U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2008–3012 

March 2008

Introduction to Field Water-Quality 

Methods for the Collection of 

Metals—2007 Project Summary

Printed on recycled paper

By Monica L. Allen

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Region VI of 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 

and the Osage Nation presented three 3-day workshops, 

in June-August 2007, entitled “Introduction to Field 

Water-Quality Methods for the Collection of Metals.” 

The purpose of the workshops was to provide instruction 

to tribes within USEPA Region VI on various USGS 

surface-water measurement methods and water-quality 

sampling protocols for the collection of surface-water 

samples for metals analysis. Workshop attendees 

included members from over 22 tribes and pueblos. 

USGS instructors came from Oklahoma, New Mexico, 

and Georgia. Workshops were held in eastern and southcentral Oklahoma and New Mexico and covered many 

topics including presampling preparation, water-quality 

monitors, and sampling for metals in surface water.

Attendees from the June 2007 workshop 

held in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. 

Attendees from the August 2007 workshop 

held in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Art Horowitz discusses 

sampling for metals 

in surface water with 

attendees. 

USGS instructor 

Stephanie Buck 

demonstrates 

collecting a flowintegrated water sample.

Attendees from the July 2007 workshop held in Santa Fe, 

New Mexico, watch Monica Allen and Jim Wellman clean 

sampling equipment.

Attendees spent one full classroom day learning the 

field methods used by the USGS Water Resources 

Discipline and learning about the complexity of obtaining 

valid water-quality and quality-assurance data. Lectures 

included (1) a description of metal contamination sources 

in surface water; (2) introduction on how to select field 

sites, equipment, and laboratories for sample analysis; (3) 

collection of sediment in surface water; and (4) utilization 

of proper protocol and methodology for sampling metals 

in surface water. Attendees also were provided USGS 

sampling equipment for use during the field portion of 

the class so they had actual “hands-on” experience to take 

back to their own organizations.
The final 2 days of the workshop 

consisted of field demonstrations of 

current USGS water-quality samplecollection methods. The hands-on 

training ensured that attendees were 

exposed to and experienced proper 

sampling procedures. Attendees learned 

integrated-flow techniques during sample 

collection, field-property documentation, and discharge 

measurements and calculations. They also used enclosed 

chambers for sample processing and collected qualityassurance samples to verify their techniques.

 Benefits of integrated water-quality sample-collection 

methods are varied. Tribal environmental programs 

now have the ability to collect data that are comparable 

across watersheds. The use of consistent sample 

collection, manipulation, and storage techniques will 

provide consistent quality data that will enhance the 

understanding of local water resources. The improved 

data quality also will help the USEPA better document 

the condition of the region’s water. Ultimately, these 

workshops equipped tribes to use uniform sampling 

methods and to provide consistent quality data that are 

comparable across the region.

Attendees calibrate multimeters. Attendees demonstrate processing 

water samples in a chamber.

George Craft of USEPA collects a flowintegrated water sample.

Attendees collect field properties.

Attendees practice collecting flow-integrated samples 

with their own equipment.

For more information, visit the 

USGS Web site at: 

http://ok.water.usgs.gov/

or contact:

U.S. Geological Survey

Oklahoma Water Science Center

Broadway Executive Park, Bldg. 7

202 N.W. 66th

Oklahoma City, OK 73116 

Phone: 1–800–839–7988

Phone: 405–810–4400

Fax: 405–843–7712

E-mail: dc_ok@usgs.gov