Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the

U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center 

Open-File Report 2007–1307

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
Cover:

Top Left: Photograph of U.S. Geological Survey employees Dwight Copeland and Doug Call 

collecting water-quality samples from a cable car on the Yakima River at Kiona, Washington. 

(Photograph by Richard Wager, 2004).

Top Right: Photograph of Green Lake, North Cascade National Park. (Photograph by Roy Zipp, 

U.S. National Park Service, Sedro Woolley, Washington, 2003).

Bottom Left: Photograph of U.S. Geological Survey employee Sandra Embrey sampling at 

Ahtanam Creek at Union Gap, Washington. (Photograph by Mark Munn, 2003).

Bottom Right: Photograph of U.S. Geological Survey employee Mark Munn measuring water 

quality at DR2 near Granger, Washington. (Photograph courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey, 2003).
Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality 

Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey 

Washington Water Science Center

Compiled by Richard J. Wagner, Robert A. Kimbrough, and Gary L. Turney

Open-File Report 2007–1307

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. Myers, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2007

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reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Wagner, R.J., Kimbrough, R.A., and Turney, G.L., 2007, Quality-assurance plan for water-quality activities in the U.S. 

Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007–1307, 48 p.
iii

Contents

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

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

1.1 Purpose and Scope.....................................................................................................................2

2.0 Organization and Responsibilities .....................................................................................................2

2.1 Organizational Chart ...................................................................................................................2

2.2 Responsibilities............................................................................................................................2

2.3 References Used for Organization and Responsibilities Section .......................................4

3.0 Program and Project Planning .............................................................................................................4

3.1 Project Proposals ..........................................................................................................................4

3.2 Project Workplan...........................................................................................................................5

3.3 Project Review...............................................................................................................................5

3.3.1 Review Schedules.............................................................................................................5

3.3.2 Review Documentation ....................................................................................................7

3.4 References Used in Program and Project Planning Section .................................................7

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories...................................................................................................................7

4.1 Selection and Use of an Analytical Laboratory........................................................................7

4.1.1 Selection .............................................................................................................................7

4.1.2 Requirements for Use .......................................................................................................7

4.2 Laboratories Used by Washington Water Science Center ....................................................8

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the WAWSC ........................................................10

4.3.1 USGS National Water-Quality Laboratory...................................................................10

4.3.2 USGS Ocala Water Quality and Research Laboratory ..............................................10

4.3.3 USGS Vancouver Sediment Laboratory.......................................................................11

4.3.4 USGS Sediment-Trace Element Partitioning Laboratory ..........................................11

4.3.5 Ecoanalysts.......................................................................................................................11

4.3.6 USGS South Carolina Water Science Center Laboratory.........................................11

4.3.7 Axis Analytical Laboratory.............................................................................................11

4.3.8 Severn Trent Laboratory (formerly Quanterra)...........................................................12

4.3.9 USGS Carol Kendall.........................................................................................................12

4.3.10 Georgia Institute of Technology).................................................................................12

4.3.11 USGS Washington Water Science Center Laboratory............................................12

4.3.12 USGS Reston Chorofluorocarbon Laboratory...........................................................13

4.3.13 Edge Analytical Laboratory..........................................................................................13

4.3.14 Washington Department of Ecology Manchester Environmental 

Laboratory ....................................................................................................................13

4.3.15 Pacific Analytical Laboratory ......................................................................................14

4.3.16 TEG Laboratory...............................................................................................................14

4.3.17 Lamont-Doherty Laboratory.........................................................................................14

4.3.18 USGS Mercury Research Laboratory ........................................................................14

4.3.19 USEPA Region 10 Laboratory.......................................................................................14

4.3.20 Bureau of Reclamation Laboratory ............................................................................15

4.3.21 USGS Columbia Environmental Research Laboratory ............................................15

4.3.22 University of Washington Marine Chemistry Laboratory........................................15
iv

Contents—Continued

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories—Continued

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the WAWSC—Continued

4.3.23 USGS Center for Coastal and Marine Geology Laboratory ....................................15

4.4 References Used for the Central Chemical Analytical Water-Quality Laboratories 

Section ....................................................................................................................................16

5.0 Field Service Units and Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, and Field Vehicles .......................17

5.1 Field Service Units and Laboratories .......................................................................................17

5.1.1a Tacoma Facility ..............................................................................................................17

5.1.1b Pasco and Spokane Facilities .....................................................................................18

5.1.2 Procedures .......................................................................................................................18

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies.................................................................................................18

5.2 Mobile Laboratories and Water-Quality Field Vehicles ........................................................20

5.3 References Used for Field Service Units and Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, 

and Field Vehicles Section...................................................................................................20

6.0 Water-Quality Instruments..................................................................................................................21

6.1 Calibration of Water-Quality Instruments................................................................................21

6.2 References Used for Water-Quality Instruments Section....................................................23

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation....................................................................................................23

7.1 Site Selection ...............................................................................................................................23

7.1.1 Surface Water..................................................................................................................23

7.1.2 Ground Water...................................................................................................................23

7.2 Site Documentation.....................................................................................................................23

7.2.1 Surface Water..................................................................................................................24

7.2.2 Ground Water...................................................................................................................24

7.2.3 Other Sites ........................................................................................................................25

7.3 References Used for Site-Selection and Documentation Section......................................25

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing....................................................................................................25

Instantaneous Water-Quality Data ..................................................................................................26

Continuous Water-Quality Data........................................................................................................26

 8.1 Constituents in Water ................................................................................................................26

8.1.1 Field Measurements .......................................................................................................26

8.1.2 Cleaning of Sampling and Processing Equipment .....................................................28

8.1.3 Surface-Water Sampling................................................................................................28

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

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

8.1.4 Ground-Water Sampling.................................................................................................29

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

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

8.1.5 Precipitation Sampling ...................................................................................................29

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

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

8.1.6.2 Sample Filtration...........................................................................................................30

8.1.6.3 Sample Preservation....................................................................................................30
Contents—Continued

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing—Continued

8.2 Other Types of Water-Quality Samples....................................................................................30

8.2.1 Biological Samples..........................................................................................................30

8.2.2 Suspended-Sediment and Bottom-Material Samples ..............................................31

8.3 Quality-Control Samples.............................................................................................................32

8.4 Safety Issues................................................................................................................................32

8.5 References Used for Sample Collection and Processing Section......................................32

9.0 Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking.................................................................................34

9.1 Preparation for Sampling ...........................................................................................................34

9.2 Onsite Sample Handling and Documentation.........................................................................34

9.3 Sample Shipment and Documentation ....................................................................................34

9.4 Sample Tracking Procedures ....................................................................................................35

9.5 Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Samples ............................................................................35

9.6 References Used for Sample Handling and Tracking Section.............................................36

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management....................................................................................................36

10.1 Processing Data.........................................................................................................................36

10.1.1 Continuous Monitoring Data........................................................................................37

10.1.2 Analytical Data...............................................................................................................37

10.1.3 Non-National Water Information System Databases..............................................37

10.2 Validation (Records Review)....................................................................................................38

10.2.1 Continuous Monitoring Data........................................................................................38

10.2.2 Analytical Data...............................................................................................................38

10.3 Data Storage...............................................................................................................................41

10.4 Records Archival .......................................................................................................................41

10.5 References Used for Water-Quality Data Management Section......................................41

11.0 Publication of Water-Quality Data...................................................................................................42

11.1 Hydrologic Data Reports ..........................................................................................................42

11.2 Interpretive Reports ..................................................................................................................42

11.3 Other Data Outlets.....................................................................................................................42

11.4 References Used for Publication Section .............................................................................43

12.0 Water-Quality Training and Reviews...............................................................................................43

12.1 Training........................................................................................................................................43

12.2 Reviews.......................................................................................................................................43

13.0 References Cited ................................................................................................................................44

13.1 USGS Memoranda Applicable to Water-Quality Activities ................................................47
vi

Figures

Figure 2.1. U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center organizational

chart, February 2007 .................................................................. 3

Figure 3.3.2. Documentation form for program and project reviews in the USGS

Washington Water Science Center................................................... 6

Figure 8.1.1. Example first page of a national field form for use in recording

field-measurement data ............................................................... 27

Figure 10.2.2. Example of re-analysis request tracking form....................................... 39

Figure 10.2.3. Example of the web interface National Water Quality Laboratory Rerun

Request form ........................................................................... 40

Tables

Table 2.3. Summary of references for organization and responsibilities related to quality

assurance .............................................................................. 4

Table 3.4. Summary of references for organization and responsibilities related to quality

assurance .............................................................................. 7

Table 4.2. Laboratories used for U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science

Center projects ........................................................................ 8

Table 4.4. Summary of references for selecting and using water-quality laboratories ... 16

Table 5.1.1a. Equipment, instruments, and quality assurance provided by the Tacoma

Field Service Unit ..................................................................... 17

Table 5.1.1b. Equipment, instruments, and quality assurance provided by the Pasco

and Spokane Field Services Units and quality assurance ........................ 18

Table 5.1.3. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments in the U.S.

Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center Field Service Units ... 19

Table 5.3. Summary of references for Field Service Units and laboratories, mobile

laboratories, and field vehicles ...................................................... 20

Table 6.1. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to

measure selected parameters in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington

Water Science Center.................................................................. 21

Table 6.2. Summary of references for water-quality instruments ........................... 23

Table 7.3. Summary of references for site selection and documentation for

water-quality programs ............................................................... 25

Table 8.2.2. Summary of references for collecting and processing sediment samples ...... 31

Table 8.2.1. Summary of references for collecting and processing biological samples ... 31

Table 8.5. Summary of references used for collecting and processing water-quality

samples ................................................................................. 33

Table 9.6. Summary of references used for handling and tracking water-quality 

samples ................................................................................. 36

Table 10.5. Summary of references used for managing water-quality data and records ... 41

Table 11.4. Summary of references used for managing water-quality data and records ... 43
Abstract

In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Office of 

Water Quality in the Water Resources Discipline of the U.S. 

Geological Survey (USGS), this quality-assurance plan has 

been created for use by the USGS Washington Water Science 

Center (WAWSC) in conducting water-quality activities. 

The plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures 

used by the personnel of the WAWSC 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 WAWSC’s qualityassurance plans for surface-water and ground-water activities 

and to supplement the WAWSC quality-assurance 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 Discipline (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 USGS Washington 

Water Science Center (WAWSC) are part of the WRD’s 

overall mission of appraising the Nation’s water resources.

To address quality-control issues 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 

Science Center in the Discipline.

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 ensure 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 (1) reviewing appropriate 

implementation of QA policies and procedures and (2) 

analyzing the QC data. Quality assessment encompasses 

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 qualityassessment 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;

•

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the 

U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

Compiled by Richard J. Wagner, Robert A. Kimbrough, and Gary L. Turney
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;

Representativeness of the data in describing the actual 

chemical composition of the water and 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 WAWSC QA plan for waterquality activities is to document the standards, policies, and 

procedures used by the USGS WAWSC, 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 WAWSC 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 WAWSC 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 WAWSC QA plan 

for surface-water and ground-water activities, and supplement 

the WAWSC 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 WAWSC organizational structure is similar to 

those of other science centers in the Discipline, but different 

program requirements from one science center to another 

contribute to the uniqueness of these organizational structures. 

The organization of WAWSC is illustrated in figure 2.1.

2.2 Responsibilities

The ultimate responsibility for the preparation and 

implementation of and adherence to the QA policies that are 

described in this QA plan lies with the WAWSC Director 

(Schroder and Shampine, 1992, p. 7). Following is a list of 

responsibilities for selected WAWSC personnel who are 

involved in the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and 

publication of water-quality data:

The WAWSC Director and management personnel are 

responsible for:

1. Managing and directing the WAWSC program, including 

designation of personnel responsible for managing all 

water-quality activities;

2. Ensuring that water-quality activities meet the needs 

of the Federal government, cooperating State and local 

agencies, and the general public;

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan are understood 

and followed by personnel. This is accomplished by direct 

involvement or through clearly stated delegation of this 

responsibility to other personnel;

4. Providing final resolution, in consultation with the WaterQuality Specialist, of any conflicts or disputes related to 

water-quality activities within the WAWSC;

5. Keeping subordinates briefed on procedural and technical 

communications from regional and Headquarters offices, 

by

(a) Coordinating and participating in technical reviews 

of all water-quality programs on at least a semiannual

basis;

(b) Ensuring that all publications and other technical

communications released by WAWSC personnel are

accurate and comply with USGS policy; and

(c) Ensuring that all personnel involved in water-quality

activities are adequately trained, mentored, and

supervised to conduct such activities.

   Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
The Water-Quality Specialist or designated representative 

is responsible for:

1. Ensuring that water-quality activities meet the needs of 

the Federal government, the cooperating State and local 

agencies, and the general public;

2. Preparing and implementing the WAWSC water-quality 

QA plan for water-quality activities;

3. Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan are understood 

and followed by WAWSC personnel;

4. Keeping WAWSC personnel briefed on procedural 

and technical communications from regional and 

Headquarters offices;

5. Participating in technical reviews of all WAWSC waterquality programs on a semiannual basis;

6. Ensuring that all publications and other technical 

communications released by the WAWSC that relate to 

and include water-quality information are accurate and 

comply with USGS policy;

7. Ensuring that the WAWSC QA plan for waterquality activities is reviewed and revised at least once 

every 3 years to document current responsibilities, 

methodologies, and ongoing procedural improvements; 

and

8. Ensuring that personnel involved in water-quality 

activities are adequately trained, mentored, and supervised 

to conduct such activities.

WASHINGTON WATER

SCIENCE CENTER

DIRECTOR

NAWQA NATIONAL

SYNTHESIS TEAM

HYDROLOGIC STUDIES

PROGRAM

Environmental Hydrology

and Geochemistry Section

Watersheds and Ecology Section

Physical Hydrology Section

NAWQA Section

Puget Sound Study Unit

Central Columbia/Yakima Study Unit

HYDROLOGIC DATA

PROGRAM

Hydrologic Analysis and Data

Management Unit

Construction Unit

Pasco Field Office

Spokane Field Office

Tacoma Field Office

• Operations North

• Operations South

• Sedro Woolley Operations

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

FOR

HYDROLOGIC DATA

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

FOR

HYDROLOGIC STUDIES

TECHNICAL

SPECIALISTS

ADMINISTRATIVE

SERVICES SECTION

PUBLICATIONS

SERVICE CENTER

COMPUTER

APPLICATIONS

SECTION

OUTSIDE CENTER

REPRESENTATIVES

Figure 2.1. U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center organizational chart, February 2007.

2.0 Organization and Responsibilities 
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 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. Preparing a project QA plan as part of the proposal or 

workplan (Shampine and others, 1992);

5. Obtaining guidance, as appropriate, for project qualityassurance/quality-control (QA/QC) activities from the 

Water-Quality Specialist; and

6. Ensuring that QA/QC activities are properly carried out 

by the project personnel.

2.3 References Used for Organization and 

Responsibilities Section

Table 2.3 lists reports and web pages referred to in this 

section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this 

report.

3.0 Program and Project Planning

The WAWSC Director has primary responsibility for 

overall WAWSC program planning and is responsible for 

ensuring that WAWSC projects are supportive of WAWSC and 

national priorities. All water-quality projects require review 

and approval prior to the commencement of work. Qualityassurance 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 cooperator, or other criteria as 

described in Shampine and others (1992).

3.1 Project Proposals

Project proposals are developed at the local science 

center level in response to requests by cooperating agencies, 

needs recognized by the WRD in working closely with other 

agencies, or national programs. Science center proposals 

conform to the format required by the Western Region WRD, 

as described by T. John Conomos, Regional Hydrologist, 

written commun., September 10, 1999 and WAWSC internal 

memoranda. Science centers are encouraged to transmit 

proposals electronically, as described in a memorandum 

by Keith R. Prince, USGS Assistant Regional Director for 

Programs, written commun., June 29, 2001.

Each proposal must (l) state the problem or need for the 

study; (2) define objectives—what will be done to help solve 

the problem; (3) describe the relevance and benefits—why 

the USGS should conduct the study and how the work will 

support the goals of WRD; and (4) define the approach—how 

work will be done to accomplish the objectives. Relevance 

and benefits refer to USGS goals as expressed in the USGS 

Strategic Plan (accessed April 30, 2007, at http://www.usgs.

gov/stratplan/), the WRD’s Strategic Directions (accessed 

April 30, 2007, at http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2007/1309/pdf/

C1309.pdf), or the USGS Federal-State Cooperative Program 

Priorities (published annually by WRD memorandum). The 

approach to a proposed study or project 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 defined in the approach. 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, 

Table 2.3. Summary of references for organization and 

responsibilities related to quality assurance.

References Subject

Schroeder and Shampine, 1995 Guidelines for preparing a 

quality-assurance plan

Shampine and others, 1992 Integrating quality assurance 

into project workplans

Figure 2.1 U.S. Geological Survey Water 

Science Center organizational 

chart

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
time schedules, and personnel requirements also are addressed. 

Consultation with regional 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 Section Chief, Associate 

Director for Hydrologic Studies (or designee), and appropriate 

science center discipline specialist(s) and, at the discretion 

of the science center Director, may be sent to other science 

centers for review. The Western Region provides final review 

and approval of all project proposals.

The Project Chief identifies all project work elements 

and the related technical methods and approaches that are 

necessary to satisfy project objectives. The approach defined 

in the proposal (or in a separate 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. The approach 

defined in the proposal or workplan should clearly state how 

the WAWSC’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 of sample 

collection, a description of the sample types and their expected 

uses, and descriptions of analytical methods.

Proposals or workplans also include a description of 

the design of QC sampling that is required to document bias 

and variability in the environmental data. The proposal or 

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).

Quality-control samples are to be a part of all waterquality projects. Quality-control samples include, but are not 

limited to: (1) replicates, (2) field blank samples composed of 

inorganic- or organic-free water, (3) equipment blanks, and 

(4) field-matrix spikes. Generally, about 15 percent of samples 

collected should be quality-control samples. The preparation 

of project quality-assurance plans is encouraged in order to 

present and document specific quality-control issues.

Proposals or workplans state anticipated methods for data 

analysis and presentation, including report plans. Accurate 

cost estimates are included for personnel, materials, and 

services related to planned completion dates for accurately 

budgeting the project. Ensuring the availability of project 

personnel is often difficult and can impose serious constraints 

on completing project tasks; therefore, WAWSC 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 Workplan

Project workplans are sometimes developed from 

approved project proposals. The WAWSC requirements for the 

content, review, and revision of workplans are outlined below. 

The Project or Field Office 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 if that information is not already included 

in the project proposal. 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 WAWSC’s “Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality 

Activities” will be implemented.

Descriptions of the non-standard methods and approaches 

to be used to complete the technical elements of the project 

are required. New or unapproved field and laboratory methods 

that will be used must be described in detail. The plan lists the 

environmental sampling locations and frequency, a description 

of the sample types and their expected uses, and descriptions 

of laboratory tests.

3.3 Project Review

Project reviews are conducted periodically by WAWSC 

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 WAWSC policies and 

requirements. Quality-assurance activities with respect to 

project reviews are outlined in the following subsections.

3.3.1 Review Schedules

The WAWSC has developed and implemented a review 

schedule for evaluating the technical development and 

progress of water-quality programs and projects by use of 

semi-annual (or more frequent) reviews. 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.

3.0 Program and Project Planning 
Figure 3.3.2. Documentation form for program and project reviews in the USGS Washington Water Science 

Center.

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 3.4. Summary of references for organization and 

responsibilities related to quality assurance.

References Subject

Mueller and others, 1997 Quality control design for 

NAWQA surface water

Shampine and others, 1992 Integrating quality assurance 

into project workplans

T. John Conomos, September 10, 

1999

Water Resources Division 

Instructional Memorandum

Standardized proposals, May 24, 

2007

Washington Water Science 

Center Instructional 

Memorandum

Keith R. Prince, June 29, 2001 Water Resources Division 

Instructional Memorandum

3.3.2 Review Documentation

The WAWSC has developed a form and procedure for 

documenting program and project reviews (fig. 3.3.2). The 

WAWSC archives all review comments that address project 

progress, status, all resulting actions or recommendations, 

and the status of these actions or recommendations. WAWSC 

management holds the review forms until the next review 

cycle, at which time they note progress made in addressing 

previously identified project problems or deficiencies. They 

then submit the previous review forms to the Administrative 

Services Section for filing into the related project case file, 

and hold the current review form for the next cycle. Project 

case files are maintained by the Administrative Services 

Section until the project completion date, at which time they 

are marked “completed” and held for 2 years prior to being 

submitted to the Federal Records Center for archiving. The 

documentation form for program and project reviews is 

available to USGS employees.

3.4 References Used in Program and Project 

Planning Section

Table 3.4 lists reports and memoranda referred to in this 

section. For complete citations, 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.

4.1 Selection and Use of an Analytical 

Laboratory

The USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) 

was established to meet the needs of the WRD, and is the 

laboratory required for use in all WRD national waterquality programs (WRD Memorandum 92.036). In some 

circumstances, however, a laboratory other than the NWQL 

may be used; such circumstances are applicable to waterquality activities (USGS Memoranda cited in this report are 

listed in Section 13.1, USGS Memoranda).

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 generally are exempt 

from approval requirements that other laboratories must meet 

(OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03). WAWSC laboratories 

generally can be used when analyses must be completed 

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 OWQ Technical Memorandum 

98.03 (supersedes WRD Memorandum 92.035), before any 

analytical data can be stored in the WRD National Water 

Information System (NWIS) database (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 Project Chief, with assistance from the WAWSC 

Water-Quality Specialist, is responsible for assuring that all 

laboratories providing analytical services to the WAWSC have 

met the requirements for approval. These laboratories must do 

the following:

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories 
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 one of 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 approved based on requirements specified in 

OWQ Technical Memorandum 04.01 before the analytical 

data from this method are published and (or) stored 

in the USGS national database. (The WAWSC Water 

Quality Specialist [or Project Chief] also should consult 

the National Environmental Methods Index [NEMI] for 

reference to many approved methods [http://www.nemi.

gov].)

2. Have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for analytical 

methods—All analytical methods must have documented 

SOPs 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 

5 years and be available upon request 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 

(http://bqs.usgs.gov/srs/) samples.

4.2 Laboratories Used by Washington Water 

Science Center

The laboratories that have been used for analytical 

services by WAWSC projects are shown in table 4.2. The 

table lists the analytical laboratory, type of analyses provided, 

the person who has been the primary laboratory contact, the 

project using the laboratory, and the dates the laboratory was 

used.

Table 4.2. Laboratories used for U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center projects.

[CHIPS, Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound; NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment program; NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory; OWQRL, Office 

of Water Quality Regional Laboratory; USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; WY, water year; NA, not applicable] 

Analytical laboratory Analyses provided

(by general category) Laboratory contact Project Dates used

USGS (NWQL)—

Lakewood, CO

Inorganic, organic, biology Various Many 1974 to present

USGS (OWQRL)—Ocala, FL Inorganic NA Several 1998–2002 WY

Organic carbon NA Fort Lewis 1998–2002 WY

USGS Vancouver Sediment 

Laboratory—Vancouver, WA

Sediment size and 

concentration 

Dan Gooding Several On-going

USGS Sediment-Trace Element 

Partitioning laboratory—

Atlanta, GA 

Inorganic (mercury) Art Horowitz Lake Roosevelt 1998 WY

Suspended-sediment trace 

elements

NASQAN 1996–99 WY

Suspended-sediment trace 

elements

Lake Roosevelt 

sediment

2001 WY 

Econanalysts—Moscow, ID Biology (taxonomy) Robert Black Cedar River 1996 WY

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 4.2. Laboratories used for U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center projects.—Continued

Analytical laboratory Analyses provided

(by general category) Laboratory contact Project Dates used

USGS South Carolina District 

Laboratory—Columbia, SC

Dissolved methane

Microcosm experiments

Paul Bradley Navy Air Station, 

Whidbey Island

1997–98 WY

VOCs, major ions, and 

nutrients

1996–97 WY

Microcosm experiments Fort Lewis 2001 WY

Axis Analytical—Moscow, ID PCBs, dioxins, and furans Mark Munn Lake Roosevelt 1998 WY

Severn Trent (formerly 

Quanterra)

Organics Several Fort Lewis 1998–99 WY

USGS—Menlo Park, CA Isotope analysis Carol Kendall PUGET NAWQA 1998 WY

Yakima 1997–98 WY

Georgia Institute of 

Technology – Atlanta, GA

Microcosm experiments Frank Loffler PUGET NAWQA 1997–98 WY

USGS Washington Water Science 

Center Laboratory—Tacoma, WA

Inorganics–Chloride Steve Cox Lopez Island 1998 WY

Organics Steve Cox Fort Lewis 1998 WY to present

H2

 gas Steve Cox 1998 WY to present

USGS Reston 

Chlorofluorocarbon 

Laboratory—Reston, VA

CFC and dissolved 

gasses

Neil Plummer Fort Lewis 2000–01 WY

Yakima 2001 WY

Edge Analytical - Moscow, ID Organics Several Jim Creek 2000 WY

WA Department of Ecology—

Manchester, WA

Pesticides Stuart Magoon Pesticide toxicity in 

urban streams

2000–02 WY

Pacific Analytical - Moscow, ID Bacteria enumeration Chris Holmes-Baker Fort Lewis 2001 WY

TEG Laboratory—

Lacey, WA

Dissolved methane, TCE in tree 

core material

Sherry Chilcutt Fort Lewis 2001 WY

Dissolved methane, ethane, and 

ethene

Navy–Keyport 2001 WY

Lamont-Doherty –

Palisades, NY

Noble gasses Martin Stute Fort Lewis 2001 WY

USGS Mercury Research 

Laboratory—Middleton, WI

Mercury David Krabbenhoft NAWQA 2001 WY to present

USEPA Region 10 Laboratory— 

Manchester, WA

Nutrients Jennifer Crawford Umatilla 2004 WY

Bureau of Reclamation—Boise, 

ID

Nutrient, chlorophyll, and 

major ions

Bill Stroud Irrigation return flow; 

Lower Yakima

2004 WY to present

USGS Columbia Environmental 

Research Laboratory—Columbia, 

MO

Bioaccumulation, AVS Various Lake Roosevelt 

CHIPS

2006 WY to present

University of Washington Marine 

Chemistry Laboratory—Seattle, 

WA

Nutrients Katherine Krogslund Hood Canal, CHIPS 2005 WY to present

USGS Center for Coastal and 

Marine Geology Laboratory—

Woods Hole, MA

Nutrients Various CHIPS 2006 WY to present

Oregon State University 

Laboratory—Corvallis, OR

Nutrients Cam Jones Lake Crescent 2006 WY to present

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories 
4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the 

WAWSC

4.3.1 USGS National Water-Quality Laboratory 

(Lakewood [Denver Federal Center], CO)

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 analytical methods currently used at the NWQL is 

available at http://nwql.usgs.gov/Public/ref_list.html.

Other analytical methods from the USEPA that are 

currently used at the NWQL are available at http://www.

epa.gov/epahome/publications.htm. Analytical methods 

from the ASTM that are currently used at the NWQL are 

available at http://www.astm.org.

2. QA plan—The NWQL quality-assurance plan is 

published in Maloney (2005).

3. QC program—Quality control at the NWQL is monitored 

by three programs: (1) an internal blind sample program, 

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

QC samples. Information about the internal blind sample 

program and bench level QC samples can be obtained by 

sending an e-mail request to the NWQL at labhelp@usgs.

gov. Information about the external standard reference 

sample and blind sample program can be found under 

Branch of Quality Systems (BQS) Projects or is available 

at http://bqs.usgs.gov/index.html.

4. Performance evaluation studies and certification 

programs—The NWQL participates in performance 

evaluation studies and laboratory certification programs. 

A list of the current programs and a description of each 

can be found by sending an e-mail request to labhelp@

usgs.gov.

5. Laboratory reviews—External agencies and customer 

organizations audit the NWQL to assess analytical 

methods and QA/QC programs. A table of audits that 

shows the year reviewed, reviewing agency, and purpose 

of the review can be obtained by sending an e-mail 

request to labhelp@usgs.gov.

6. Miscellaneous services—Information about and access 

to other services are available through the NWQL. 

The services offered include but are not limited to the 

following:

Biological unit Methods Research and 

Development Program

Chain-of-custody procedures Organic spike kits

Contract services Publications

External performance 

evaluations

Quality assurance of selected 

field supplies

Laboratory services catalogue Technical memoranda and 

Rapi-Notes

4.3.2 USGS Ocala Water Quality and Research 

Laboratory (Ocala, FL)

NOTE: The Ocala Water Quality and Research 

Laboratory was closed in September 2004. Laboratory 

archives are available at the NWQL.

1. Methods used—Prior to closure, the laboratory 

specialized in analysis of environmental waters using 

methods approved by USGS, USEPA, ASTM, or 

American Public Health Association.

2. Laboratory QA plan — Laboratory quality assurance/

quality control (QA/QC) is monitored by internal review, 

external audits, and programs of the USGS Branch of 

Quality Systems.

3. QC program—Quality control at the OWQRL is 

monitored by three programs: (1) an internal blind sample 

program, (2) an external blind sample program, and (3) 

bench level QC samples. Information about the internal 

blind sample program and bench level QC samples can 

be obtained by sending an e-mail request to the OWQRL. 

Information about the external standard reference sample 

and blind sample program under BQS Projects is available 

at http://bqs.usgs.gov/index.html.

4. Certification/evaluation/round-robin programs—The 

laboratory maintains certification by the state of Florida, 

which requires annual approval of a Comprehensive 

Quality Assurance Plan.

5. Miscellaneous services—OWQRL formerly operated the 

National Field Quality (NFQA) program in cooperation 

with the BQS. The laboratory’s QA Programs Section 

also provides training in Safety and Chemical Waste 

Management.

10 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
4.3.3 USGS Vancouver Sediment Laboratory 

(Vancouver, WA)

1. Methods used—Concentrations and sizes of sediment are 

measured following standard methods described by Guy 

(1969) and ASTM D3977-97 (2007).

2. Laboratory QA plan—The laboratory’s Quality Control 

and Quality Assurance Plan is available upon request.

3. QC program—Quality control is monitored by practices 

specified for individual analyses as described in the 

laboratory’s Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan.

4. Certification/evaluation/round-robin programs—The 

laboratory regularly participates in analyses of singleblind and double-blind reference samples distributed 

by the BQS as part of the Sediment Laboratory Quality 

Assurance Project (see http://bqs.usgs.gov/slqa/).

5. Dates and participants of laboratory reviews— Every 

3 years by the USGS Office of Surface Water.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.4 USGS Sediment-Trace Element Partitioning 

Laboratory (Atlanta, GA)

1. Methods used—The laboratory is approved for analysis of 

Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, 

Sr, Tl, V, Zn, TC, TOC, TS in sediments utilizing various 

digestates with appropriate instrumentation. Analytical 

methods used are WRD-approved methods and are 

referenced to USGS analytical methods. Total mercury in 

fish tissue is analyzed by the cold vapor atomic adsorption 

method (Elrick and Horowitz, 1986).

2. QA plan— Laboratory QA Plan exists and meets BQS 

approval.

3. QC program—The QA/QC mandated for laboratory 

analyses is inclusive.

4. Certification programs—At present, BQS does not 

provide sediment samples for analysis. The laboratory 

has participated in the annual National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Association (NOAA) round-robin program 

for sediment and tissue analyses.

5. Laboratory reviews—Approval for the above analyses 

was extended by BQS for fiscal year 2005.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.5 Ecoanalysts 

(Moscow, ID)

1. Methods used—Taxonomic identification of macro 

invertebrates.

2. Laboratory QA plan—Available from Robert Black, 

USGS Project Chief.

3. QC program—Re-identification of 10 percent of samples.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Dates and participants of laboratory reviews—Not 

available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.6 USGS South Carolina Water Science

Center Laboratory (Columbia, SC)

1. Methods used— Samples for dissolved methane, ethane, 

and ethene were analyzed by gas chromatography as 

described by Kampbell and others (1989); hydrogen in 

ground water was sampled using the bubble-strip method 

of Bradley and Chappelle (1996) and analyzed using a 

field gas chromatograph with a reduction gas detector. 

Microcosm experiments are described by Chapelle and 

others (1997).

2. QA plan—Available from Paul Bradley, USGS 

Hydrologist.

3. QC program—Available from Paul Bradley, USGS 

Hydrologist.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.7 Axis Analytical Laboratory 

(Victoria, B.C., Canada)

1. Methods used—Rainbow trout and mountain whitefish 

were analyzed for dioxins and furans using USEPA 

Method 1613B (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

1994), and rainbow trout samples were analyzed for 

PCB arochlors using USEPA Method 8082A (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 1998), and “dioxinlike” PCB congeners using USEPA Method 1668 (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 1995).

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories 11
2. QA plan—Available from Mark Munn, USGS Project 

Chief.

3. QC program—Available from Mark Munn, USGS Project 

Chief.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.8 Severn Trent Laboratory (formerly 

Quanterra) (Arvada, CO)

1. Methods used—Analysis of VOCs by USEPA Method 

8260B.

2. QA plan—Yes (not available locally).

3. QC program—Yes (not available locally).

4. Certification programs—Certified by USEPA.

5. Laboratory reviews—By NWQL—contract laboratory for 

DODEC projects.

6. Miscellaneous services —http://www.stl-inc.com/.

4.3.9 USGS Carol Kendall 

(Menlo Park, CA)

1. Methods used— Stable isotopes: none of the methods are 

USGS-approved, but most of the time the same methods 

as the USGS Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) are 

used, which are USGS-approved methods.

2. QA plan—Available from Carol Kendal.

3. QC program—QA/QC protocols are used for all stable 

isotope analyses, and even have written documentation of 

some of them (sometimes as journal articles, sometimes 

just as QA/QC documents written for collaborators). 

Routinely run more than 10 percent duplicates, 5–10 

percent reference standards, and some unknowns in each 

batch of samples. All data and QA/QC info are kept in 

laboratory databases.

4. Certification programs—Participate in occasional 

sample “round-robins” with the USGS RSIL, or other 

laboratories.

5. Laboratory reviews—None.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.10 Georgia Institute of Technology 

(Atlanta, GA)

1. Methods used—Series of microcosm experiments to 

evaluate the effect of aquifer material and electron donors 

on the anaerobic degradation of dichloropropane (DCP), 

as described by Loffler and others (1997).

2. Laboratory QA plan—not available.

3. QC program—not available.

4. Certification/evaluation/round-robin programs—Not 

available.

5. Dates and participants of laboratory reviews—Not 

available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.11 USGS Washington Water Science Center 

Laboratory (Tacoma, WA)

1. Methods used—(Chloride: Ferric thiocyanate 

method was used for colorimetric analysis of chloride 

concentrations (Fishman and Friedman, 1989) in samples 

from the Lopez Island project.

Organics: Modified USEPA Method 8015 for analysis of 

trichloroethene (TCE).

Hydrogen: (H2) gas: Bubble-strip method.

2. Laboratory QA plan—The quality-assurance plan for the 

analysis of chloride concentration is archived at WAWSC 

(/snld13/qwspec/Lopez_QA.doc).

Organics: Not available.

H2 gas: Not available.

3. QC program—The quality-control program for analysis 

of chloride consisted of daily calibration using standards 

of known concentration, the use of continuing-calibration 

standards, and the regular analysis of replicates, blanks, 

and reference standards. Replicate and blank samples 

were analyzed every six samples and inter-laboratory 

replicates were submitted to the OQWRL for every 11 

samples analyzed. One reference standard was analyzed 

for every six samples.

Organics: Replicates, blanks, and spikes every five or six 

samples.

H2 gas: Replicates, blanks, and spikes every five or six 

samples.

12 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
4. Certification/evaluation/round-robin programs—None.

5. Dates and participants of laboratory reviews—None.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.12 USGS Reston Chorofluorocarbon 

Laboratory (Reston VA)

1. Methods used—Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) concentrations 

(CFC-12, CFC-11 and CFC-113 ) are determined in the 

laboratory using a purge-and-trap gas chromatography 

procedure with an Electron Capture Dector (ECD) 

(Bullister, 1984; Bullister and Weiss, 1988; Busenberg 

and Plummer, 1992).

2. Laboratory QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Gas and water blanks are used extensively. 

The instrument is calibrated with Standard Marine 

Oregon Air (Oregon Graduate Center) and Niwot Ridge 

Colorado Air (CMDL of NOAA). The primary standard 

is an Oregon air sample that was calibrated by Ray Weiss 

at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). Other 

standards are secondary standards intercalibrated on the 

SIO scale.

4. Certification programs—Certification/evaluation/roundrobin programs.

5. Dates and participants of laboratory reviews—not 

available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.13 Edge Analytical Laboratory 

(Burlington, WA)

1. Methods used—USEPA 515.1 for analysis of triclopyr; 

Standard Methods 2540C for analysis of total dissolved 

solids and 2540B for analysis of total suspended solids.

2. QA plan—Available upon request from laboratory 

manager at (800) 775-9295.

3. QC program—Analysis of laboratory blanks, replicates, 

surrogates, laboratory spikes and matrix spikes.

4. Certification programs—Certified by the Washington 

State Department of Health and accredited by the 

Department of Ecology. Available upon request from 

laboratory manager at (800) 775-9295.

5. Laboratory reviews—Available upon request from 

laboratory manager at (800) 775-9295.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.14 Washington Department of Ecology 

Manchester Environmental Laboratory 

(Port Orchard, WA)

1. Methods used—Pesticide screening and compoundindependent elemental quantitation by gas chromatograph 

with atomic emission detection (AED), USEPA Method 

8085.

2. QA plan—Available at /snld13/qwspec/Manchester_

laboratory and also from Stuart Magoon, Department of 

Ecology (360) 871-8801.

3. QC program—Minimal quality control requirements 

are analysis of laboratory blanks, initial demonstration 

of capability, determination of surrogate compound 

recoveries, and determination of matrix spike or fortified 

blank compound recoveries.

4. Certification programs—Performance evaluations samples 

are described at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/

labs/lab-accreditation.html. The laboratory participates in 

the USGS Standard Reference Program.

5. Laboratory reviews—The laboratory received approval by 

BQS in February 2002 for the following constituents:

Method 8085 Silver Aluminum Arsenic BOD

Beryllium Calcium Cadmium Cobalt BTEX

Chromium Fluoride Iron Mercury VOCs1

Potassium Magnesium Molybdenum Sodium Copper

Ammonia Nickel Nitrate Lead TOC

Orthophosphate Antimony Selenium Sulfate Zinc

Thallium Total P

1

Analysis of volatile organic compounds by U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency Method 8260. The reporting level is less than 1.0 μg/L for most 

analytes, much greater than U.S. Geological Survey method reporting levels.

Unapproved analytes based on performance in the 

autumn 2001 Standard Reference Sample program

Boron Chloride Vanadium Manganese Lithium

Total 

Kjeldahl 

Nitrogen 

(TKN)

Silica 

(SiO2

) Strontium Uranium

6. Miscellaneous services—not available.

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories 13
4.3.15 Pacific Analytical Laboratory 

(Corvalis, OR)

1. Methods used—Enumeration of bacteria by 

epifluoresence.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Oregon Drinking Water program.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.16 TEG Laboratory 

(Lacey, WA)

1. Methods used—Analysis of TCE in tree core material by 

gas chromatography.

2. QA plan—Available from Steve Cox, USGS hydrologist.

3. QC program—Available from Steve Cox, USGS 

hydrologist.

4. Certification programs—Accredited by Washington 

Department of Ecology.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.17 Lamont-Doherty Laboratory 

(Palisades, NY)

1. Methods used—Isotope analysis of noble gasses.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Analysis of helium and tritium 

for NWQL.

5. Laboratory reviews—By NWQL contract office.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.18 USGS Mercury Research Laboratory 

(Middleton, WI)

1. Methods used—Mercury sampling and analytical methods 

used by the USEPA.

Low-level collection techniques (Olson and DeWild, 

1999; DeWild and others, 2002; 2004; Olund and others, 

2004).

2. QA plan—Contact Dave Krabbenloft, USGS Research 

Hydrologist.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Support includes training 

of personnel in proper sample-collection techniques, 

providing sampling equipment, development of new 

collection and analytical methods, analysis and reporting 

of high quality results from various matrices and mercury 

species, and consultation in project development and 

interpretation of results.

4.3.19 USEPA Region 10 Laboratory 

(Manchester, WA)

1. Methods used—USEPA, ASTM, and Standard Methods.

2. QA plan—Available from Jennifer Crawford, USEPA 

Head Chemist.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—NELAC certification in 

December 2005.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

14  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
4.3.20 Bureau of Reclamation Laboratory 

(Boise, ID)

1. Methods used—USEPA and ASTM methods.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Participates in USGS Standard Reference 

Sample (SRS) program.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Reviewed by USGS BQS in 

February 2004.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.21 USGS Columbia Environmental Research 

Laboratory (Columbia, MO)

1. Methods used—USEPA, ASTM, and USGS methods.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.3.22 University of Washington Marine 

Chemistry Laboratory 

(Seattle, WA)

1. Methods used—USEPA and ASTM methods.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Analysis of nutrients in marine 

waters.

4.3.23 USGS Center for Coastal and Marine 

Geology Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA)

1. Methods used—USEPA, ASTM, and USGS methods.

2. QA plan—Not available.

3. QC program—Not available.

4. Certification programs—Not available.

5. Laboratory reviews—Not available.

6. Miscellaneous services—Not available.

4.0 Water-Quality Laboratories 15
4.4 References Used for the Central Chemical Analytical Water-Quality Laboratories Section

Table 4.4 lists reports and memoranda referred to in this section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this report.

Table 4.4. Summary of references for selecting and using water-quality laboratories.

[Abbreviations: USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; OWQ, Office of Water Quality; WRD, Water Resources Discipline; NWQL, National Water Quality 

Laboratory; EPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Reference Subject

OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03 (USGS) Policy for the evaluation and approval of production analytical laboratories.

OWQ Technical Memorandum 04.01 (USGS) Revised policy

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

ASTM D3977-97, 2007 Standard test method for determining sediment concentration in water samples: ASTM 

International, 6 p.

Bradley and Chapelle, 1996 Anaerobic mineralization of vinyl chloride in Fe(III)-reducing aquifer sediments. 

Environmental Science and Technology, v. 30, no. 6, p. 2084-2086

Bullister, 1984 Atmospheric chlorofluomethanes as tracers of ocean circulation and mixing: Studies in the 

Greenland and Norwegian Seas: Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, San Diego, La 

Jolla, 172 p.

Bullister and Weiss, 1988 Determination of CCL3

F and CCLF2 in seawater and air: Deep Sea Resources, v. 35, no. 5, p. 

839-854.

Busenberg and Plummer, 1992 Use of chlorofluorocarbons (CCL3

F and CCL2F2) as hydrologic tracers and age-dating tools: 

The alluvium and terrace system of Central Oklahoma: Water Resources Research, v. 28, no. 9, 

p. 2257-2283.

Chapelle and others, 1997 Practical considerations for measuring hydrogen concentrations in groundwater: Environmental 

Science and Technology, v. 31, no. 10, p. 2873-2877.

DeWild and others, 2002 Determination of methyl mercury by aqueous phase ethylation, followed by gas 

chromatographic separation with cold vapor atomic fluorescence detection: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 01-455, 14 p.

DeWild and others, 2004 Methods for the preparation and analysis of solids and suspended solids for methylmercury: 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and methods Report 5-A7, 

21 p.

Elrick and Horowitz, 1986 Analysis of rocks and sediments for mercury, by wet digestion and flameless cold vapor atomic 

adsorption: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 86-596, 

12 p.

Fishman and Friedman, 1989 Methods for determination of inorganic substances in water and fluvial sediments: Techniques 

of Water-Resources Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A1, 545 p.

Guy, 1969 Laboratory theory and methods for sediment analysis: Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter C1, 58 p.

Kampbell and others, 1989 Dissolved oxygen and methane in water by a GC headspace equilibrium technique: 

International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, v. 36, p. 249-257.

Loffler and others, 1997 Complete reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloropropane by anaerobic bacteria: Applied and 

Environmental Microbiology, v. 63, no. 7, p. 2870-2875.

Olson and DeWild, 1999 Techniques for the collection and species-specific analysis of low levels of mercury in water, 

sediment, and biota: Water-Resources Investigations 99-4018-B, 11 p.

Olund and others, 2004 Methods for the preparation and analysis of solids and suspended solids for total mercury: U.S. 

Geological Survey Techniques and Methods Report 5-A8, 23 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994 Method 1613—revision B, tetra-through octa-chlorinated dioxins and furans by isotope 

dilution HRGC/HRMS: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, 48 p.

National Environmental Methods Index 

http://www.nemi.gov

Reference to many approved analytical methods.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995 Toxic polychlorinated biphenyls by isotope dilution high resolution gas chromatography/high 

resolution mass spectrometry: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, 48 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998 EPA Method 8082A—polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by gas chromatography, revision 

1—EPA test methods for evaluating solid wastes, physical/chemical methods: SW-846, 48 p.

16  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 5.1.1a. Equipment, instruments, and quality assurance provided by the Tacoma Field Service Unit.

[Abbreviations: OWQ, Office of Water Quality; NA, not applicable; °C, degrees Celsius; RO, reverse osmosis]

Laboratory equipment Quality assurance

Laboratory balances Calibration checked annually

Refrigerators at 4°C Temperature monitored weekly

Fume hoods Calibrated annually

Ventilated acid cabinets NA

Wash sinks with drying racks NA

Vacuum pump NA

Drying ovens Calibration monitored annually

Autoclave Maintained per manufacturer’s instructions

Incubators Calibration monitored biannually

Freezer Temperature monitored monthly

Emergency safety showers Operation checked monthly

Emergency eye washes Operation checked monthly

Lab pH and specific conductance meters Calibrated before each use

Ion chromatograph Calibrated before each use

Gas chromatograph Calibrated before each use

Spectrophotometers Calibrated before each use

Fluorometers Maintained per OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01; 

Calibrated before each use

Siemens RO water system Continuous readout of resistivity of water

Turbidimeters Calibrated before each use

Microscopes Calibrated periodically

5.0 Field Service Units and 

Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, and 

Field Vehicles

The WAWSC maintains laboratory facilities, such as 

Field Service Units (FSUs), mobile laboratories, and field 

vehicles for use in preparing equipment for field activities, 

processing and analyzing samples and preparing samples for 

shipment to analytical laboratories. This section documents 

the WAWSC’s criteria for maintaining and operating these 

facilities.

5.1 Field Service Units and Laboratories

The WAWSC maintains FSUs in Tacoma, Pasco, and 

Spokane. In addition, a laboratory research unit is maintained 

in Tacoma. The FSU assists and supports water-quality 

activities by providing field instrumentation maintenance and 

calibration, preparations for sample collection, and QA for 

these activities. The FSU maintains a supply of instruments, 

equipment, and expendable supplies needed by field personnel 

for water-quality sample collection and analysis.

5.1.1a Tacoma Facility

 The WAWSC maintains a Field Service Unit (FSU) 

and a laboratory research unit in Tacoma. The Tacoma 

FSU is managed by the FSU Manager, who is funded at 

40 percent by the WAWSC. The FSU contains laboratory 

benches, glassware, sinks, chemical storage cabinets, and 

other equipment and instruments listed in table 5.1.1a. The 

FSU Manager is responsible for maintenance of the FSU 

and QC of the equipment and instruments provided by the 

FSU or laboratory. The facility is maintained in accordance 

with standards set forth in the WAWSC chemical-hygiene 

plan (Wagner and others, written commun.) and Branch of 

Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01.

5.0 Field Service Units and Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, and Field Vehicles 17
5.1.1b Pasco and Spokane Facilities

The WAWSC also maintains FSUs in Pasco and Spokane 

under the direct responsibility of the Field Office Chiefs, 

who assign managers on an as-needed percentage of their 

time. The Pasco and Spokane FSUs contain laboratory 

benches, glassware, wash sinks with drying racks, chemical 

storage cabinets, and other equipment and instruments 

listed in table 5.1.1b. The FSU Manager at each facility has 

responsibility for maintenance of the FSU and QA of the 

equipment and instruments provided by the FSU. Each facility 

is maintained in accordance with standards set forth in the 

WAWSC chemical-hygiene plan (Wagner and others, written 

commun.) available upon request and Branch of Operations 

Technical Memorandum 91.01.

Table 5.1.1b. Equipment, instruments, and quality assurance provided by the Pasco and Spokane Field 

Services Units and quality assurance.

[Abbreviations: OWQ, Office of Water Quality; NA, not applicable; °C, degrees Celsius]

Laboratory equipment Quality assurance

Refrigerator at 4°C Temperature monitored weekly

Fume hood Calibrated annually

Supply of deionized water Maintained per OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01

Ventilated acid cabinets NA

Emergency eye wash Operation checked monthly

Wash sink with drying rack NA

Freezer Temperature monitored monthly

Lab pH and specific conductance meter Calibrated each use

5.1.2 Procedures

The FSU at each facility is managed by the FSU 

Manager. This person is responsible for maintaining the 

laboratory space, supplies, and equipment listed above, 

as described in the WAWSC Instructional Memorandum, 

“Functions of the Washington District Water-Quality Field 

Service Units”. The unit maintains QC records of laboratory 

equipment and supplies, such as calibration standards, 

chemical reagents, sample preservatives, and sample bottles 

that are provided to field personnel. The project staff 

personnel, in consultation with the WAWSC water-quality 

specialist and FSU Manager, are responsible for repair 

and maintenance of project water-quality equipment and 

instruments. The Chemical Hygiene Officer, in consultation 

with the WAWSC Safety Officer, WAWSC Water-Quality 

Specialist, and Field Office Chiefs, oversees the WAWSC 

waste-disposal practices to ensure that procedures are in 

compliance with State and Federal regulations. The unit 

operations comply with the WAWSC chemical-hygiene plan. 

The operation of the unit is reviewed annually by the WAWSC 

Water-Quality Specialist and every 3 years by the OWQ.

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies

It is the responsibility of the FSU manager to maintain 

a common pool of field instruments and equipment and 

to order, store, and quality assure the field equipment and 

supplies described in table 5.1.3. The FSU stock of supplies 

is generally intended for short-term, small-scale usage for 

WAWSC purposes. It is the responsibility of the Project Chief 

or designated project personnel to determine the need for field 

equipment and supplies. If large quantities of supplies are 

needed, projects must purchase these directly. If multiples sets 

of meters or equipment are needed, or if meters and equipment 

are needed for longer periods, special accommodations must 

be made through the FSU Manager.

18  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 5.1.3. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science 

Center Field Service Units.

[Abbreviations: FSU, Field Service Unit; QA, quality assurance; RO, reverse osmosis]

Supplies, equipment, 

and instruments Source and guidelines for QA Responsible party

Sample bottles Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

Coolers/shipping containers Local vendors FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

Sample preservatives Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

pH calibration standards Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

Specific conductance calibration 

standards Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

Blank water for QA Purchase from One-Stop Shopping 

as described in NWQ Technical 

Memorandum 92.01

FSU Manager or Project Chief (for large quantities)

Deionized water Millipore Milli-Q or RO system used for 

District operations as described in

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01

FSU Manager

Isokinetic water-quality samplers Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for long-term use)

Splitting devices Purchase from One-Stop Shopping FSU Manager or Project Chief (for long-term use)

Specific conductance meters Manufacturers. Routine calibrations and 

participation in National Field Quality 

Assurance tests are required

FSU Manager or Project Chief 

pH meters Manufacturers. Routine calibrations and 

participation in National Field Quality 

Assurance tests are required

FSU Manager or Project Chief 

Dissolved oxygen meters Manufacturers. Routine calibrations and 

participation in National Field Quality 

Assurance tests are required

FSU Manager or Project Chief 

Barometers Purchase from One-Stop Shopping

Routine calibrations

FSU Manager or Project Chief 

5.0 Field Service Units and Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, and Field Vehicles 19
Table 5.3. Summary of references for Field Service Units and laboratories, mobile laboratories, and field vehicles.

[Abbreviations: USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory; TWRI, Techniques for Water Resources Investigations]

References 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 Water Science Center operations

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

Wagner and others, written commun. USGS WAWSC, Chemical Hygiene Plan

Lane and others, 2003 (National Field Manual, TWRI book 9, 

chap. A2.3)

Guidelines for field vehicles.

5.2 Mobile Laboratories and Water-Quality 

Field Vehicles

Mobile laboratories and 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 WAWSC 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 National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality 

Data (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated) for guidelines 

on procedures for collecting and processing water-quality data.

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 (Lane and 

others, 2003) 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 must be installed between the cab and 

work area of the vehicle.

The FSU Manager or project personnel assigned by the 

WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist are responsible for vehicle 

maintenance, for maintaining the suitability of the vehicle for 

water-quality sample collection, and for keeping the vehicle 

stocked with necessary equipment and supplies.

•

•

•

•

5.3 References Used for Field Service Units and Laboratories, Mobile Laboratories, and Field 

Vehicles Section

Table 5.3 lists reports, web pages, and (or) memoranda referred to in this section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 

13.1 of the report.

20 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
6.0 Water-Quality Instruments

The WAWSC 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 waterquality projects in the WAWSC will be selected based on the 

specifications described in the USGS “National Field Manual 

for the Collection of Water-Quality Data” (U.S. Geological 

Survey, variously dated) and the requirements of the project. 

The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), which 

provides analyses of precision and bias for water-quality 

instruments, also will be consulted for recommendations when 

appropriate. The WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist will be 

done if project personnel need assistance with the selection or 

use of equipment.

All instruments used by WAWSC personnel for waterquality measurements will be properly operated, maintained, 

and calibrated. For correct operation of any field or laboratory 

equipment, the manufacturer’s operating guidelines will 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 5.1.2 of this QA 

plan.

Thorough documentation of all calibration activities 

associated with water-quality data collection is a critical 

element of the WAWSC QA program. Calibration and 

maintenance records of field equipment, including the 

manufacturer, make, model, and serial or property number 

are kept in permanent instrument-specific log books. Similar 

records for WAWSC laboratory equipment are kept by the 

FSU 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 on an annual basis by the WAWSC 

Water-Quality Specialist and every 3 years by the OWQ.

Calibration, repair, and maintenance of all single or 

multiparameter water-quality monitors for continuous 

monitoring also should be recorded in permanent instrumentspecific log books. Standard procedures for the installation 

and operation of such monitors are described by Wagner and 

others (2006).

6.1 Calibration of Water-Quality Instruments

Table 6.1 provides summary information regarding the 

calibration methods, acceptance criteria, calibration frequency 

and location, responsible persons, and references for specific 

instructions for the calibration and use of water-quality 

instruments to measure selected parameters in the WAWSC.

Table 6.1. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to measure selected parameters in the U.S. 

Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center.

[Abbreviations: NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology, oC, degrees Celsius; FAA, Federal Aviation Administration; FSU, Field Services Unit; 

TWRI, Techniques for Water Resources Investigations; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 oC; ±, plus or minus; DO, dissolved oxygen; mg/L, milligram 

per liter; mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer]

Parameter Calibration 

method used

Acceptance criteria and 

response if not acceptable

Calibration 

frequency and 

location

Responsible 

person

Reference for 

calibration

 and use

Temperature NISTcertified 

thermometer

Calibrated accuracy within 

±0.2 oC, otherwise return to 

supplier or discard. 

Annual 5-point 

calibration at the 

Tacoma FSU, 

with additional 

2-point 

calibrations 

twice annually

Annual 5-point 

calibration 

by the FSU 

manager and 

additional 

calibrations by 

field personnel

Wilde and Radtke 

(ver. 2, 2006)

Specific 

conductance 

At least two 

standards, 

bracketing 

expected 

values

Acceptable range is within 

±3 percent or ±5 percent for 

values less than 100 μS/cm; and 

response, such as cleaning or 

replacement of probe.

Daily in field, 

if appropriate, 

prior to taking 

measurements

Field personnel Radtke and others 

(2005)

6.0 Water-Quality Instruments 21
Parameter Calibration 

method used

Acceptance criteria and 

response if not acceptable

Calibration 

frequency and 

location

Responsible 

person

Reference for 

calibration

 and use

pH Two-point 

calibration, 

bracketing 

expected 

values

Electrode slope response must 

be greater than 95 percent of 

theoretical slope. If not, ensure 

that electrode filling solution 

is sufficient. Clean the probe 

according to manufacturer’s 

instructions, if necessary, and 

recalibrate. Return probe to FSU 

and use backup probe if not 

successful. Temperature should 

be within ±0.2 oC of NISTcalibrated thermistor if automatic 

temperature calibration feature 

is used.

Daily in field, 

if appropriate, 

prior to taking 

measurements

Field personnel. Wilde and 

others (2006)

Dissolved 

oxygen 

Air 

calibration 

in water

(preferred)

Zero-DO check should read no 

more than 0.2 mg/L using a fresh 

zero-DO solution and meter 

should calibrate and hold steady 

at constant temperature and 

pressure. If the zero-DO check 

or saturation cannot be achieved, 

replace the membrane and 

recalibrate or replace the probe. 

Temperature recorded by meter 

should be within ±0.5 oC of 

the NIST-calibrated thermistor, 

otherwise the probe should be 

replaced. 

Twice daily 

in field prior 

to taking 

measurements

Field personnel Lewis, M.E. 

(2006)

Barometric 

pressure

Mercury 

barometer

Calibrate against reference 

barometer to within 1 mm Hg at 

Tacoma FSU, National Weather 

Service, or FAA station.

Annually or 

more frequently 

if needed

FSU Manager or 

field personnel

Wilde, F.D., 

variously dated

Turbidity At least two 

standards, 

bracketing 

expected 

values

Zero turbidity standard 

(deionized water passed through 

a 0.2 μm filter) should be 

calibrated along with a standard 

higher than the expected value. 

Acceptance criteria is the greater 

of 5 percent or ±0.5 turbidity 

units.

Daily in field, 

if appropriate, 

prior to taking 

measurements

Field personnel Anderson, C.W. 

(2005)

Table 6.1. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to measure selected parameters in the U.S. 

Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center.—Continued

[Abbreviations: NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology, oC, degrees Celsius; FAA, Federal Aviation Administration; FSU, Field Services Unit; 

TWRI, Techniques for Water Resources Investigations; TWRI, Techniques for Water Resources Investigations; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 oC; ±, 

plus or minus; DO, dissolved oxygen; mg/L, milligram per liter; mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer]

22 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
6.2 References Used for Water-Quality 

Instruments Section

Table 6.2 lists reports and memoranda referred to in this 

section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.1 of the 

report.

Table 6.2. Summary of references for water-quality instruments.

[Abbreviations: TWRI, Techniques of Water Resources Investigations; 

USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Reference Subject

Wilde, ed., chapter sections, 

variously dated (TWRI 

book 9, chap. A6)

Field measurements

WRD Memorandum 95.35 

(USGS)

Instrumentation plan for the 

WRD and the hydrologic field 

instrumentation and equipment 

policy and guidelines

Wagner and others (2006) Continuous water-quality monitors

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation

Deciding where to sample is an important initial step 

toward achieving project objectives and meeting WAWSC 

QA/QC requirements. Once a site is selected, thorough 

documentation is required, usually in the form of a station 

description.

7.1 Site Selection

 Site selection for sampling is important to the validity 

of water-quality data. Selection of a suitable site is made only 

after considering a number of factors, including the need for 

information of a particular location, the suitability of a site for 

sampling, and its accessibility and safety. Specific guidelines 

for site selection are contained in Wilde (2005). 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 waterquality station is located where the stream discharge can be 

measured and water samples can be collected at all stages of 

flow to be monitored. If the water-quality 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 is difficult because of incomplete 

mixing. Under such conditions, the required minimum number 

of vertical transects sampled should be increased and lateral 

mixing documented with cross-sectional surveys at various 

stages of flow. Surface-water sites are documented with 

a station description and photographs, as described in the 

“Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the Washington 

District” (Kresch and Tomlinson, 2004).

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). Details for the selection and inventory procedure 

of wells for sampling ground water are described in the 

“Quality Assurance Plan for Ground-Water Activities, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Washington District” (Drost, 2005). If 

suitable existing wells cannot be found, new wells will need to 

be installed.

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 datacollection sites (Schroder and Shampine, 1995). Much of this 

information also is stored electronically in computerized site 

files maintained by the Data Management Section. The Field 

Office or Project Chief is responsible for assuring that the site 

file is maintained for each data-collection site. Archiving of 

this information is discussed in Section 10.4 of this document.

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation 23
To standardize and facilitate the processing of waterquality data in Washington, and to assure that water-quality 

data are entered into the proper database in a timely manner, 

the following procedures are followed:

Site-file records will be established for each new site 

at which water-quality samples will be collected or 

have been collected; it is very important that a site-file 

record exist before the return of analytical data from 

the NWQL. The site files, as well as the resulting 

water-quality data, will be stored in the NWIS waterquality database of the WAWSC in which the samples 

were collected. The responsibility for the maintenance 

of the site-file records will rest with the WAWSC 

Database Manager (DBM)—either the surface-water 

or ground-water database manager, depending on the 

site. The entry of the site-file records will be completed 

by the DBM or designee, but the pertinent information 

that makes up the site-file record will be furnished 

by the Field Office or Project Chief (or designee). 

The entry of site-file records for surface-water sites 

is the responsibility of the Surface-Water Database 

Manager (SW-DBM), and information for surfacewater site must be submitted to the SW-DBM by the 

Field Office or Project Chief (or designee) in a timely 

manner. The entry of site file records for ground water 

sites is the responsibility of the Field Office or Project 

Chief (or designee). The Field Office or Project Chief 

(or designee) will generally enter ground water site 

records into NWIS or submit surface-water site file 

data to the SW-DBM before samples are collected, but 

in all cases within 10 days of sample shipment to the 

analyzing agency.

The Analytical Services Request (ASR) form will 

be completed by the Field Office or Project Chief or 

designee and submitted to the NWQL, and a copy 

retained in a station file as part of the sample tracking 

documentation.

Project and Field Office Chiefs will be responsible 

for maintaining a comprehensive station file, either 

physical or electronic, that tracks all pending samples 

that are submitted for analysis.

7.2.1 Surface Water

A station description is prepared for each waterquality 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 WAWSC. The 

minimum information required for establishing electronic 

files in NWIS for surface water is listed in Wilde 2005, table 

1-1). For continuous water-quality monitoring sites, stationdescription requirements are presented by Wagner and others 

(2006).

Creation of surface-water sites in NWIS is the 

responsibility of the WAWSC Automated Data Processing 

System (ADAPS) database manager. Project or data personnel 

should provide the ADAPS database manager with the 

requirements for a new surface-water site: (1) a 1:24,000 

topographic map with location(s) marked; (2) latitude and 

longitude, and source (for example map or global positioning 

system [GPS]); (3) elevation and source (for example, map, 

barometer, or survey); (4) drainage area, if calculated. The 

ADAPS database manager will determine the station number 

and update the site file in NWIS and provide the project with 

the new station(s) information.

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-waterquality site is dictated by the NWIS software used by the 

WAWSC. The minimum information required for establishing 

electronic files for a ground-water site in NWIS is listed in 

Wilde (2005, table 1-4). Paper documents, such as agreements 

for use of the well between the well owner and the USGS, also 

should be stored in the well file.

To standardize and facilitate the processing of waterquality data in the WAWSC, and to assure that water-quality 

data are entered into the proper database in a timely manner, 

the following procedures will be used:

Site-header records will be established for each new 

site at which water-quality samples will be collected 

or have been collected. Header record must exist in the 

NWIS site file before the return of analytical data from 

the NWQL. New site-header data must be checked 

by Project or Field Office personnel. These verified 

records, as well as the resulting water-quality data, 

will be stored in the NWIS water-quality database 

for the WAWSC. The responsibility for entry of the 

site-header records and maintenance of the site-header 

records file currently rests with the Project Chief (or 

•

24  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 7.3. Summary of references for site selection and 

documentation for water-quality programs.

Reference Subject

Schroder and Shampine, 1995 Guidelines for documenting 

new water-quality datacollection sites.

Wilde, 2005 (TWRI book 9, 

chap. A1)

Establishing electronic NWIS 

files for surface- and groundwater data.

Drost, B.W., 2005, Quality 

assurance plan for ground-water 

activities in the Washington 

District.

Washington Water Science 

Center Ground Water Quality 

Assurance Plan

Kresch and Tomlinson, 2004, 

Surface-Water QualityAssurance Plan for the 

Washington District

Washington Water Science 

Center Surface-Water QualityAssurance Plan

designee). The pertinent information that comprises the 

header must be entered into the system within 10 days 

after sample collection.

For each sample that will be sent to the NWQL for 

analysis, an ASR form will be completed by the 

Project or Field Office Chief (or designee) with a copy 

(or facsimile) retained in a project file as part of the 

sample tracking system. The Project or Field Office 

Chief (or designee) is responsible for tracking all 

pending samples submitted for analysis. Sample status 

at the NWQL can be tracked from login to completion 

of analysis (see Section 9.0).

For continuous water-quality monitoring sites, stationdescription requirements are presented by Wagner and 

others (2006).

Required information about the well that is mandated 

by WAWSC policy is described in the “Quality Assurance 

Plan for Ground-Water Activities in the Washington District” 

(Drost, 2005). The required data about the well that is gathered 

during the site-selection phase of the project is recorded on 

the ground-water site inventory form and specific information 

about sampling conditions is recorded on the ground-waterquality field form.

7.2.3 Other Sites

Project or Field Office Chiefs will establish station files 

for all miscellaneous sites (such as lakes, estuaries, or wet and 

dry deposition collectors). All data-collection activities will be 

recorded on appropriate field forms and in notebooks. These 

forms and notebooks will be kept with station files and, upon 

completion of the project, all documents will be appropriately 

archived according to the WAWSC files maintenance and 

disposition plan.

7.3 References Used for Site-Selection and 

Documentation Section

Table 7.3 lists reports and memoranda referred to in this 

section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the 

report.

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing

Water-quality data collected by the USGS are used 

by agencies at Federal, State, and local levels to guide 

their decisions concerning the appropriate and efficient 

management of water resources for the Nation. Water-quality 

data are collected as part of Federal programs such as the 

•

•

National Water-Quality Assessment (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 WAWSC.

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.

It is the policy of the WAWSC 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 WAWSC personnel 

who are involved in water-quality sampling must be aware 

of changing requirements and recommendations. The Project 

or Field Office Chief , with the assistance of the WAWSC 

Water-Quality Specialist, is responsible for providing current 

information to field personnel on the correct protocols in 

collecting and processing water-quality samples.

Project or Field Office Chiefs are responsible for 

ensuring that personnel collecting and processing samples are 

qualified, trained, and experienced. The Project or Field Office 

Chief also is responsible for seeing that field personnel take 

the following steps to ensure the quality and integrity of the 

WAWSC’s water-quality data:

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing 25
Instantaneous Water-Quality Data

Samples must be collected and processed according 

to prescribed WRD protocols, as described and 

referenced later in this section.

All samples must be shipped to the laboratory from 

the field in an expedient manner, within the required 

holding times for each analysis.

Samples that are chilled or time-dependent should be 

shipped overnight.

All samples should be logged into NWIS (usually 

within 7 days of sample collection) prior to the 

completion of analysis and transmittal of the results 

back to the WAWSC.

All analytical data must be reviewed in a timely 

manner (usually within 2 weeks after release by the 

NWQL) and within the required holding times for 

each analysis (to allow time for re-analysis), and fully 

documented in the station analysis file.

Continuous Water-Quality Data

The water at the site should be vertically and 

horizontally well mixed in the cross section.

Location of the sensors should be fully documented.

All pertinent information regarding the site, crosssection, equipment maintenance, and data corrections 

should be fully documented and included in the station 

analysis file.

Monitors must be inspected and calibrated as 

frequently as required to obtain as complete a record 

as possible. Site should be operated as described in 

Wagner and others (2006).

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 properties generally are measured in the field, 

whereas most chemical parameters require laboratory analysis. 

This section of the QA plan includes an overview of relevant 

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

WAWSC 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 Manual—a Techniques of Water Resources 

Investigations (TWRI) that describes in greater detail the 

recommended and required policies and procedures for 

collecting and processing water-quality samples in the WRD. 

Additional sources of information include manuals published 

by the NAWQA Program (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, reduction-oxidation 

potential (Eh), and turbidity. WAWSC procedures for 

collecting field measurements in surface- and ground-water 

systems are provided in chapter A6 of the National Field 

Manual (Wilde, 2005a). 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 are 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 (fig. 8.1.1), 

and may be customized for a particular project. The Field 

Office or Project Chief is responsible for reviewing field 

records for completeness. To avoid the loss of data because of 

possible instrument malfunction, field personnel should ensure 

that backup sensors and (or) instruments are readily available 

and in good working condition.

To document the quality of field measurements, all 

WAWSC 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 

Water Quality Specialist and the WAWSC Water-Quality 

Specialist. Staff receiving an unsatisfactory rating will be 

required to participate in additional QC checks administered 

by the WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist.

26  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Figure 8.1.1. Example first page of a national field form for use in recording field-measurement data.

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing 27
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, 2004). 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 cross-contamination 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, processed in the office laboratory, is required for 

each set of equipment used to collect water-quality samples 

(Horowitz and others, 1994; Wilde, 2004). 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 WAWSC Water-Quality 

Specialist monitors the results of annual equipment blanks and 

ensures compliance with WAWSC 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 in order to describe environmental 

variability and to prevent contamination or bias in the 

sampling process. All WAWSC 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.

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 (Lane and others, 

2003). Review of equipment selection by WAWSC 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 (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2006). Field personnel are responsible 

for examining the sampling site carefully and choosing 

the most appropriate sampling method to collect the most 

representative 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 equaldischarge 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. The use of nonstandard sampling methods, such as dip samples from the 

centroid may be 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 to be documented in field records and 

by use of NWIS fixed-value codes associated with waterquality samples. The Project Chief or Field Office 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 at or near 1 

microgram per liter (μg/L), or when aluminum, iron, and 

manganese ambient concentrations are up to about 200 μg/L, 

as described in chapter A4 of the National Field Manual (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2006). The two-person sampling protocol 

may be modified, upon consultation with the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist, as appropriate for studies in which lowlevel trace elements are not measured.

28  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Review of surface-water sampling procedures for 

WAWSC water-quality projects is performed upon request 

by the Project or Field Office Chief for each project actively 

involved in water-quality data collection. Reviews are 

conducted in the field or laboratory by the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist and is documented with a memorandum to 

the appropriate Field Office or Project Chief and the WAWSC 

Director. An independent review of field methods, for at least 

one WAWSC project, is conducted once every 3 years during 

the Office of Water Quality WAWSC technical review.

8.1.4 Ground-Water Sampling

WAWSC 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.

8.1.4.1 Equipment Selection

Guidelines for selecting appropriate equipment for 

ground-water sampling are provided in chapter A2 of the 

National Field Manual (Lane and others, 2003). 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. Equipment selection is required during proposal 

and workplan review and during periodic project reviews by 

WAWSC 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 (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). 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. Exceptions 

to the three-well-volume rule can be made under some 

circumstances, however, depending on project objectives 

or site characteristics. The Field Office or 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 (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006), to 

help ensure the quality of the data collected. In addition, twoperson sampling teams are to implement coordinated cleanhandling techniques when collecting samples for analyses of 

trace inorganic constituents with ambient concentrations at or 

near 1 μg/L, or when ambient concentrations of aluminum, 

iron, and manganese are up to about 200 μg/L, as described 

in U.S. Geological Survey, 2006. The two-person sampling 

protocol may be modified, upon consultation with the 

WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist, as appropriate for studies 

in which low-level trace elements are not measured.

Review of ground-water data collection activities is 

conducted upon request by the Project or Field Office Chief 

for each water-quality project involved in water-quality data 

collection. Reviews are conducted by the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist and documented with a memorandum to 

the appropriate Field Office or Project Chief and the WAWSC 

Director. An independent review of field methods, for at least 

one WAWSC project, is conducted once every 3 years during 

the Office of Water Quality WAWSC technical review.

8.1.5 Precipitation Sampling

Specific procedures in the WAWSC 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.

Guidelines regarding the collection of precipitation 

samples are provided in the following references:

1. Dossett and Bowersox (1999) for guidance in field and 

laboratory procedures in the WRD;

2. Peden and others (1986) for procedures for collecting 

precipitation samples recommended by the USEPA; and

3. Willoughby (1995) for a 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. For specific questions 

related to precipitation sampling that are not addressed by 

these references, contact the WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist 

or the appropriate unit chief at the NWQL.

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing 29
8.1.6 Sample Processing

All samples collected for water-quality analysis must 

be processed according to procedures in chapter A5 of the 

National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 2004) 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 WAWSC water-quality studies that include the 

analysis of trace elements in concentrations less than or 

near 1 μg/L, or when ambient concentrations of aluminum, 

iron, and manganese are up to about 200 μg/L must use 

the protocols for sample processing as described in U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2006. 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. Sample 

processing procedures for all water-quality projects are 

reviewed during proposal and workplan review and during 

periodic project reviews by the WAWSC Water-Quality 

Specialist.

8.1.6.1 Sample Compositing and Splitting

Guidelines for using sample compositors and splitters 

are in chapter A2 of the National Field Manual (Lane and 

others, 2003). Two types of sample splitters currently 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 samples collected for analysis of inorganic and organic 

constituents within the technical design limits of the device 

and so long as the equipment is constructed of appropriate 

materials.

8.1.6.2 Sample Filtration

Water-quality samples may have to be filtered in order 

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, 2004). Guidelines for 

filtration procedures for specific constituent groups and 

specific details about filtration are provided in the National 

Field Manual (Lane and others, 2003). For surface water, 

the most common filtration system consists of a reversible, 

variable-speed battery-operated peristaltic pump and 0.45-mm 

pore size disposable capsule filter. For ground water, the 

sample is generally pumped directly from the well through 

a 0.45-mm pore-size disposable capsule filter. Samples for 

analysis of trace elements in concentrations less than or near 

1 μg/L, or when ambient concentrations of aluminum, iron, 

and manganese are as much as about 200 μg/L must be filtered 

in a processing chamber that encloses the filtering unit and 

sample bottles in a protected environment.

8.1.6.3 Sample Preservation

Samples collected for analyses of some constituent 

groups must be preserved 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, 2004), and the 

NWQL Services Catalog. Because 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. To ensure that samples arrive at the NWQL in 

good condition and in a timely manner, a return postcard is 

enclosed with the samples so that NWQL personnel can report 

the date received and temperature of samples in the cooler. For 

details on sample shipping requirements, refer to Section 9.3

of this QA plan.

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. Various 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 WAWSC QA procedures and references for 

detailed instructions that describe the collection of biological, 

sediment, and radiochemical samples.

8.2.1 Biological Samples

WAWSC water-quality activities include the collection 

of biological samples as part of NAWQA studies and specific 

WAWSC projects. Biological samples may include those for 

analysis of bacteria, viruses, or protozoa; biological oxygen 

demand; chlorophyll, and algae, including phytoplankton 

or periphyton; benthic invertebrates; fish; and contaminants 

in biological tissues. Measurements related to biological 

condition also may include evaluations of stream habitat. 

Guidelines for documentation and QA and specific references 

to personnel who can answer questions regarding various 

kinds of biological sampling is included in the summary of 

references for collecting and processing biological samples 

(table 8.2.1).

30 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 8.2.1. Summary of references for collecting and processing biological samples.

Reference Subject

Crawford and Luoma, 1994 Contaminants in tissues

Cuffney and others, 1993 Benthic invertebrates

Delzer and McKenzie, 2003 (TWRI book 9, chap. A7, 

section 7.0) 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Meador and others, 1993a Fish

Meador, and others, 1993b Stream habitat

Myers and Wilde, 2003 Biological bacteria

Porter and others, 1993 Algae

8.2.2 Suspended-Sediment and Bottom-Material 

Samples

WAWSC water-quality activities include the collection 

of suspended-sediment 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 (table 8.2.2). Suspended-sediment samples are 

typically analyzed by the Vancouver 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 at the 

NWQL for chemical constituents, including trace elements or 

hydrophobic organic compounds.

Field personnel must be familiar with the factors involved 

in the selection of sediment-sampling 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, 

handling of sediment samples, or quality assurance should 

contact the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory sediment 

laboratory manager (http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Projects/

SedLab/framework.html). For particular questions concerning 

sediment chemistry samples, contact the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist.

Table 8.2.2. Summary of references for collecting and processing sediment samples.

Reference Subject

ASTM D3977-97 (2007), Standard test method for determining 

sediment concentration in water samples: ASTM International, 6 p.

ASTM standards.

Cascades Volcano Observatory sediment laboratory QA plan 

(Vancouver, WA) , Dan Gooding, U.S. Geological Survey, oral 

commun.

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, 2005 Collecting and processing bottom-sediment samples.

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

Wilde, 2004 Cleaning equipment for sampling suspended-sediment chemistry.

Lane and others, 2003 Selection of equipment for sampling suspended-sediment chemistry.

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing  31
8.3 Quality-Control Samples

Quality-control (QC) samples must be collected as 

integral components of all WAWSC 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 chapter A4 of the 

National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). Issues 

of QC sample design are addressed in Section 3.1 of this plan. 

Specific guidelines for the collection and processing of QC 

samples must be included in the project workplan. The Field 

Office or Project Chief is responsible for reviewing QC data in 

a timely manner and implementing necessary modifications, 

when appropriate, to sampling and processing techniques. 

The WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist has the responsibility 

for advising WAWSC 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.

So that personnel are aware of and follow established 

procedures and protocols that promote all aspects of safety, 

the WAWSC communicates information and directives related 

to safety to all personnel. Training is provided by contract 

trainers (for example, Hazardous Waste Operation, 40-hour 

training) or by in-house training classes (for example, hazard 

communication and laboratory safety). In addition, periodic 

safety presentations are made on specific topics utilizing video 

tapes, memoranda, or guest speakers as appropriate. Specific 

policies and procedures related to safety is available to USGS 

employees in WAWSC Instructional Memoranda. Additional 

information is available to USGS employees on the WRD 

Safety web page.

An individual has been designated as collateral-duty 

Safety Officer by the WAWSC Director. The duties of the 

Safety Officer include serving as a primary focal point for 

all safety issues, coordinating and conducting training and 

inspections, identification and abatement of hazardous 

conditions, and promoting safety throughout the WAWSC. 

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 their immediate supervisor or the Safety Officer, as 

appropriate.

Guidelines pertaining to safety in field activities are 

provided in chapter A9 of the National Field Manual (Lane 

and Fay, 1997).

8.5 References Used for Sample Collection and 

Processing Section

Table 8.5 lists reports, web pages, and memoranda 

referred to in this section. For a complete citation, refer to 

Section 13.1 of the report.

32 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 8.5. Summary of references used for collecting and processing water-quality samples.

[Abbreviations: NAWQA, National Water Quality Assessment program; USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; USGS, U.S. Geological 

Survey; ppb, parts per billion]

Reference Subject

ASTM D3977-97 (2007), Standard test method 

for determining sediment concentration in water 

samples: ASTM International, 6 p.

ASTM standards.

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

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

Delzer and McKenzie, 2003 Five-day biochemical oxygen demand

Dossett and Bowersox, 1999 Precipitation 

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

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, 1997 Safety in field activities.

Lane and others, 2003 Selection of equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

Meador and others, 1993a Characterization of streambed habitat (NAWQA).

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

Myers and Wilde, 2003 Collecting biological samples.

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

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

Peden and others, 1986 Procedures for collecting precipitation samples, recommended by USEPA.

Porter and others, 1993 Collecting algal samples (NAWQA).

Radtke, 2005 Collecting and processing bottom-sediment samples.

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

Stanley and others, 1992 National field quality-assurance program.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2006 Collecting water-quality samples from surface and ground water.

Ward and Harr, 1990 Representative sampling techniques for surface water.

Wilde, variously dated Field measurements.

Wilde, 2004 Cleaning equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

Wilde and others, 2004 Processing water-quality samples.

Willoughby, 1995 Case study discussing methods of precipitation sampling and analysis.

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing  33
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 WAWSC 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 Field Office or 

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.

A field folder must be compiled with pertinent 

information for the site, including appropriate field 

sheets.

Ensure that the station site file is current.

Prepare bottle labels for samples.

Obtain field sheets or notebooks and analytical services 

request forms (ASRs).

All personnel must use a checklist in preparing 

for a trip to ensure field preparedness. Backup 

instrumentation, extra probes and batteries should be 

part of the checklist.

Ensure that necessary supplies are available, such as 

bottles, standards, filters, preservatives, meter batteries, 

waterproof markers, shipping containers, etc. (see 

Section 5.1.2 (Equipment and Supplies).

Ensure that all sampling equipment is thoroughly 

cleaned and prepared.

Check meters and sensors for proper performance.

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•

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 mixups or other errors may occur, and the samples may be wasted. 

Field personnel are responsible for ensuring that all of the 

following sampling requirements are implemented (Wilde and 

others, 2004):

Label each bottle with the site identification, date and 

time of sample collection, bottle type, and lab codes (if 

necessary), using a permanent, waterproof marker or 

preprinted labels that will remain securely adhered to 

the bottle, even when wet.

Field sheets are completed before leaving the site, 

including any instrument calibration information and 

documentation of all sampling circumstances and any 

deviation from normal protocol.

9.3 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 will be. Before shipping 

samples to the laboratory, 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 ASRs 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 

ASRs 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.

4. Line all shipping containers, including those without ice, 

with doubled heavy-duty plastic bags.

5. Follow the packing and shipping protocols established 

by the USGS and the receiving laboratory. Refer to 

NWQL Technical Memorandum 02.04 and chapter A5 

of the National Field Manual (Wilde and others, 2004) 

for additional information. USGS employees can access 

NWQL Rapi-Notes 01-013, 01-023, 01-033, 01-0034, 02-

015, 02-018, 02-020, 03-020, 03-032, and 03-041.

6. Ship samples on the same day as collected, whenever 

possible.

•

•

34  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
9.4 Sample Tracking Procedures

The Field Office or Project Chief maintains a record of 

all samples collected and shipped to a laboratory for analysis 

to ensure the complete and timely receipt of analytical results. 

Field personnel have the responsibility for recording the 

required information. The Field Office or Project Chief (or 

designee) has responsibility for reviewing the tracking log to 

determine if analyses are missing and for taking corrective 

action(s) if necessary. The following is a summary of the 

WAWSC tracking system:

Field office or project personnel are to complete the 

NWIS login procedure within 10 days of sampling 

(1) to determine if site-file records are available for 

sites sampled; (2) to facilitate the entry of new sites 

into NWIS; and (3) to facilitate the efficient entry of 

NWQL analytical data into NWIS. The Project or Field 

Office Chiefs will ensure that samples are logged into 

NWIS immediately after samples are shipped to the 

NWQL. Field data will usually be entered at this time.

The project or Field Office Chief (or designee) will 

keep track of the status of completion of water-quality 

analyses to ensure that analytical holding times are 

not exceeded and that necessary reruns are requested 

in a timely manner. The NWQL provides an online 

“Sample Status” report that is available to USGS 

personnel. See Section 10.2.2 for details.

The Project or Field Office Chief (or designated 

personnel) will maintain files of original water-quality 

and sediment data. Sediment size and concentration 

data are analyzed by the Vancouver Sediment 

Laboratory. Data are retrieved periodically and 

manually entered into NWIS.

Field Office or Project Chiefs and the Database 

Manager will keep an electronic file of NWQL 

analyses until data can be verified (and corrected 

if necessary). Data that is rejected from NWIS 

(BADQW) will be corrected immediately and reloaded 

into NWIS. Hard-copy analyses of laboratory data will 

be kept in Field Office or WAWSC project files, along 

with field sheets and other original data, as described 

by the WAWSC files maintenance and disposition plan.

Only data that has been published or reviewed 

by the Field Office or Project Chief and WaterQuality Specialist can be transmitted to the public 

or cooperators as certified data. Data that are not yet 

published, must be labeled as “Provisional—subject to 

revision”.

•

•

•

•

•

The Water-Quality Database Manager will regularly 

perform the following:

1. Ensure that the biweekly retrieval of analytical data from 

NWQL has run successfully, retrieving data and entering 

it into NWIS using the GETLAB and QWCARDSIN 

program. Data will be separated into analytical report 

(WATLIST) files for the primary and quality-assurance 

database as well as corresponding BADQW files for data 

which could not be entered into NWIS.

2. Split and distribute the WATLIST and BADQW files by 

project accounts. It is the responsibility of the Field Office 

or Project Chief, in consultation with the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist, to determine if analytical reruns of 

constituents are required.

3. Compile a monthly report of necessary corrections to 

laboratory billings (charges to default overhead accounts 

or wrong projects) and provide the report to the WAWSC 

Budget Analyst and appropriate Field Office or Project 

Chiefs, along with instructions or indications for any 

adjustments that should be made in the billing details.

9.5 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 Field Office or 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 Field Office or Project Chief, or designee, 

is responsible for ensuring that custody transfers of samples 

are performed and documented according to the requirements 

listed below:

The means for identifying custody should be clearly 

understood (use of forms, stickers, etc.);

Instructions for documenting the transfer of samples 

and the person responsible for this documentation must 

be clearly defined; and

A plan must be in place for maintaining records in 

a specific location for a specific period of time (for 

example, in the site folder).

•

•

•

9.0 Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking  35
Because laboratories should have their own internal 

chain-of-custody requirements, it is probably not necessary to 

include information on their procedures. Individual projects 

may need laboratory chain-of-custody documentation, 

however, and this should be documented in the project 

workplan.

9.6 References Used for Sample Handling and 

Tracking Section

Table 9.6 lists reports and memoranda referred to in this 

section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the 

report.

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management

Water-quality data that are collected for hydrologic 

investigations are recorded on paper and electronically. Data 

recorded on paper include chemical, physical, biological, 

and ancillary data collected in the field. This information 

is documented on standard USGS field forms (fig. 8.1.1) 

and stored in site files. Data recorded electronically include 

analytical results and continuous monitoring data transmitted 

over the computer network or stored by electronic data logger. 

Data recorded on paper and electronically typically are stored 

either in the NWIS QWDATA database or in NWIS-ADAPS 

database (Bartholoma, 1997). The NWIS is the storage 

Table 9.6. Summary of references used for handling and tracking water-quality samples.

Reference Subject

Wilde and others, 2004 Processing water samples.

NWQL Rapi-Notes 01-013 Sample Shipping Reminder

NWQL Rapi-Notes 01-023 Shipping time-sensitive samples to the NWQL for radiochemical analysis

NWQL Rapi-Notes 01-033 Shipping Reminder from the Central Region Safety Officer

NWQL Rapi-Note 01-034 Update to 01-033, Safe Shipping Reminder

NWQL Rapi-Note 02-015 Change in Saturday Pick-up Instructions

NWQL Rapi-Note 02-018 Shipping schedule for Independence Day and Warm Sample Reminder

NWQL Rapi-Note 02-020 Warm samples and Labor Day Closure

NWQL Rapi-Note 03-020 NWQL Holiday Shipping schedule

NWQL Rapi-Note 03-032 FedEx tags on coolers

NWQL Rapi-Note 03-041 Sending hazardous samples to the NWQL

medium for water-quality, streamflow, well, and water-use 

information collected by the USGS. Data that cannot be stored 

in these national databases may be stored in other databases, 

such as project databases.

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.

36  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
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 satellite telemetry 

to a central location where they are recorded on magnetic tape, 

disk, or solid-state memory device, and (2) recording data at a 

remote location on a solid-state memory device. All sites for 

which data are transmitted by satellite telemetry are backed up 

with data stored on a 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). Continuous water-quality data are processed as 

described by Wagner and others (2006). Data processing 

procedures for continuous monitors in the WAWSC are as 

follows:

Data are downloaded to a field computer from the 

data logger at the field site and the data is graphically 

screened to detect any problems.

Data are transferred from the field computer into the 

WAWSC database at the office., or in the case of realtime satellite telemetry, the data are processed through 

the real-time data collection system directly into the 

data base.

A copy of the raw data file is permanently stored in the 

appropriate Field Office or Project directory, and this 

directory is backed up regularly according to WAWSC 

computer policy.

A copy of the raw data is processed using DECODES 

to enter the data into an NWIS-compatible form, and 

the processed DECODES file is stored in NWIS.

All data corrections are applied as described by Wagner 

and others (2006).

A station analysis is written (or updated) annually to 

describe the instrumentation, methods, shifts, missing 

records, and record quality.

The station analysis is filed with field notes and hard 

copy of the NWIS processing tables.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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. In some cases, samples may be analyzed by research 

laboratories or by laboratories outside of the USGS (see 

Section 4.1).

To enter analytical data into the NWIS database, a site 

identification number must first be assigned and entered into 

the WAWSC site file (see Section 7.2). Field measurements 

and NWIS fixed-value codes are entered into the NWIS 

database by field personnel as soon as possible after returning 

from the sampling field trip. The record number assigned 

by NWIS is recorded on the field form (fig. 8.1.1). Sample 

logging is required for data from the NWQL to successfully 

transfer the data into the database. Environmental sample 

data are entered into the WAWSC NWIS QWDATA database 

01; QA data are entered into the WAWSC NWIS QWDATA 

database 02.

All data from the NWQL are electronically transferred to 

the appropriate WAWSC database by automatic batch jobs at 

least once per week. Electronic copies of the analytical reports 

(WATLISTs) are forwarded to Field Office or Project Chiefs 

by the WAWSC Water-Quality Database Manager for storage 

of hard copies in project files The NWIS QWDATA database 

receives daily incremental backup and weekly full backup.

Data analyzed by laboratories other than the NWQL 

must be entered into NWIS, if possible (Hubbard, 1992), 

and identified according to the analyzing laboratory and 

appropriate fixed-value codes and comments. Data entry is 

the responsibility of the Field Office or Project Chief, with the 

cooperation of the Water-Quality Database 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 

Databases

Sometimes data collected by project personnel cannot 

be entered into the WAWSC NWIS QWDATA database 

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 databases may be 

established to accommodate the data storage requirements 

and formats. Project databases that are the sole repository for 

project data should have a written procedure for data entry, 

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management  37
storage, and long-term backup and archival. The Field Office 

or Project Chief, in consultation with the Water-Quality 

Database Manager, has the responsibility for developing and 

implementing management of project databases.

10.2 Validation (Records Review)

Data validation is the process whereby water-quality and 

associated data are checked for completeness and accuracy. 

Data validation is the responsibility of the Field Office or 

Project Chief (or designee). After validation, data records are 

finalized in the WAWSC database and the record is submitted 

to the Water-Quality Specialist (or designee) for approval prior 

to publication.

10.2.1 Continuous Monitoring Data

Records of continuous water-quality data for temperature, 

specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity are 

processed and reviewed as described by Wagner and others 

(2006). Following the entry of continuous monitoring data 

into NWIS, raw data or graphs of raw data are reviewed by 

field personnel for anomalous values, dates, and times, and 

preliminary updating is done. A second check of all data 

entry, computations, shifts, missing record, and deleted values 

is made by an experienced hydrographer, and the record is 

reviewed for accuracy and completeness by Field Office or 

Project Chief. Once the data are edited, the record is submitted 

to the WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist (or designee) for final 

review and approval.

10.2.2 Analytical Data

All field notes and field measurements are reviewed 

for completeness and accuracy within 7 days or as soon 

as possible after returning from the field trip by the Field 

Office or Project Chief or designated personnel. 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. Project and Field Office personnel 

will perform a first-level review of analytical data. 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, 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 any obvious errors, such as decimal errors, and 

possible sample mix-ups or anomalies warranting analytical 

re-analysis. Additional graphical tools that can assist the data 

review process are:

Time-trend plots of concentrations

Plots of discharge versus analyte (concentration)

Boxplots of analyte concentrations or physical 

properties, and

Regressions of field parameters against major ion 

concentrations.

These reports and comparisons are reviewed and noted 

on the analytical report (WATLIST). If necessary, corrections 

or re-analysis may be requested by the Field Office or Project 

Chief or designated personnel. Additional resources for review 

and interpretation of analytical data are:

1. Methods for determination of inorganic substances in 

water and fluvial sediments (Fishman and Friedman, 

1989);

2. Standard methods for the examination of water and 

wastewater (American Public Health Association, 1998);

3. Quality assurance practices for the chemical and 

biological analyses of water and fluvial sediments 

(Friedman and Erdmann, 1982); and

4. Study and interpretation of the chemical characteristics of 

natural water (Hem, 1985).

5. Quality control sample design and interpretation (USGS 

Training course QW2034TC)

6. Water Quality data toolbox for NWIS users (USGS 

Training course QW1297TC)

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

38  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Figure 10.2.2. Example of re-analysis request tracking form.

Date 

requested

Lab ID 

number

Station 

number Date Time Parameter number

Parameter 

name

Old value New value

Update

No update/

Delete

Requests to the NWQL for re-analysis, confirmation, 

or reload are made by USGS employees through the NWQL 

“Sample Status” (fig. 10.2.3). Re-analysis (if possible), 

verifications, or sample reloads can be requested from this 

page. Requests for re-analysis are the responsibility of the 

Field Office or Project Chief, but are commonly made by 

designated field office or project personnel. Notification of reanalysis requests and results should also be sent or forwarded 

to the WAWSC Water-Quality Database Manager.

Re-analysis requests are logged and tracked by recording 

the pertinent information in a spreadsheet for rerun analysis 

information (fig. 10.2.2). All re-analysis requests and results 

should be recorded in the annual station analysis. Corrections 

to NWIS resulting from reruns by the NWQL must be made 

to the laboratory database as well as to the WAWSC database. 

These corrections are initiated by e-mail request to LabHelp 

(labhelp@usgs.gov) from the Field Office or Project Chief 

(or designee) requesting an update to the laboratory database 

and subsequent NWIS reload of data. Policies for reanalysis 

with other laboratories should be stipulated in the laboratory 

contract. Project QC 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. If upon review of 

data by the Project Chief, it is discerned that environmental 

samples may have been contaminated, the environmental data 

should be remarked with a V-code as described by (OWQ 

Memorandum 97.08). The Data Quality Indicator (DQI) 

describes the review status of a result, the ability of a batch 

input program to overwrite a value, and affects the inclusion 

of a result in output as described in OWQ Memorandum 

2002.15 and QWDATA documentation, section 2. The default 

DQI for individual sample results is “presumed satisfactory”, 

but review by the Project or Field Office Chief may lead to 

the conclusion that analytical result(s) should be rejected. In 

such cases, the DQI may be set to “reviewed and rejected.” No 

data are deleted from the database without the consent of the 

WAWSC Water-Quality Database manager and Water-Quality 

Specialist.

All personnel responsible for sample collection and field 

analysis participate in the NFQA Program and process an 

equipment blank once per year. WAWSC QC data, including 

NFQA sample results and annual equipment blanks, are 

reviewed by the WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist.

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management  39
40 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

Figure 10.2.3. Example of the web interface National Water Quality Laboratory Rerun Request form.
Table 10.5. Summary of references used for managing water-quality data and records.

Reference Subject

American Public Health Association, 1998 Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater,

Bartholoma, 1997 NWIS ADAPS user’s guide, Open-File Report 97-635

Fishman and Friedman, 1989 Methods for determination of inorganic substances in water and fluvial sediments: 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 

5, Chapter A1, 545 p.

Friedman and Erdmann, 1982 Quality assurance practices for the chemical and biological analyses of water and 

fluvial sediments

Hem, 1985 Study and interpretation of the characteristics of natural water

Hubbard, 1992 Policy recommendations for managing and storing hydrologic data.

OWQ Memorandum 2002.15 Use of the new data-quality-indicator (DQI) field in NWIS 4_1.

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.

OWQ Memorandum 97.08 Policy for use of V remark code.

Wagner and others, 2006 Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous water-quality monitors

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 database. 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; 

however, these data must be flagged with the appropriate DQI 

code and identified according to analytical laboratory and 

collection organization. Other outside data may be entered 

into the database at the discretion of the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist 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 

databases online or offline. The Database Administrator 

has responsibility for maintaining backups of data stored 

electronically in NWIS or online. Data stored electronically 

offline are maintained by the Field Office or Project Chief.

In addition to electronically stored data, other project 

data and information, including field notes, ASRs, WATLISTs, 

NWIS primaries, station descriptions, and station analyses are 

retained in station folders and maintained by the Field Office 

or Project Chief or designee while the project is active.

10.4 Records Archival

According to WRD policy, all original data that are 

published or that 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, 

ASRs, WATLISTs, continuous water-quality monitoring 

records, and calibration notes. These data are archived 

according to the WAWSC Files Maintenance and Disposition 

plan. It is the responsibility of the Field Office or Project Chief 

to ensure that project files entered into the WAWSC archive 

are organized and complete.

10.5 References Used for Water-Quality Data Management Section

Table 10.5 lists reports, web pages, and memoranda referred to in this section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.1

of the report.

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management  41
11.0 Publication of Water-Quality Data

Water-quality data are published in hydrologic data 

reports, interpretive reports, or on NWISWeb (http://

waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/qw). The selection of the 

appropriate publication outlet for water-quality data will 

be the responsibility of the Field Office or Project Chief. 

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, 2000).

The report review process in the WAWSC includes the 

following steps: (1) supervisor’s review for technical and 

editorial adequacy and readiness for technical review; (2) 

technical review for technical adequacy by two colleague 

reviewers (generally outside of WAWSC); (3) editorial review 

for adequacy of organization, rhetoric, grammar, audience 

level, consistency, and for verification; (4) Report Specialist 

review for completeness, adherence to policy, and readiness 

for approval; and (5) WAWSC Director’s review for approval 

of non-interpretive and data reports; or, forwarding to Western 

Region for approval of interpretive reports.

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, Washington”, or in individual project 

data reports or publicly through a project website. Hydrologic 

data reports make water-quality data available to users, but 

without interpretations or conclusions. Approval of hydrologic 

data reports is by the WAWSC Director, as described in Office 

of Water Information Technical Memorandum 2003.01.

The review process for all data reports in the WAWSC 

includes the following steps: (1) raw data or graphs of raw data 

are reviewed by field personnel for completeness, anomalous 

values, dates, and times, and preliminary updating is done; (2) 

a second check of all data entry, computations, missing record, 

and deleted values is made by an experienced hydrographer; 

(3) the record is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and 

readiness for technical review by the Field Office or Project 

Chief; (4) the record is submitted to the WAWSC WaterQuality Specialist for final review; and (5) final approval for 

publication by the WAWSC Director.

11.2 Interpretive Reports

Interpretive reports include such USGS outlets as 

Circulars, Professional Papers, Fact Sheets, Scientific 

Investigations Reports, Open-File Reports, and Data Series 

Reports, as well as non-USGS outlets, such as scientific 

journals, books, and proceedings of technical conferences. 

The WAWSC 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 USGS policy. 

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 (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1993). Electronic 

outlets include the internet (NWISWeb at http://waterdata.

usgs.gov/wa/nwis/qw) 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. Concentrations of constituents in water samples 

collected by or for the USGS that exceed USEPA drinking 

water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), as specified 

in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, are 

promptly reported by the Field Office or Project Chief 

to appropriate agencies that have a need to know (WRD 

Memorandum 90.38).

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 to the 

general public prior to final approval is prohibited to avoid 

disseminating incomplete or incorrect conclusions, which 

are subject to change as a result of subsequent technical and 

policy reviews.

42 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
Table 11.4. Summary of references used for managing water-quality data and records.

Reference Subject

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 databases and computer programs.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1995 Guidelines on writing hydrologic reports.

U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000 Style manual for printed government documents.

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.

11.4 References Used for Publication Section

Table 11.4 lists reports, web pages, and memoranda referred to in this section. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.1

of the report.

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 welldocumented 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 WAWSC Training Officer is responsible 

for informing WAWSC staff about the availability of 

training—in-house, USGS, U.S. Government, and other 

sources. The WAWSC Water-Quality Specialist provides 

recommendations and advice to supervisors and their staff as 

needed. The WAWSC Director has authority and responsibility 

for approving training opportunities. In addition, staff are 

responsible for taking full advantage of the training provided.

12.0 Water-Quality Training and Reviews  43

Primary sources of water-quality training are USGS 

courses, usually taught at the National Training Center at the 

Denver Federal Center; Regional training; cyber seminars, and 

WAWSC seminars or in-house training courses. The WAWSC 

Water-Quality Specialist plays an important role in providing 

in-house training. Training documents are maintained by 

the Training Officer in WAWSC personnel files and by the 

Personnel Office in Western Region.

12.2 Reviews

Reviews of water-quality data-collection activities are 

conducted upon request by the Project or Field Office Chief 

for each project actively involved in water-quality data 

collection. Reviews are conducted in the field or laboratory by 

the WAWSC 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 employee and 

the WAWSC Director. Reviews address sample collection and 

processing techniques, compliance with WRD, OWQ, and 

WAWSC policies, the condition of the work environment (for 

example, the field vehicle), and any other activities pertaining 

to the collection of high 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.
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46  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center
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13.1 USGS Memoranda Applicable to 

Water-Quality Activities

The following USGS memoranda are available 

electronically on the Internet at the following site address 

(URL) http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/.

Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01, 

February 5, 1991, Safety—Chemical-hygiene 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 02.04, 

September 23, 2002 Requirements for the Proper Shipping 

of 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.

13.0 References Cited  47

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 81.07, 

December 15, 1980, Programs and Plans—Field-collection 

and data-processing procedures for atmospheric deposition 

samples.

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 97.08, 

August 28, 1997, New remark code (V) for water-quality 

data.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 98.03, 

April 16, 1998, Policy for the evaluation and approval of 

production analytical laboratories.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 04.01, 

February 11, 2004, Revised policy for the approval of 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) water-quality analytical 

methods.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 82.28, January 21, 

1982, Water Quality—Acceptability and use of waterquality analytical methods.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 87.85, September 18, 

1987, Programs and Plans—Policy for the collection and 

archiving of electronically recorded data.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 90.38, April 23, 

1990, Programs and Plans—Policy for reporting Maximum 

Contaminant levels exceedances.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.36, April 16, 

1992, Policy of the Water Resources Division on the use of 

laboratories by national water-quality programs accessed 

April 30, 2007 at,

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.59, October 20, 

1992, Policy for management and retention of hydrologic 

data of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 95.35, May 15, 1995, 

Programs and Plans—Transmittal of instrumentation plan 

for the Water Resources Division and the hydrologic field 

instrumentation and equipment policy and guidelines.
48  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

This page is intentionally left blank.
Manuscript approved for publication, September 26, 2007

Prepared by the USGS Publishing Network, 

Publishing Service Center, Tacoma, Washington

Bill Gibbs

Deb Grillo 

Bobbie Jo Richey

Sharon Wahlstrom

Chet Zenone

For more information concerning the research in this report, contact the 

Director, Washington Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey, 934 Broadway — Suite 300

Tacoma, Washington 98402

http://wa.water.usgs.gov
Wagner and others— Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities in the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center—Open-File Report 2007–1307