and preliminary updating is done. Once the data are edited, the record is submitted to the supervisor for final 

review and approval. 

10.2.2 Analytical Data

All field notes and field measurements are reviewed for completeness and accuracy within 

14 days or as soon as possible after returning from the field trip by the project chief. All chemical analyses are reviewed for completeness, and questionable values are noted. Prompt review 

is necessary to allow analytical re-analysis to be performed before sample holding times have 

been exceeded for accuracy and precision when all analytical results have been returned. Every 

data analysis entered into NWIS QWDATA results in output (WATLIST) that includes a copy 

of the analysis and a report of general validation checks (Garcia and others, 1997), including but 

not limited to the following:

• Comparison of determined and calculated values for dissolved solids;

• Comparison of dissolved constituents and total constituents;

• Comparison of specific conductance with dissolved solids;

• Comparison of constituents with relevant Federal drinking-water standards; and

• Comparison of sum of cations with sum of anions (ion balance). 

Field and laboratory analyses, such as pH, specific conductance, and alkalinity, are 

compared to confirm agreement of independent measurements. If data from more than one 

sample are available for a site, the analysis also is compared with previous analyses within a 

hydrologic context to identify obvious errors, such as decimal errors, and possible sample mixups or anomalies warranting analytical re-analysis. These reports and comparisons are reviewed 

and noted on the analytical report (WATLIST). If necessary, corrections or re-analysis may be 

requested by the project chief.
43

Requests to the NWQL for re-analysis are made by using the form at 

http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/USGS/district_rerun_request.html or by email to 

ocalaman@usgs.gov for QWSU samples and in writing to other laboratories as stipulated in the 

laboratory contract. Re-analysis requests are logged and tracked by the data base manager (fig. 

6). Corrections to NWIS resulting from reruns by the NWQL must be made to the laboratory 

data base as well as to the North Florida Program Office data base and are made by the data base 

manager by email to denadp@usgs.gov.

Figure 6. Example page from North Florida Program Office re-analysis request log book.

Project QA data, such as blanks, replicates, blind standards, and matrix spikes, periodically are tabulated or graphed by the project chief to facilitate identification of inaccuracies or 

systematic bias that may not be discernible when reviewing an individual analysis. Questionable 

values or values in error are deleted from the data base upon approval by the responsible party 

(usually the project chief). All personnel responsible for sample collection and field analysis 

participate in the NFQA Program and process an equipment blank once per year. North Florida 

Program Office QA data, including NFQA sample results and annual equipment blanks, are 

reviewed by the Water Quality Specialist.

10.3 Data Storage

In accordance with WRD policy, all water data collected as part of routine data collection 

by the WRD are stored in the NWIS computer data base. Data collected by others, such as cooperators, universities, or consultants, which are used to support published USGS documents and 

are not published or archived elsewhere, also should be entered into NWIS and identified 

according to analytical laboratory and collection organization. Other outside data may be 

entered into the data base at the discretion of the project chief, the supervisor, and the NWQL 

Branch of Quality Assurance if data-collection methods and quality have been reviewed and 

found acceptable. Electronically stored data that cannot be entered into NWIS are stored in 

project data bases online or offline. North Florida Program Office computer specialists have 

responsibility for maintaining backups of data stored electronically in NWIS or online. Data 

stored electronically offline are maintained by the project chief.

Date 

requested

Lab ID 

number

Station 

number Date Time Parameter number

Parameter 

name Old value New value

Update 

No update/

Delete
44 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

In addition to electronically stored data, other project data and information, including field 

notes, ASR’s, WATLIST’s, and site information records are retained in station folders and maintained by project chief or data base manager in the project office while the project is active.

10.4 Records Archival

According to WRD policy, all original data that are published or support published scientific analyses shall be placed in archives (WRD Memorandum 92.059; Hubbard, 1992). Original 

data—from automated data-collection sites, laboratories, outside sources, and non-automated 

field observations—are unmodified data as collected or received and in conventional units 

(engineering units, generally with a decimal). Original data should be preserved in this form, no 

matter how they may be modified later (Hubbard, 1992). Original data on paper include field 

notes, field measurements, ASR’s, WATLIST’s, continuous water-quality monitoring records, 

and calibration notes. These data are archived when the project is completed or terminated, or 

if data are more than 7 years old. The project chief and the supervisor are responsible for ensuring that project files entered into the North Florida Program Office archive are organized and 

complete. The North Florida Program Office archive is located in room 3067 of the North Florida Program Office, 227 N. Bronough Street, Suite 3015, Tallahassee, Florida, and is maintained 

by the North Florida Program Office Archivist. Data from the North Florida Program Office 

archives may be transferred to the national archive as needed.

10.5 References Used for the Water-Quality Data Management Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 18. Summary of references for managing water-quality data and records.

Reference Subject

Dempster, 1990 NWIS ADAPS user’s guide.

Hubbard, 1992 Policy recommendations for managing and storing hydrologic data.

Maddy and others, 1997 NWIS QWDATA user’s guide.

NWQL Memorandum 92.06 (USGS) District rerun requests.

WRD Memorandum 87.085 (USGS) Policy for collecting and archiving electronically recorded data.

WRD Memorandum 92.059 (USGS) Policy for the management and retention of hydrologic data.
45

11.0 PUBLICATION OF WATER-QUALITY DATA

Water-quality data are published in hydrologic data reports or interpretive reports. The 

selection of the appropriate publication outlet for water-quality data will be the responsibility of 

the project chief and the supervisor. A summary of USGS and WRD policies pertaining to the 

publication of data and interpretive reports is contained in the WRD Publications Guides (Alt 

and Iseri, 1986, p. 382-385; U.S. Geological Survey, 1995). Other references that should be 

consulted when writing reports include "Suggestions to Authors ..." (Hansen, 1991) and the U.S. 

Government Printing Office Style Manual (U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984).

Report approval was delegated in 1995 from the Director to the Regional Hydrologists 

(WRD Memorandum 95.18). In the Southeastern Region, reports are approved by the Regional 

Reports Improvement Officer. The Southeastern Region has delegated approval authority for 

some reports to teams through the team review approach. The approving official on the teams is 

the Regional Reports Improvement Officer, unless otherwise arranged. The WRD team 

approach is outlined in a document available at http://water.usgs.gov/usgs/report_processing/. 

The Florida District Chief has the authority to approve some reports for publication, such as 

non-interpretive Open-File and Data Reports (WRD Memorandum 92.005).

11.1 Hydrologic Data Reports

All non-proprietary water-quality data collected during the water year are published in the 

WRD annual data report, “Water Resources Data, Florida, Water Year ___, Volume 4, Northwest 

Florida” or in individual project data reports. Hydrologic data reports make water-quality data 

available to users, but without interpretations or conclusions. Approval of hydrologic data 

reports is in accordance with applicable WRD, Region, and North Florida Program Office policy 

(Alt and Iseri, 1986).

11.2 Interpretive Reports

Interpretive reports include such USGS outlets as Circulars, Professional Papers, Fact 

Sheets, Water-Resources Investigations Reports, and Open-File Reports, as well as non-USGS 

outlets, such as scientific journals, books, and proceedings of technical conferences. The District 

Water-Quality Specialist, project supervisor, and outside technical specialists will provide guidance in ensuring that each water-quality report meets the highest technical standards. Approval 

of interpretive reports is in accordance with applicable WRD, Region, and District policy (WRD 

Memorandum 95.18) and is more technically rigorous than the required approval for non-interpretive data reports. The process for reviewing, processing and submitting reports for approval 

in the North Florida Program Office is shown in figure 7.
46 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

AUTHOR

REVISION

SUPERVISORY

REVIEW

DRAFT

PLANNING

SESSION

TRADITIONAL REVIEW

COLLEAGUE

REVIEW

AUTHOR

REVISION

SUPERVISORY

REVIEW

DISTRICT

REVIEW

REGION

REVIEW

APPROVAL

Figure 7. Report review process for the North Florida Program Office
47

11.3 Other Data Outlets

Article 500.14.1 of the Department of the Interior Geological Survey Manual (U.S. 

Department of the Interior, 1992) states that data and information are released through publications; however publication is not limited to paper media (WRD Memorandum 90.030; U.S. 

Department of the Interior, 1993). Electronic outlets include the Internet and computer storage 

media, such as CDROM. 

The term “data” refers to uninterpreted observations or measurements, usually quantitative 

measurements resulting from field observations and laboratory analyses of water, sediment, or 

biota. Data can be released to the public after preliminary review for accuracy by appropriate 

WRD personnel (WRD Memorandum 90.030). Constituents in water samples collected by or 

for the USGS that exceed USEPA drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCL’s), as 

specified in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, are promptly reported by the 

project chief to appropriate agencies (WRD Memorandum 90.038). 

The term “information” refers to interpretations of data or conclusions of investigations. 

Interpretive results or conclusions require colleague review and Director’s approval for publication. Release of preliminary interpretations prior to final approval is prohibited to avoid 

disseminating incomplete and(or) incorrect conclusions, which are subject to change as a result 

of subsequent technical and policy reviews.

11.4 References Used for the Publication Section

The following table lists reports and(or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 19. Summary of references for publishing data

Reference Subject

Alt and Iseri, 1986 Guide for publishing WRD reports.

Hansen, 1991 Suggestions to authors of USGS reports.

U.S. Department of the Interior, 1992 Safeguard and release of USGS information.

U.S. Department of the Interior, 1993 Policy for release of computer data bases and computer programs.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1995 Guidelines on writing hydrologic reports.

U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984 Style manual for printed government documents.

WRD Memorandum 90.030 (USGS) Policy for release of digital data.

WRD Memorandum 90.038 (USGS) Policy for reporting maximum contaminant level exceedances.

WRD Memorandum 92.005 (USGS) Extended delegation of authority to approve reports of certain categories for open-file release.

WRD Memorandum 95.18 (USGS) Redelegation of Director’s report approval authority to Regional 

Hydrologists.

USGS-WRD internal web page report, http://

water.usgs.gov/usgs/report_processing/

Suggestiong for improving the reports process and guidelines for 

using a team approach. 
48 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

12.0 WATER-QUALITY TRAINING AND REVIEWS

Periodic reviews of data-collection procedures are used to evaluate the effectiveness of 

training programs and to determine if technical work is being conducted correctly and efficiently. Such reviews also are used to identify and resolve problems before they become widespread and potentially compromise the quality of the data.

12.1 Training 

Employee training is an integral part of water-quality activities allowing current employees to maintain and enhance their technical knowledge and new employees to gain the specific 

skills needed to adequately perform their job. A well-documented training program not only 

ensures that samples are collected correctly by technically competent personnel, but also lends 

legal credibility to data and interpretations. Training is accomplished according to the following 

policies and protocols.

Individual training plans are developed by the supervisor and employee at least annually 

as part of the performance review process. The North Florida Program Office Training Officer 

is responsible for informing North Florida Program Office staff about the availability of training—in-house, USGS, U.S. Government, and other sources of training. The Water-Quality 

Specialist provides recommendations and advice to supervisors and their staff as needed. The 

North Florida Program Office Training Officer has authority and responsibility for approving 

training opportunities. In addition, staff are responsible for taking full advantage of the training 

provided.

Primary sources of water-quality training are USGS courses, usually taught at the National 

Training Center at the Denver Federal Center; Southeast regional training; and North Florida 

Program Office seminars or in-house training courses. The Water-Quality Specialist plays an 

important role in providing in-house training. Training documents are maintained by the Training Officer, in North Florida Program Office personnel files and by the Personnel Office in the 

Southeast Region.

12.2 Reviews

Reviews of water-quality data-collection activities are conducted annually for each individual in the North Florida Program Office who is actively involved in water-quality data collection. Reviews are conducted in the field or laboratory by the Water-Quality Specialist. 

Reviews are completed in a timely manner, and comments are documented by the 

reviewer in a memorandum to the immediate supervisor with a copy to the project chief, the 

supervisor and the Chief of the North Florida Program Office. Reviews address sample collection and processing techniques, compliance with WRD, OWQ, and North Florida Program 

Office policies, the condition of the work environment (for example, the field vehicle), and any 

other activities pertaining to the collection of good quality data. When deficiencies are noted, 

the reviewer, in consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist, is responsible for identifying 

corrective actions. The immediate supervisor is responsible for ensuring that, once identified, 

corrective actions are implemented and completed in a timely manner.
49

13.0 REFERENCES 

Alt, D.F., and Iseri, K.T., eds., 1986, WRD publications guide, v. 1. Publications policy and text 

preparation: U.S. Geological Survey, 429 p.

Arvin, D.V., 1995, A workbook for preparing surface-water quality-assurance plans for Districts 

of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division: U.S. Geological Survey OpenFile Report 94-382, 40 p.

Bartholoma, S.D., 1997, User’s manual for the National Water Information System of the 

U.S. Geological Survey, Chap. 3, Automated data processing system: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 97-635, 219 p. [available online at http://wwwnwis.er.usgs.gov/

conversion/nwisdocs3_2/index.html]

Brunett, J.O., Barber, N.L., Burns, A.W., Fogelman, R.P., Gillies, D.C., Lidwin, R.A., and 

Mack, T.J., 1997, A quality-assurance plan for District ground-water activities of the 

U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-11, 21 p.

Crawford, J.K., and Luoma, S.N., 1994, Guidelines for studies of contaminants in biological 

tissues for the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 92-494, 69 p.

Cuffney, T.F., Gurtz, M.E., and Meador, M.R., 1993, Methods for collecting benthic invertebrate 

samples as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 93-406, 66 p.

Dempster, G.R., Jr., comp., 1990, National Water Information System user’s manual, v. 2, 

chap. 3, Automated data processing system: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

90-116 [variously paged].

Dossett, S.R., and Bowersox, V.C., 1999, National trends network site operation manual: 

Champaign, Ill., National Atmospheric Deposition Program Office at the Illinois State 

Water Survey, NADP Manual 1999-01, variously paged.

Edwards, T.K., and Glysson, G.D., 1999, Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment: 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. C2, 89 p.

Fitzpatrick, F.A., Waite, I.R., D’Arconte, P.J., M.R. Meador, M.R., Maupin, M.A., and Gurtz, 

M.E., 1998, Revised methods for characterizing stream habitat in the National Water 

Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations 

Report 98-4052, 67 p.

Garcia, K.T., Maddy, D.V., Lopp, L.E., Jackson, D.L., Coupe, R.H., and Schertz, T.L., 1997, 

User’s manual for the National Water Information System of the U.S. Geological Survey, 

chap. 2, water-quality system: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-634, 253 p. 

[available online at http://wwwnwis.er.usgs.gov/conversion/nwisdocs3_2/index.html].

Guy, H.P., 1969, Laboratory theory and methods for sediment analysis: U.S. Geological Survey 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 5, chap. C1, 58 p.
50 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Hansen W.R., ed., 1991, Suggestions to authors of the reports of the United States Geological 

Survey (7th ed.): Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 289 p.

Horowitz, A.J., Demas, C.R., Fitzgerald, K.K., Miller, T.L, and Rickert, D.A., 1994, U.S. 

Geological Survey protocol for the collection and processing of surface-water samples for 

the subsequent determination of inorganic constituents in filtered water: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 94-539, 57 p. 

Hubbard, E.F., 1992, Policy recommendations for management and retention of hydrologic data 

of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 92-56, 32 p.

Knott, J.M., Glysson, G.D., Malo, B.A., and Schroder, L.J., 1993, Quality-assurance plan for 

the collection and processing of sediment data by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water 

Resources Division: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 92-499, 18 p.

Koterba, M.T., Wilde, F.D., and Lapham, W.W,. 1995, Ground-water data-collection protocols 

and procedures for the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: Collection and 

documentation of water-quality samples and related data: U.S. Geological Survey OpenFile Report 95-399, 113 p.

Lane, S.L., and Fay, R.G., eds., 1998, Safety in field activities, in National field manual for the 

collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A9, 71 p.

Lapham, W.W., Wilde, F.D., Koterba, M.T., 1995, Ground-water data collection protocols and 

procedures for the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: Selection, installation, and 

documentation of wells, and collection of related data. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 95-398, 69 p.

Maddy, D.V., Lopp, L.E., Jackson, D.L., Coupe, R.H., Schertz, T.L., and Garcia, K.T., 1997, 

National Water Information System user’s manual, v. 2, chap. 2, Water-quality system: 

U.S. Geological Survey, version 1.2, Sept. 11, 1997 [variously paged].

Meador, M.R., Cuffney, T.F., and Gurtz, M.E., 1993, Methods for sampling fish communities as 

part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 93-104, 40 p.

Mueller, D.K., Martin, J.D., and Lopes, T.J., 1997, Quality-control design for surface-water 

sampling in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 97-223, 17 p.

Myers, D.N., and Sylvester, M., 1997, Biological indicators, in National field manual for the 

collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A7, section 7.1, 49 p.

Peden, M.E., and others, 1986, Development of standard methods for the collection and analysis 

of precipitation: Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [variously 

paged].
51

Porter, S.D., Cuffney, T.F., Gurtz, M.E., and Meador, M.R., 1993, Methods for collecting algal 

samples as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 93-409, 39 p.

Pritt, J.W., and Raese, J.W., eds., 1995, Quality assurance/quality control manual—National 

Water-Quality Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-443, 35 p.

Radtke, D.B., 1998, Bottom-material samples, in National field manual for the collection of 

water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A8, 59 p.

Schertz, T.L., Childress, C.J.O., Kelly, V.J., O’Brien, M.S., and Pederson, G.L., 1998, 

A workbook for preparing a district quality-assurance plan for water-quality activities: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-98.

Schroder, L.J., and Shampine, W.J., 1992, Guidelines for preparing a quality-assurance plan for 

the District offices of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 92-136, 14 p.

——— 1995, Guidelines for preparing a quality-assurance plan for the District water-quality 

activities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-108, 

12 p.

Shampine, W.J., Pope, L.M., and Koterba, M.T., 1992, Integrating quality assurance in project 

work plans of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

92-162, 12 p.

Shelton, L.R., 1994, Field guide for collecting and processing stream-water samples for the 

National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

94-455, 42 p.

Shelton, L.R., and Capel, P.D., 1994, Guidelines for collecting and processing samples of 

streambed sediment for analysis of trace elements and organic contaminants for the 

National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

94-458, 20 p.

Stanley, D.L., Shampine, W.J., and Schroder, L.J., 1992, Summary of the U.S. Geological 

Survey National Field Quality-Assurance Program from 1979 through 1989: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 92-163, 14 p.

U.S. Department of the Interior, 1992, Safeguard and release of U.S. Geological Survey data and 

information, in U.S. Geological Survey Manual 500.14.1: May 15, 1992, 3 p.

——— 1993, Policy for release of computer data bases and computer programs, in U.S. 

Geological Survey manual 500.24.1: April 9, 1993, 4 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1995, Guidelines for writing hydrologic reports: U.S. Geological 

Survey Fact Sheet FS-217-95, 4 p.

——— 1999, Comprehensive quality assurance plan 1999, submitted to Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection, [variously paged].
52 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984, Style manual: Washington, D.C., 479 p.

Ward, J.R., and Harr, C.A., eds., 1990, Methods for the collection and processing of surfacewater and bed-material samples for physical and chemical analyses: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 90-140, 71 p.

Wilde, F.D., and Radtke, D.B., eds., 1998, Field measurements, in National field manual for the 

collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A6, [variously paged].

Wilde, F.D., Radtke, D.B., Gibs, Jacob, and Iwatsubo, R.T., 1998a, Preparations for water 

sampling, in National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological 

Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A1, [variously paged].

——— 1998b, Selection of equipment for water sampling, in National field manual for the 

collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A2, [variously paged].

——— 1998c, Cleaning of equipment for water sampling, in National field manual for the 

collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A3, [variously paged].

——— 1999a, Collection of water samples, in National field manual for the collection of 

water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A4, [variously paged].

——— 1999b, Processing of water samples, in National field manual for the collection of 

water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A5, [variously paged].

Willoughby, T.C., 1995, Quality of wet deposition in the Grand Calumet River watershed, 

northwestern Indiana, June 30, 1992–August 31, 1993: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 95-4172, 55 p.
53

13.1 Internal Documents

The following USGS memoranda are available electronically on the Internet at the following site address (URL) http://water.usgs.gov/public/admin/memo/

Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01, February 5, 1991, Safety—Chemicalhygiene plan.

National Water-Quality Laboratory Memorandum 92.01, March 25, 1992, Availability of 

equipment blank water for inorganic and organic analysis.

National Water-Quality Laboratory Memorandum 92.06, August 12, 1992, District rerun 

requests.

National Water-Quality Laboratory Memorandum 95.04, December 2, 1994, Shipping samples 

to the National Water-Quality Laboratory.

Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 93.01, October 8, 1992, Summary of 

documentation that describes instrumentation and field methods for collecting sediment 

data.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 92.01, December 20, 1991, Distilled/deionized 

water for District operations.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 92.06, March 20, 1992, Report of committee 

on sample shipping integrity and cost.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 97.06, May 5, 1997 (corrected May 14, 1997), 

Comparison of the suspended-sediment splitting capabilities of the churn and cone splitters.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 98.03, Policy for the evaluation and approval 

of production analytical laboratories.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 2000.09, July 14, 2000, Mandatory Use of 

New Analytical Services Request (ASR) Form for Submitting Samples to the National 

Water Quality Laboratory.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 82.028, January 21, 1982, Water 

Quality—Acceptability and use of water-quality analytical methods.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 87.085, September 18, 1987, Programs and 

Plans—Policy for the collection and archiving of electronically recorded data.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 90.030 (revised), March 5, 1990, Programs and 

Plans—Policy for release of digital data.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 90.038, April 23, 1990, Policy for reporting Maximum 

Contaminant Level exceedances.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.005, December 16, 1991, Publications—Extended 

delegation of authority to approve reports of certain categories for release to the open file.
54 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the North Florida Program Office, Florida District

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.035, April 16, 1992, Policy of the Water Resources 

Division on the use of laboratories.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.036, April 16, 1992, Policy of the Water Resources 

Division on the use of laboratories by national water-quality programs.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.059, October 20, 1992, Policy for management and 

retention of hydrologic data of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 95.18, March 14, 1995, Publications—Redelegation 

of Director’s report approval authority to Regional Hydrologists.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 95.35, May 15, 1995, Programs and 

Plans—Transmittal of an instrumentation plan for the Water Resources Division and the 

hydrologic field instrumentation and equipment policy and guidelines.