U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2006–1275

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the 

U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality 

Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey 

Montana Water Science Center

Compiled by John H. Lambing

Open-File Report 2006–1275

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: 2006

For product and ordering information:

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U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Lambing, J.H., comp., 2006, Quality-assurance plan for water-quality activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana 

Water Science Center: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2006-1275, 39 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 for the Organization and Responsibilities Section ..............................................5

3.0 Project Planning.......................................................................................................................................5

3.1 Project Proposals............................................................................................................................5

3.2 Project Workplans ..........................................................................................................................5

3.3 Project Reviews ..............................................................................................................................6

3.3.1 Review Schedules ..............................................................................................................6

3.3.2 Review Documentation......................................................................................................6

3.4 References for the Project Planning Section ............................................................................6

4.0 Water-Quality Analytical 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 Analytical Laboratories Used by the U. S. Geological Survey Montana Water 

Science Center........................................................................................................................8

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the U.S. Geological Survey Montana 

Water Science Center............................................................................................................8

4.3.1 National Water Quality Laboratory ..................................................................................8

4.3.2 Outside Analytical Laboratories.......................................................................................9

4.4 References for the Water-Quality Analytical Laboratories Section ......................................9

5.0 U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center Water-Quality and Sediment 

Laboratory, Field Service Units, and Water-Quality Field Vehicles........................................10

5.1 Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory and Field Service Units........................................10

5.1.1 Facilities..............................................................................................................................10

5.1.1.1 Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory ..........................................................10

5.1.1.2 Field Service Units................................................................................................10

5.1.2 Procedures.........................................................................................................................10

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies ..................................................................................................12

5.2 Water-Quality Field Vehicles.......................................................................................................12

5.3 References for the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center 

Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory, Field Service Units, and 

Water-Quality Field Vehicles Section ................................................................................14

6.0 Water-Quality Instruments ...................................................................................................................14

6.1 Field Meters...................................................................................................................................14

6.2 Continuous Monitors....................................................................................................................14

6.3 Calibration and Maintenance of Water-Quality Instruments ................................................15

6.4 References for the Water-Quality Instruments Section.........................................................15

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation .....................................................................................................15
iv

7.1 Site Selection.................................................................................................................................15

7.1.1 Surface Water...................................................................................................................15

7.1.2 Ground Water....................................................................................................................18

7.1.3 Other Sites..........................................................................................................................18

7.2 Site Documentation......................................................................................................................18

7.2.1 Surface Water...................................................................................................................18

7.2.2 Ground Water....................................................................................................................18

7.2.3 Other Sites..........................................................................................................................19

7.3 References for the Site-Selection and Documentation Section ..........................................19

8.0 Sample Collection and Processing.....................................................................................................19

8.1 Water-Quality Samples ................................................................................................................20

8.1.1 Preparation for Sampling ................................................................................................20

8.1.2 Field Measurements.........................................................................................................20

8.1.3 Cleaning of Sampling and Processing Equipment ......................................................21

8.1.4 Surface-Water Sampling.................................................................................................21

8.1.4.1 Equipment Selection ............................................................................................21

8.1.4.2 Sample Collection.................................................................................................21

8.1.5 Ground-Water Sampling..................................................................................................23

8.1.5.1 Equipment Selection ............................................................................................23

8.1.5.2 Sample Collection.................................................................................................23

8.1.6 Precipitation Sampling.....................................................................................................23

8.1.7 Sample Processing...........................................................................................................24

8.1.7.1 Sample Compositing and Splitting .....................................................................24

8.1.7.2 Sample Filtration ...................................................................................................24

8.1.7.3 Sample Preservation............................................................................................25

8.2 Other Types of Samples Related to Water Quality ..................................................................25

8.2.1 Biological Samples...........................................................................................................25

8.2.2 Sediment Samples............................................................................................................25

8.3 Quality-Control Samples..............................................................................................................25

8.4 Safety Issues .................................................................................................................................26

8.5 References for the Sample Collection and Processing Section...........................................26

9.0 Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking..................................................................................26

9.1 Onsite Sample Handling and Documentation ..........................................................................26

9.2 Sample Shipment and Documentation......................................................................................28

9.3 Sample Tracking Procedures......................................................................................................28

9.4 Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Samples..............................................................................28

9.5 References for the Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking Section........................30

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management.....................................................................................................30

10.1 Processing Data..........................................................................................................................30

10.1.1 Analytical Data................................................................................................................30

10.1.2 Continuous-Monitor Data..............................................................................................31

10.1.3 Non-National Water Information System Databases...............................................32

10.2 Data Review.................................................................................................................................32

10.2.1 Analytical Data................................................................................................................32

10.2.2 Continuous-Monitor Data..............................................................................................33
10.3 Data Storage................................................................................................................................34

10.4 Records Archival.........................................................................................................................34

10.5 References for the Water-Quality Data Management Section...........................................34

11.0 Publication of Water-Quality Data ....................................................................................................34

11.1 Data Reports................................................................................................................................35

11.2 Interpretive Reports....................................................................................................................35

11.3 Other Data Outlets ......................................................................................................................35

11.4 References for the Publication of Water-Quality Data Section..........................................35

12.0 Water-Quality Training and Reviews ................................................................................................35

12.1 Training .........................................................................................................................................36

12.2 Reviews ........................................................................................................................................36

13.0 Bibliography..........................................................................................................................................36

13.1 References...................................................................................................................................36

13.2 Publicly Accessible Internal Documents................................................................................38

Figures

1. U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center organizational chart, 

September 2006.............................................................................................................................3

2. Example of U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center field 

inspection form for continuous-conductance monitors ......................................................16

3. Example first page of a national field form for recording field-measurement data ........22

4. Example of U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center samplinginstruction form...........................................................................................................................29

5. Example page from a U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center 

sample-collection log book.......................................................................................................31

6. Example of reanalysis tracking form.......................................................................................33

Tables

1. Summary of reference for organization and responsibilities related to quality 

assurance ......................................................................................................................................5

2. Summary of references for project planning...........................................................................6

3. Outside analytical laboratories used by the U.S. Geological Survey Montana 

Water Science Center..................................................................................................................8

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

laboratories....................................................................................................................................9

5. Laboratory equipment and quality-assurance procedures maintained by the 

Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana 

Water Science Center................................................................................................................11

6. Laboratory equipment and quality-assurance procedures maintained by field 

service units of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center.................11

7. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments used in 

water-quality activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water 

Science Center............................................................................................................................13
vi

8. Summary of references for U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science 

Center Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory, field service units, and 

water-quality field vehicles.......................................................................................................14

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

measure selected water-quality properties in the U.S. Geological Survey 

Montana Water Science Center..............................................................................................17

10. Summary of references for water-quality instruments........................................................18

11. Summary of references for site selection and documentation for water-quality 

programs ......................................................................................................................................20

12. Summary of references for collecting and processing samples .......................................27

13. Summary of references for handling and tracking water-quality samples ......................30

14. Summary of references for managing water-quality data and records............................34

15. Summary of references for publishing data...........................................................................36

Conversion Factors, Abbreviated Units, and Acronyms

Multiply By To obtain

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

foot per second (ft/s) 0.3048 meter per second (m/s)

inch (in.) 25.9 millimeter (mm)

inch (in.) 0.0259 micron (μm)

Abbreviated units used in this report:

°C degrees Celsius

ft/s foot per second

g gram

μg/L microgram per liter

μS/cm microsiemens per centimeter

mg/L milligrams per liter

mm millimeter

ppb parts per billion

Acronyms and definitions used in this report:

ADAPS Automated Data Processing System

ASR Analytical Services Request

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

BQS Branch of Quality Systems

DI deionized

D.O. dissolved oxygen

DQI data-quality indicator
vii

EDI equal-discharge increment

EWI equal-width increment

FISP Federal Interagency Sedimentation Program

HIF Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility

ID identification

JHA job hazard analysis

LIMS Laboratory Information Management System, National Water Quality Laboratory

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

MDEQ Montana Department of Environmental Quality

MSD Material-safety data

NADP National Atmospheric Deposition Program

NASQAN National Stream-Quality Accounting Network

NAWQA National Water-Quality Assessment

NELAP National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program

NFQA National Field Quality Assurance

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NRP National Research Program

NWIS National Water Information System

NWQL National Water Quality Laboratory

OSW Office of Surface Water

OWQ Office of Water Quality

ppb parts per billion 

QA quality assurance

QA/QC quality assurance/quality control

QC quality control

QW quality of water

QWDATA quality-of-water database program of the NWIS Water-Quality System

SHA site hazard analysis

SOP standard operating procedure

SRS standard reference sample

TWRI Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

WATLIST water analyses list (processed through QWDATA program)

WRD Water Resources Discipline (formerly Water Resources Division)

Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the 

U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center

Compiled by John H. Lambing

preparing a water-quality QA plan (Schroder and Shampine, 

1995; Schertz and others, 2002) that documents the policies 

and procedures that apply to the water-quality activities of 

each USGS State Water Science Center.

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 using prescribed 

guidelines and criteria for implementing technically 

approved methods and policies. Quality assurance is 

achieved through a comprehensive plan that outlines 

the overall process for providing a product or service 

that will satisfy the given requirements for quality.

Quality control (QC)—The specific operational 

techniques and activities used to obtain the required 

quality of data. Quality control consists of the application of technical procedures to achieve prescribed 

standards of performance and to document the 

quality of collected data. Quality-control data that do 

not meet required standards are used to evaluate and 

implement corrective actions necessary to improve 

performance to acceptable levels.

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

(1) the appropriate implementation of QA policies 

and procedures and (2) analyzing the QC data. Quality assessment encompasses both the measurable 

and unmeasurable factors that affect the quality of 

environmental data. Assessment of these factors may 

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

collection and analysis, or that affect the desired 

interpretation and use of the environmental data.

Quality-assurance, quality-control, and quality-assessment systems are integrated processes that jointly ensure that 

•

•

•

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), a quality-assurance plan has been 

created for use by the USGS Montana Water Science Center 

in conducting water-quality activities. This quality-assurance 

plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures used 

by the USGS Montana Water Science Center for activities 

related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and 

publication of water-quality data. The policies and procedures 

presented in this quality-assurance plan for water-quality 

activities complement the quality-assurance plans for surfacewater and ground-water activities and suspended-sediment 

analysis.

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 public lands, and examination of the geologic 

structure, mineral resources, and products of the national 

domain.” The Water Resources Discipline (WRD, formerly 

Water Resources Division) of the USGS is the Nation’s principal source of water-resources information. The objectives 

of the WRD programs 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 of the USGS Montana 

Water Science Center (also referred to as the Center) are part 

of the overall WRD mission of appraising the Nation’s water 

resources.

To provide quality assurance (QA) of water-quality 

activities, the WRD has implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure that all scientific work conducted 

by or for the WRD is technically reliable, consistent, and of 

documented quality. The Office of Water Quality (OWQ) is 

responsible for providing nationally consistent guidelines for 
data-quality objectives are identified and incorporated into all 

levels of water-quality activities. By integrating these components into a discipline-wide QA guidance document (Schertz 

and others, 2002), the OWQ hopes to enhance water-quality 

data collected by the USGS by providing for the following:

Consistency in data quality across all levels of the 

WRD;

Accountability to clients, the scientific community, 

regulatory agencies, and the general public;

Comparability of results among samples, sites, and 

laboratories;

Traceability from the end product back to its origins, 

and to all supplementary information, through written 

records;

Application of appropriate and documented techniques 

that repeatedly lead to similar results;

Representativeness of the data in describing the actual 

chemical composition of the biological or physical 

conditions at a sampling site for a given point or period 

in time; and

Adequacy of the amount of data obtained to meet data 

objectives.

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this QA plan for water-quality activities 

of the USGS Montana Water Science Center is to document 

the standards, policies, and procedures used by the Center for 

activities related to the collection, processing, management, 

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 Center 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 Center for the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and publication of waterquality 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 update the previous Center QA plan for waterquality activities (Knapton and Nimick, 1991). This report also 

complements the QA plans for surface-water (White and others, 1998) and ground-water (Brunett and others, 1997) activities and suspended-sediment analysis (Dodge and Lambing, 

2006), and supplements the overall QA plan for all activities 

of the Center (Moreland, 1995).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

2.0 Organization and Responsibilities

Quality assurance is an active process of achieving and 

maintaining high-quality standards for water-quality data. 

Consistent data 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 organizational structure of the USGS Montana Water 

Science Center is similar to those of other Centers, but different program requirements among Centers contribute to the 

uniqueness of these organizational structures. The following 

chart illustrates the organization of personnel in the USGS 

Montana Water Science Center as of July 2006 (fig. 1).

2.2 Responsibilities

The final responsibility for the preparation, implementation of, and adherence to the QA policies that are described 

in this QA plan lies with the Director of the USGS Montana 

Water Science Center (Schroder and Shampine, 1992, p. 7). 

Following is a list of responsibilities for selected Center personnel who are involved in the collection, processing, management, analysis, and publication of water-quality data:

The Center Director and designated management personnel (Chief of the Hydrologic Investigations Section and 

Chief of the Hydrologic Surveillance and Analysis Section) 

are responsible for:

Managing and directing the Center program, including 

designation of personnel responsible for managing all 

water-quality activities;

 Ensuring that water-quality activities in the Center 

conform to the mission of the USGS and meet the needs 

of the Federal government, cooperators, and the general 

public;

Ensuring that all aspects of this QA plan are understood 

and followed by Center personnel. This goal is accomplished by direct involvement of the Center Director or 

through clearly stated delegation of responsibility to other 

personnel in the Center;

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

water-quality activities within the Center;

Keeping Center staff briefed on procedural and technical 

communications from Regional and Headquarters offices;

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

   Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Figure 1. U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center organizational chart, September 2006.

 SupvHyd

Mel White HydTech

Pat Ladd HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

INTERNATIONAL WATERS UNIT

 HydTech

Don Bischoff HydTech

Wayne Tice HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech 

 HydTech 

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 SupvHydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

 HydTech

Lucky Sultz HydTech

Jim Finley HydTech

Greg Trunkle HydTech

Kari Finley HydTech

Stacy Kinsey

Aroscott Whiteman

FORT PECK FIELD HEADQUARTERS

Virginia Redstone

Tyrel Brandt

HELENA FIELD HEADQUARTERS

Todd Schmitt

Andy Skerda

 Hyd

 Hyd

 Hyd

 HydTech

John Lambing

David Nimick

Tom Cleasby

Craig Bowers

Wayne Berkas

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES SECTION HYDROLOGIC SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS

SECTION

HYDROLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS 

SECTION

John Kilpatrick SupvHyd

BILLINGS FIELD HEADQUARTERS

Steve Nichols

Tim Morgan

Steve Lynn

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES UNIT

GEOHYDROLOGY UNIT

 Hyd

 Hyd

 Hyd

 Hyd

 HydTech

Sean Lawlor

DeAnn Dutton

Mike Cannon

Joanna Thamke

Rod Caldwell

KALISPELL FIELD HEADQUARTERS

Art Johnson

Robert Legare

John French

Bruce Bochy

Kurt Ehrenberg HYDRAULICS AND HYDROLOGY UNIT

DATA MANAGEMENT UNIT

Evonne Mitton

Phil Karper

Kevin Sattler

Terry Heinert

Kent Dodge

WATER-QUALITY UNIT

Norm Midtlyng

 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

MONTANA WATER SCIENCE CENTER

Robert Davis

John Kilpatrick

Dave Briar

James Pollard

 Asst Director

 Hyd

 Director

 InfoTechSpec

Database Managers:

 Surface Water Mel White

 Ground Water Joanna Thamke

 Water Quality Patricia Ladd

Water-Quality Lead Technician Kent Dodge

Chemical Hygiene Officer Craig Bowers

Ground Water Mike Cannon

Surface Water Wayne Berkas

Water Quality John Lambing/David Nimick

Sediment John Lambing

Flood Coordinator Wayne Berkas/Mel White

Computer Jim Pollard

Publications Lori Tuck

Water Use Mike Cannon

Real Time Data Mel White

Aquifer Tests Mike Cannon

Cableways Steve Holnbeck

GeoInfoSystems Dave Briar

Safety Officer Craig Bowers

Training Officer Dorothy Barnett

Contracting Officer Dorothy Barnett

Lori Tuck Hyd

 Hyd

 Hyd

 HydTech

 HydTech

 Fred Bailey

 Bill Stotts

 Steve Holnbeck

 Steve Sando Hyd

 Peter McCarthy

 Kathy Chase

 Hyd

PUBLICATIONS UNIT

Luanne Romasko Admin Officer

Dorothy Barnett Admin Ops Asst

Adrienne Jose Budget Analyst

DISCIPLINE SPECIALISTS/MANAGEMENT

Abbreviations:

 Admin, Administrative

 Admin Ops Asst, Administrative Operations Assistant

 Asst, Assistant

 GeoInfoSystems, Geographic Information Systems

 Hyd, Hydrologist

 HydTech, Hydrologic Technician

 InfoTechSpec, Information Technology Specialist

 SupvHyd, Supervisory Hydrologist

 SupvHydTech, Supervisory Hydrologic Technician

Organization and Responsibilities 
Participating in technical reviews of all water-quality 

projects on a quarterly basis;

 Ensuring that all publications and other technical communications released by Center personnel are accurate 

and comply with USGS policy.

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

Ensuring that water-quality activities in the Center conform to the mission of the USGS and meet the needs of 

the Federal government, cooperating State and local agencies, and the general public;

Preparing and implementing the Center water-quality QA 

plan;

Providing general oversight of operations in the WaterQuality and Sediment Laboratory;

Keeping Center personnel briefed on procedural and technical communications from Regional and Headquarters 

offices;

Providing detailed sampling instructions for all stations 

in the water-quality data program that outline the sample 

types, collection schedule, and QA samples to be submitted for quality control;

Providing assistance and oversight of water-quality activities during the planning stages of projects;

Participating in technical reviews of Center water-quality 

projects on a quarterly basis and basic-data programs on 

an ongoing basis;

Ensuring that all publications and other technical communications released by the Center that relate to and include 

water-quality information are accurate and comply with 

USGS policy; and

Ensuring that the Center water-quality QA plan is 

reviewed and revised at least once every 3 years to document current responsibilities, methodologies, and ongoing 

procedural changes.

Project chiefs are responsible for:

Managing and directing the project’s field and laboratory 

water-quality activities;

Ensuring that the project’s field and laboratory waterquality activities conform to the USGS mission and meet 

the needs of the Federal government, cooperating State 

and local agencies, and the general public;

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;

6.

7.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

1.

2.

3.

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

Water-Quality Specialist;

Ensuring that QA/QC activities are properly carried out 

by the project staff.

The Water-Quality Database Manager is responsible 

for:

Maintaining a computerized record of all water-quality 

measurements and laboratory analyses in an organized, 

accessible, and secure manner;

Maintaining paper files of all records associated with 

water-quality results, activities, site information, and relevant data needed to ensure complete documentation;

Preparing site history files and archives to provide a systematic inventory of past data-collection activities;

Interacting with the National Water Quality Laboratory 

(NWQL) to track sample status, retrieve data, request 

reruns, and make updates; and

Interacting with project chiefs and the public by compiling data for various data inquiries and searches.

The Water-Quality Lead Technician is responsible for:

Ordering and distributing all water-quality supplies and 

equipment for the Center;

Maintaining an inventory of major water-quality equipment, including identification numbers, purchasing 

records, and location of items;

Implementing the annual National Field Quality Assurance (NFQA) Program and reporting results to the WaterQuality Specialist and Center management;

Providing day-to-day oversight of operations in the WaterQuality and Sediment Laboratory;

Providing assistance to projects and data programs in 

organizing necessary sampling materials, researching 

sources for specialized equipment, and testing of new 

instruments;

Training new employees, project personnel, and observers in basic water-quality procedures or the operation of 

water-quality instruments; and

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Preparing observer contracts that specify the manner and 

frequency for collecting water-quality samples and payment rates.

2.3 References for the Organization and 

Responsibilities Section

Table 1 lists one report referred to in Section 2.0. For a 

complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the report.

Table 1. Summary of reference for organization and 

responsibilities related to quality assurance.

Reference Subject

Schroder and Shampine, 1992 Guidelines for preparing a qualityassurance plan.

3.0 Project Planning

The Director of the USGS Montana Water Science Center 

has primary responsibility for overall program planning and 

is responsible for ensuring that projects support Center and 

national priorities. All water-quality project proposals require 

review and approval prior to the commencement of work. 

Quality-assurance requirements are integrated into the project 

proposal, either directly or by referencing publications and 

memoranda describing standard USGS protocols. 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 Center or cooperator, or other criteria as described in 

Shampine and others (1992).

3.1 Project Proposals

Project proposals are developed by Center personnel in 

response to requests by cooperating agencies (Federal, State, 

Tribal, or local governments); long-term or immediate information needs of resource-management agencies; or data needs 

for regional and national monitoring programs. Center project 

proposals conform to the format required by WRD’s Central 

Region office located in Denver, Colo., as set forth on November 7, 2000, and amended on July 26, 2004.

Consultation with Regional Discipline Specialists is 

encouraged in the preparation of proposals and in the execution of projects. Each proposal must contain:

Summary of the project;

Statement of the problem or need for the study;

List of defined objectives—what will be done to help 

solve the problem;

7.

1.

2.

3.

Description of the relevance and benefits—how will the 

work support the goals of both the cooperator and the 

USGS;

Description of the approach to accomplish the objectives. 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, the 

laboratory analytical techniques to be used, and the level 

of data analysis to be performed;

Description of products;

List of references;

Project time line that lists the major tasks and shows the 

duration of each activity and expected completion dates;

List of personnel requirements;

Budget; and

Description of safety issues, including job hazard analyses 

(JHAs).

Review of project proposals is given high priority. Project 

proposals are reviewed by the Chief of the Hydrologic Investigations Section and, at the discretion of the Center Director, 

may be sent to the Chief of the Hydrologic Surveillance and 

Analysis Section and to other Centers for review. Personnel 

in the Central Region Program Office for Water provide final 

review and approval of all project proposals generated by the 

Center.

3.2 Project Workplans

Project workplans are developed for each project proposal. The project chief prepares a detailed description of 

all project activities and the related technical methods and 

approaches that are necessary to satisfy project objectives. 

The workplan links project personnel, tasks, and functions 

with associated funds and indicates the projected dates for ontime completion of each activity and, ultimately, the project. 

Workplans for projects having water-quality components need 

to include references to the Center’s QA Plan for WaterQuality Activities as the guideline for standard QA practices. 

Variations in standard practices will be identified and clearly 

described.

Descriptions of the methods and approaches to be used 

for the technical elements of the project include, for example, 

the design of a strategy and schedule for environmental sample 

collection to meet the study objectives. Any new or unapproved field and laboratory methods that will be used must 

be described in detail. The workplan lists the environmental 

sampling locations, frequency of sampling, a description of 

the sample types and laboratory analyses to be performed, and 

the expected uses of the information to address the technical 

issues of the project. Workplans state anticipated methods for 

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Project Planning 
data analysis and presentation, including plans for any report 

products.

Workplans also include a description of the design of QC 

sampling (Shampine and others, 1992) that is needed to document bias and variability in the environmental data. The workplan lists QC sample types, the frequency of collection, and 

their intended uses. The types of QC samples that typically 

are collected include blanks to estimate bias and replicates to 

estimate variability (Mueller and others, 1997). Spikes also 

are used in selected projects to assess recovery efficiency 

associated with possible matrix interference or instability of 

constituents.

Workplans state anticipated methods for data analysis and 

presentation, including report plans. Accurate cost estimates 

are needed for personnel, materials, and services related to 

planned activities conducted within an established period 

of time in order to properly budget for the project. Assuring 

the availability of project personnel is often difficult and 

can impose serious constraints on completing project tasks; 

therefore, Center management needs to be consulted to ensure 

that adequate staff resources with appropriate expertise are 

available and that over-commitment of individuals to multiple 

projects is avoided.

3.3 Project Reviews

Project reviews are conducted periodically during the 

project by Center management, technical advisors, or discipline specialists to track progress and expenses, and 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 WRD policies and requirements. Qualityassurance activities with respect to project reviews are outlined 

in the following sections.

3.3.1 Review Schedules

The Center implements a systematic review schedule 

for evaluating the progress of water-quality projects. Project 

reviews are routinely conducted on a quarterly schedule by 

the Chief of the Hydrologic Investigations Section, and may 

be supplemented by additional reviews at selected projectcompletion milestones. Regularly planned reviews help 

ensure that water-quality activities are conducted efficiently to 

produce quality products on time and within budget. Informal, 

ongoing reviews also are an important part of quality assurance, whereby problems and related issues are addressed as 

they arise. A formal technical review of water-quality projects 

in the Center is conducted once every 3 years by the OWQ and 

Regional Discipline Specialists.

3.3.2 Review Documentation

The Center policy for documenting project reviews is to 

include the following information for each review:

Date of review

Names of reviewers and/or attendees

Responses to recommended action items from the 

last review

Progress, plans, and problems with data collection, 

data analysis, and report writing

Major findings

Status of project budget

Cooperator/customer contacts

Project-related training needs

Recommended follow-up or action items

Date for next review.

The Center archives all review comments that address 

the presence or absence of project deficiencies, all actions or 

recommendations for resolving deficiencies, or documentation 

explaining why other actions were taken. Review comments 

are archived in the project files maintained by the Chief of the 

Hydrologic Investigations Section.

3.4 References for the Project Planning Section

Table 2 lists reports referred to in Section 3.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the report.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Table 2. Summary of references for project planning.

Reference Subject

Mueller and others, 1997 Example of quality-control sample design used by the National 

Water-Quality Assessment Program for surface-water sampling.

Shampine and others, 1992 Integrating quality assurance into project workplans.

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
4.0 Water-Quality Analytical 

Laboratories

Water-quality analytical laboratories used by the USGS 

must be capable of providing accurate and technically defensible quantitative measurements of environmental samples. 

Two of the most critical issues for long-term water-quality 

programs conducted at large spatial scales (regional or 

national) are data comparability and data consistency over 

time and between study areas. 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, and to have the laboratory conform to 

well-documented QA practices.

4.1 Selection and Use of an Analytical 

Laboratory

The USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) 

in Denver, Colo., was established as the laboratory to meet the 

needs of the WRD, and it is the required laboratory for use in 

all WRD national water-quality programs (WRD Memorandum 92.036). However, a laboratory other than the NWQL can 

be selected under certain conditions.

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, including 

those of the USGS National Research Program (NRP), can be 

used for developing analytical techniques or to provide data 

for research purposes, and these laboratories are generally 

exempt from approval requirements that other laboratories 

must meet (OWQ Technical Memorandum 98.03). USGS 

State Water Science Center laboratories generally can be used 

when analyses must be done within a few hours of sample collection or 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 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 Water-Quality Specialist, in consultation with 

the project chief and WRD Branch of Quality Systems (BQS), 

is responsible for assuring that all non-research laboratories providing analytical services to the Center have met the 

requirements for approval. These laboratories must do the 

following:

Use approved and published analytical methods—Analytical methods must be approved and published by one 

of the following sources: USGS; U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (USEPA); American Public Health 

Association, American Water Works Association, and 

Water Environmental Federation (Standard Methods); or 

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The 

publication of the method must include documentation 

for the analytical techniques and chemical processes, plus 

the expected data quality. If a specific analytical method 

not published by the sources listed above is requested for 

a specific project, it is the responsibility of the Center 

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.

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 needs 

to 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 needs to describe QA activities, QC procedures 

and requirements, performance acceptance criteria, and 

required corrective actions that will be taken if the criteria 

are not met.

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.

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 need to be maintained for at least 

5 years and be available upon request to WRD customers.

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). Participation in the USGS Standard Reference Sample (SRS) 

round-robin program is required for outside laboratories 

providing analytical results to the USGS.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Water-Quality Analytical Laboratories 
4.2 Analytical Laboratories Used by the U. S. 

Geological Survey Montana Water Science 

Center

The Center typically uses the NWQL for chemical 

analyses of samples collected in routine data programs and 

projects. Several outside laboratories currently (2006) are, or 

recently have been, used for specialized biological analyses 

or research programs. The outside laboratories that have been 

used for analytical services by Center projects within the past 

5 years are shown in table 3. The name of the laboratory, type 

of analyses provided, the person who has been the primary 

contact at the laboratory, and the dates the laboratory has been 

used are provided in the table.

4.3 Documentation for Laboratories Used by the 

U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science 

Center

4.3.1 National Water Quality Laboratory

Methods used—The NWQL uses approved methods 

for determination of organic, inorganic, and radioactive 

substances in water, sediments, and biological tissues. 

These methods are approved by the USGS, USEPA, the 

1.

American Public Health Association, the American Water 

Works Association, the Water Environmental Federation, 

and the ASTM. A list of published reports on analytical 

methods currently (2006) used at the NWQL can be found 

on the World Wide Web at ������������������������������� http://nwql.cr.usgs.gov/Public/

ref_list.html�. Analytical methods from the USEPA that 

are used at the NWQL can be found on the World Wide 

Web at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/publications.htm/. 

Analytical methods from the ASTM that are used at the 

NWQL can be found on the World Wide Web at http://

www.astm.org/.

QA plan—The NWQL quality-assurance plan is contained in Pritt and Raese (1995). A copy of this report 

can be obtained by sending an Email request to nwqlqc@

usgs.gov. The policies and procedures associated with the 

internal management of the NWQL are designed to meet 

the requirements of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (Maloney, 2005).

QC program—Quality control at the NWQL is monitored 

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

(2) the external blind-sample program, and (3) benchlevel QC samples. Information about the internal blindsample program and bench-level QC samples can be 

obtained by sending an Email request to nwqlqc@usgs.

gov. Information about the external blind-sample program 

can be found at http://bqs.usgs.gov/bsp/Fact.Sheet.html/.

2.

3.

Table 3. Outside analytical laboratories used by the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center.

[Abbreviations: NRP, National Research Program, U.S. Geological Survey; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Project Analytical laboratory Analyses provided 

(by general category) Laboratory contact Dates used

Monitoring data USGS Iowa Sediment Laboratory, 

Iowa City, Iowa

bottom sediment Pamela Smith 

319-358-3602

1975-2006

Monitoring data USGS Montana Sediment Laboratory, 

Helena, Mont.

suspended sediment Kent Dodge 

406-457-5937

1985-2006

Biological baseline for 

coal-bed methane areas

Hannaea, 

Helena, Mont.

periphyton Dr. Loren Bahls 

406-443-2196

2003

Biological baseline for 

coal-bed methane areas

RD Aquatics, 

Hamilton, Mont.

invertebrates Richard Durfee 

406-375-0064

2003

Biological baseline for 

coal-bed methane areas

Utah State University, 

Logan, Utah

invertebrates Mark Vinson 

435-797-3945

2005

Diel metals cycling NRP Research Laboratory, 

Boulder, Colo.

trace elements Kirk Nordstrom 

303-541-3037

2001-2006

Diel organic-carbon cycling NRP Research Laboratory, 

Boulder, Colo.

dissolved organic carbon George Aiken 

303-541-3036

2005

Clark Fork Superfund NRP Research Laboratory, 

Menlo Park, Calif.

trace elements in tissue 

and bottom sediment

Michelle Hornberger 

650-329-4467

1993-2006

Diel zinc cycling USGS Geology Discipline, 

Denver, Colo.

zinc isotopes Rich Wanty 

303-236-1819

2005

Tongue River mercury USGS Wisconsin Mercury Laboratory, 

Madison, Wis.

low-level mercury David Krabbenhoft 

608-821-3843

2005

 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Performance-evaluation studies and certification programs—The NWQL participates in performanceevaluation studies and laboratory-certification programs, 

including the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), which accredits the NWQL. 

A list of the current programs and a description of each 

can be obtained by sending an Email request to nwqlqc@

usgs.gov.

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 Email request to

nwqlqc@usgs.gov.

Miscellaneous services—Other services or materials 

offered by the NWQL include, but are not limited to, the 

following:

Biological analyses

Chain-of-custody procedures

Contract services

External performance evaluations

Laboratory-services catalogue

Methods Research and Development Program

Organic spike kits

Publications

Quality assurance of selected field supplies

4.

5.

6.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Laboratory Information Management System 

(LIMS)

Technical memoranda

4.3.2 Outside Analytical Laboratories

The outside analytical laboratories listed in table 3 that 

analyze suspended sediment and bottom sediment (USGS 

Montana Sediment Laboratory and USGS Iowa Sediment Laboratory) provide concentration and particle-size data according to methods described in Guy (1969). Quality-assurance 

practices are described in Dodge and Lambing (2006) and 

Matthes and others (1992). Both laboratories participate in the 

OWQ/BQS Sediment Laboratory Quality Assurance Program 

and are reviewed every 3 years by the USGS Office of Surface 

Water (OSW).

Outside analytical laboratories listed in table 3 that provide biological or research-related chemical analyses are generally exempt from USGS laboratory approval requirements. 

These laboratories utilize methodologies that meet standard 

taxonomic identification and enumeration criteria (biological 

laboratories), are under development, or are used to research 

unique environmental processes for non-routine investigations. 

The protocols and QA utilized by each respective laboratory 

can be obtained by contacting the person listed in table 3.

4.4 References for the Water-Quality Analytical 

Laboratories Section

Table 4 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in Section 4.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of this 

report.

•

•

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

[Abbreviations: OWQ, Office of Water Quality; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; WRD, Water Resources Division]

Reference Subject

Guy, 1969 Laboratory theory and methods for sediment analysis.

Dodge and Lambing, 2006 Quality assurance for sediment analysis in USGS Montana Water Science Center.

Maloney, 2005 Quality management system, National Water Quality Laboratory.

Matthes and others, 1992 Quality assurance for sediment analysis in USGS.

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

OWQ Technical Memorandum 04.01 Policy for the approval of USGS water-quality analytical methods.

Pritt and Raese, 1995 Quality assurance/quality control manual, National Water Quality Laboratory.

WRD Memorandum 92.036 (USGS) Policy of the Water Resources Division on the use of laboratories by national water-quality 

programs.

Water-Quality Analytical Laboratories 
5.0 U.S. Geological Survey Montana 

Water Science Center Water-Quality 

and Sediment Laboratory, Field Service 

Units, and Water-Quality Field Vehicles

The Center maintains a variety of laboratory or support 

facilities such as field service units or field vehicles, used in 

preparing equipment for field sampling, processing samples, 

preparing samples for shipment to analytical laboratories, and 

analyzing suspended-sediment samples. This section documents the Center’s criteria for maintaining and operating these 

facilities.

5.1 Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory and 

Field Service Units

The Water-Quality Laboratory is located in the Center 

office in Helena, Mont., and also serves as the field service 

unit for the Helena field office. The Sediment Laboratory 

jointly occupies a portion of the Water-Quality Laboratory in 

Helena. Each outlying field office in the Center (located in 

Billings, Kalispell, and Fort Peck) maintains a field service 

unit for basic operations needed to support water-quality field 

activities. The Water-Quality Laboratory in Helena has more 

extensive features for processing samples, preparing solutions, 

and storing chemicals than the field service units in the field 

offices.

The Water-Quality Laboratory is under the general 

supervision of the Water-Quality Specialist, with day-to-day 

oversight of operations under the supervision of the WaterQuality Lead Technician. The Water-Quality Lead Technician 

administers the QC checks on equipment and processing, 

maintains QC records in logbooks, and manages the sediment 

data provided by the Sediment Laboratory. The field service 

units in outlying offices are under the supervision of designated technicians who are responsible for maintenance and 

QA of water-quality equipment and supplies, as well as the 

space used for storage and processing of water-quality samples 

and related materials.

A Chemical Hygiene Officer has been designated in the 

Center to convey information regarding safe chemical storage 

and waste disposal in accordance with guidance provided by 

the Regional Safety Officer. The Chemical Hygiene Officer, 

in consultation with the Water-Quality Lead Technician and 

Water-Quality Specialist, oversees the chemical storage and 

waste-disposal practices to ensure that procedures are in compliance with the Center’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, as well as 

State and Federal safety regulations, using guidance outlined 

in OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.11 and Horowitz and 

others (1994). The Chemical Hygiene Officer works closely 

with the Water-Quality Lead Technician and Water-Quality 

Specialist to review chemical inventories and storage facilities 

used in the Center.

5.1.1 Facilities

5.1.1.1 Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory

The Water-Quality Laboratory in Helena serves as a support facility for the field service units by centralizing the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies, preparing solutions using chemicals (typically acids) for subsequent 

distribution to field offices, and housing the Sediment Laboratory for the analysis of suspended-sediment samples. The 

Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory contains laboratory 

benches, glassware, sinks, chemical storage cabinets, fume 

hood, ovens, balances, and other equipment and instruments 

listed in table 5. The facility is maintained in accordance with 

standards set forth in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and the 

Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01.

5.1.1.2 Field Service Units

Each field service unit is managed by the local staff and 

used to support water-quality activities by providing a staging area for field instrument maintenance and calibration, 

equipment cleaning, preparations for sample collection, clean 

storage of supplies needed for sampling operations, and use of 

commercially prepared cartridges for the production of deionized water. The field service units contain laboratory benches, 

glassware, sinks, chemical storage cabinets, and other equipment and instruments as listed in table 6. A limited, shortterm supply of instruments, equipment, and expendable items 

needed by field personnel for upcoming water-quality sample 

collection is stocked and replenished, as necessary. The field 

service units are maintained in accordance with standards set 

forth in the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

5.1.2 Procedures

The Water-Quality Lead Technician supervises two 

personnel (one full-time, one part-time) in the Water-Quality 

and Sediment Laboratory. The Water-Quality Lead Technician establishes daily operational instructions and analytical 

priorities for the Sediment Laboratory, organizes water-quality 

supplies and equipment within the laboratory, implements QA 

procedures, and maintains QA records for laboratory equipment and supplies. An extensive set of QA logbooks are maintained to document various procedural checks of equipment 

performance, servicing and calibration records, replenishment 

of expired chemicals, and testing of laboratory safety features. 

In addition, the Water-Quality Lead Technician researches 

vendor literature to locate sources of specialized equipment 

and instruments for use in projects, assists staff with the 

repair and maintenance of project water-quality equipment 

and instruments, and arranges for manufacturer servicing. In 

consultation with the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the WaterQuality Lead Technician compiles an inventory of chemicals 

stored in the Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory and 

assists in preparation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

10 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Table 5. Laboratory equipment and quality-assurance procedures maintained by the Water-Quality and 

Sediment Laboratory of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center.

[Abbreviation: OWQ, Office of Water Quality. Symbol: °C, degrees Celsius]

Laboratory equipment Quality-assurance procedures 

Laboratory balances Calibration checked with every usage; annually cleaned and tested 

with certified standards.

Refrigerator Temperature (4°C) monitored weekly.

Fume hood Air flow rates tested annually.

Deionized water system Maintained per OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01.

Ventilated acid cabinets Inspected regularly for corrosion.

Wash sink with drying rack Potentially contaminating materials restricted from washing area.

Vacuum pump Pressure gage inspected regularly for proper setting.

Drying oven Temperature calibration monitored weekly.

Autoclave Maintained per manufacturer’s instructions.

Incubators Temperature calibration monitored as Center use warrants.

Freezer Temperature monitored as Center use warrants.

Laboratory pH and specific conductance meter Calibrated each use.

Chemical shower Water supply monitored biweekly.

Chemical eye-wash fountain Water supply monitored biweekly.

Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory, Field Service Units, and Water-Quality Field Vehicles 11

Table 6. Laboratory equipment and quality-assurance procedures maintained by field service units of the 

U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center.

[Abbreviation: OWQ, Office of Water Quality. Symbol: °C, degrees Celsius]

Laboratory equipment Quality-assurance procedures 

Refrigerator Temperature (4°C) monitored as office use warrants.

Deionized water cartridges Maintained per OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01.

Ventilated acid cabinets Inspected regularly for corrosion.

Wash sink with drying rack Potentially contaminating materials restricted from washing area.

Vacuum pump Pressure gage inspected regularly for proper setting.

Autoclave Maintained per manufacturer’s instructions.

Incubators Temperature calibration monitored as office use warrants.

Freezer Temperature monitored as office use warrants.

Laboratory pH and specific conductance meter Calibrated each use.

Chemical eye-wash fountain Water supply monitored biweekly.
The operation of the Water-Quality Laboratory is 

reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Water-Quality Lead 

Technician, and jointly by the Water-Quality Specialist and 

Chemical Hygiene Officer on an annual basis. The WaterQuality Laboratory is formally reviewed every 3 years by the 

OWQ; the Sediment Laboratory is formally reviewed every 

3 years by the OSW.

Designated technicians in field offices are responsible for 

maintaining, or delegating the responsibility to maintain, the 

field service unit space, supplies, and equipment. Sampling 

instructions for water-quality sites operated by each respective field office are reviewed by the designated field-office 

technician on an ongoing basis to determine the supplies 

needed to collect and process required samples. Anticipated 

needs for sampling equipment and supplies are conveyed to 

the Water-Quality Lead Technician, who then places the orders 

for purchase. Individual field staff are responsible for maintenance and minor repairs of their water-quality instruments and 

equipment. Extensive repairs are handled by the manufacturer. 

It is the responsibility of the designated field-office technician to assure that calibration standards and other supplies that 

have expiration dates are discarded on time, and that necessary 

supplies are replenished prior to the next field trip. The designated field-office technician oversees chemical storage and 

waste-disposal practices in the field service unit in accordance 

with guidelines outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The 

operation of the field service units is reviewed annually by the 

Water-Quality Specialist or Water-Quality Lead Technician.

5.1.3 Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supply needs for the Center are evaluated 

on an ongoing basis to ensure that there is no disruption in 

the availability of essential items for conducting water-quality 

activities. The Water-Quality Lead Technician, in consultation with project chiefs, the Water-Quality Specialist, and 

field-office personnel, procures and distributes the necessary 

equipment and supplies for Center water-quality programs. 

Stocks of routine equipment and supplies are maintained in the 

Water-Quality Laboratory or designated clean storage areas for 

use by field personnel; requests for additional supplies are sent 

to the Water-Quality Lead Technician with adequate advance 

notice to prevent depletion of the stock. It is the responsibility of the Water-Quality Lead Technician to order and quality 

assure the field equipment and supplies listed in table 7 that 

commonly are used by field personnel. Non-routine types of 

equipment may need to be evaluated by the Water-Quality 

Specialist or project chief prior to purchase to ensure that 

performance capabilities will meet data-quality and program 

objectives. Proper storage of equipment and supplies is the 

responsibility of staff in each Center office. Supplies are discarded when the expiration date is exceeded. Adequate backup 

quantities of equipment and supplies are maintained to enable 

prompt replacement of crucial items necessary to accomplish 

data-collection tasks.

5.2 Water-Quality Field Vehicles

Water-quality field vehicles need to provide a non-contaminating environment for the constituents being analyzed. 

The primary type of water-quality field vehicle used in the 

Center is a mobile laboratory, which is typically a truckmounted, custom camper that has been designed and outfitted 

with specialized laboratory features for use during sample 

collection and onsite sample processing. The Center maintains 

mobile laboratories in each office for water-quality sample 

collection and processing. If a non-laboratory vehicle must 

be used for water-quality work associated with constituents 

having typical environmental concentrations in the range of 

10 parts per billion (ppb) or less, 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. The National Field Manual for the 

Collection of Water-Quality Data (U.S. Geological Survey, 

variously dated, chap. A1-A9) provides guidelines on procedures and associated equipment for collecting and processing 

water-quality samples.

 Some general specifications for vehicles used as processing areas for water-quality samples are discussed by Horowitz 

and others (1994) and in U.S. Geological Survey (variously 

dated, chap. A2) and include the following:

Materials used for work surfaces and storage compartments, including counter tops, drawers, cabinets, and 

flooring, must be easy to maintain, made of or covered 

with non-contaminating materials, and capable of being 

easily 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—preferably an exterior compartment isolated from the sample processing area. No 

potentially contaminating equipment or supplies, such as 

sounding weights, solvents, and fuel, may be transported 

in the laboratory compartment of the vehicle.

A dust barrier must exist between the sample-processing area and the external environment (or cab area of an 

integrated laboratory/vehicle unit, such as a van).

Chemical solutions, such as preservatives, must be safely 

and securely stowed to prevent leakage or rupture of containers during transit. Material-safety data (MSD) sheets 

listing the chemicals carried in the water-quality field 

vehicles are posted in the vehicles.

All vehicle operators share in the responsibility for 

vehicle maintenance, for maintaining the cleanliness of the 

mobile laboratory or sample-processing area, and for keeping 

the vehicle stocked with adequate supplies or backup equipment to accomplish the sampling.

1.

2.

3.

4.

12 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Table 7. Summary of information on supplies, equipment, and instruments used in water-quality activities of the U.S. Geological Survey 

Montana Water Science Center.

[Abbreviations: DI, deionized; FISP, Federal Interagency Sedimentation Program; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; NWQL, National 

Water Quality Laboratory; OWQ, Office of Water Quality; QA, quality assurance]

Supplies, equipment, and 

instruments Source and guidelines for QA Responsible personnel

Sample bottles Purchased from NWQL Water-Quality Lead Technician.

Coolers/shipping containersPurchased from local suppliers, materials meet criteria listed in 

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.06

Water-Quality Lead Technician or project 

chief.

Sample preservatives Purchased from NWQL Water-Quality Lead Technician.

pH calibration standards Commercially prepared buffers, traceable to NIST Standard 

Reference Materials

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

Specific conductance 

calibration standards

Purchased from NWQL Water-Quality Lead Technician.

DI water Certified inorganic-free and organic-free DI water purchased 

from NWQL. DI water conforms to criteria listed in NWQL 

Memorandum 92.01. This DI water is used for blank samples

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

DI water DI water produced in-house using commercially manufactured 

cartridges. This DI water is primarily used for rinsing of 

equipment or preparation of stock solutions. Both standard 

DI and ultra-pure DI production cartridges are used in the 

Water-Quality Laboratory in Helena. DI water for rinsing 

conforms to criteria listed in OWQ Technical Memorandum 

92.01

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

Concentrated acid, bulk Acids (nitric, hydrochloric) are purchased from scientific 

materials vendors and shipped under U.S. Department of 

Transportation regulations to the Water-Quality Laboratory 

in Helena. Concentrated acids are used to prepare dilute (5-

percent) acid solutions for field rinsing of equipment. Dilute 

acid solutions are prepared in the Water-Quality Laboratory 

in Helena under the fume hood and using standard safety procedures outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Dilute acid 

is distributed to field offices or project personnel, as needed

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

Isokinetic water-quality 

samplers

Type and number of samplers are determined by the WaterQuality Specialist to conform to site conditions and program 

requirements. Samplers are purchased from the FISP; documentation of sampler characteristics and design criteria are 

available from FISP

Water-Quality Specialist and Water-Quality 

Lead Technician.

Splitting devices Churn and cone splitters purchased from Bel-Art Products, 

Pequannock, N.J. 

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

Autosamplers (pumping 

units for collecting 

point samples)

Purchased from scientific-supply manufacturers. Design criteria provided by the manufacturer are reviewed to evaluate 

sampler capabilities for meeting data-quality and program 

objectives

Water-Quality Specialist and project chief.

Specific conductance 

meters

Purchased from scientific-supply manufacturers. Manufacturer 

literature is reviewed prior to purchase to ensure meter capabilities can meet data-quality and program objectives

Water-Quality Specialist and Water-Quality 

Lead Technician.

pH meters Purchased from scientific-supply manufacturers. Manufacturer 

literature is reviewed to ensure that meter capabilities meet 

data-quality and program objectives

Water-Quality Specialist and Water-Quality 

Lead Technician.

Water-quality continuous 

monitors

Purchased from scientific-supply manufacturers. Design criteria 

provided by manufacturers are reviewed to evaluate capabilities of sensors to meet data-quality and program objectives

Water-Quality Specialist and project chief.

Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory, Field Service Units, and Water-Quality Field Vehicles 13
5.3 References for the U.S. Geological Survey 

Montana Water Science Center Water-Quality 

and Sediment Laboratory, Field Service Units, 

and Water-Quality Field Vehicles Section

Table 8 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in Section 5.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the 

report.

6.0 Water-Quality Instruments

The Center complies with the WRD policy of providing 

personnel with high-quality equipment and field instruments 

that are safe, durable, accurate, and capable of performing 

required tasks (WRD Memorandum 95.35). Accordingly, 

appropriate instruments for use in water-quality projects need 

to be selected based upon the specifications described in the 

National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality 

Data (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A6) and 

the requirements of the project. The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), which provides analyses of precision and 

bias for various water-quality field instruments, also needs 

to be consulted for recommendations when appropriate. The 

Water-Quality Specialist or Water-Quality Lead Technician 

needs to be consulted if project personnel need assistance with 

the selection or use of equipment.

6.1 Field Meters

All field meters used by Center personnel for waterquality measurements are to be properly operated, maintained, 

and calibrated. For correct operation of any water-quality 

equipment, the manufacturer’s operating guidelines need to 

be carefully followed. Most instruments will be calibrated in 

the field prior to making the sample measurements. Calibration standards must be fresh; standards that exceed expiration 

dates are to be discarded. Calibration standards need to bracket 

ambient environmental values to ensure accuracy within the 

measurement range.

Thorough documentation of all calibration activities associated with water-quality data collection is a critical element 

for maintaining data quality. Calibration and maintenance 

records of field meters, including the manufacturer, make, 

model, and serial or property number are to be kept. Waterquality field forms or meter log books are the primary modes 

of storage for calibration data, which are recorded in the field 

immediately prior to a sample measurement. These calibration 

data constitute a chronological record of meter performance 

associated with each sample measurement; forms are filed in 

individual station folders in the Data Management Unit that 

can be reviewed for investigation of anomalous environmental values or potential problems in meter performance. Log 

books are kept with the meters and also contain maintenance 

records for routine servicing, battery and probe replacement, 

and annual checks of thermistor accuracy. Similar records for 

meters used in the Water-Quality Laboratory are kept by the 

Water-Quality Lead Technician.

6.2 Continuous Monitors

Continuous monitors are used in the Center for electronically recording frequent measurements of water-quality 

properties that either can vary substantially on a seasonal or 

diurnal basis, or which represent a surrogate measure of an 

important water-quality constituent. The monitors typically 

record measurements at a frequency of every 15-60 minutes. 

The two most common water-quality properties measured in 

the Center on a continuous basis are water temperature and 

specific conductance.

Table 8. Summary of references for U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center Water-Quality and Sediment Laboratory, 

field service units, and water-quality field vehicles.

[Abbreviations: NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory; OWQ, Office of Water Quality; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Reference Subject

Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01 Safety—Chemical hygiene plan.

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

dissolved constituents in the parts-per-billion concentration range.

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

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.01 Distilled/deionized water for Center operations.

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

OWQ Technical Memorandum 92.11 Shipment of spent mercury and dichromate to the NWQL.

USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A1-A9) Collection of water-quality data.

USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A2) Guidelines for field vehicles.

14  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Water temperature and specific conductance monitors are 

available from a number of manufacturers. The specific models selected for purchase must provide sufficient resolution 

to meet USGS data-quality standards, and must be durable 

enough to withstand harsh stream environments. Additionally, 

the electronic configuration of the monitor output needs to be 

compatible with real-time telemetry equipment that is becoming increasingly common for displaying USGS provisional 

hydrologic data on the World Wide Web (http://waterdata.

usgs.gov/nwis/). The onsite installation of such equipment is 

supervised by field staff who are familiar with construction 

requirements for securely and safely mounting pipes, cables, 

and storage shelters in a wide variety of physical settings. Any 

permits needed to encroach upon roadways or bridges must be 

obtained from the Montana Department of Transportation and 

any other authorities, as appropriate, prior to installation.

Servicing of continuous water-quality monitors is done 

in accordance with Wagner and others (2006). That report 

presents guidelines and standard procedures for operating 

monitors, including site selection considerations, field operation, calibration, record computation, and reporting of data. 

An example of an inspection form used for continuousconductance monitors operated in the Center is shown in 

figure 2.

In some cases, continuous-monitor sensors can be fouled 

by sediment, salts, or biofilms, which can cause excessive 

drift of monitor readings that cannot be adequately corrected 

by servicing and calibration at the typical frequency of site 

visits conducted by most field offices. In those cases, a local 

observer may need to be hired to provide more frequent cleaning of the sensor, especially at remote sites that are impractical 

for USGS staff to visit more frequently. Personnel of the local 

field office are responsible for training the observer in proper 

cleaning procedures and recording of data in order to track 

any changes resulting from the cleaning. Monthly inspection 

forms filled out by the observer are sent to the field office and 

included in the station water-quality folder for reference during subsequent record computations.

6.3 Calibration and Maintenance of WaterQuality Instruments

Information that is required to be included with the 

calibration and maintenance records of water-quality field 

meters includes the date, name of the individual performing 

the activity, results of calibration or equipment check, and 

any actions taken. Calibration and maintenance records are 

assessed on an ongoing basis during each field trip to identify 

potential problems immediately and to take corrective action. 

The calibration data also are reviewed by the project chief and 

Water-Quality Specialist after each field trip during the review 

of laboratory analytical results.

Prior to leaving for a field trip, fresh calibration standards 

need to be obtained and at least one standard checked to verify 

that the meter is functioning properly. Poor meter performance 

must be identified, evaluated, and corrected promptly to ensure 

data quality. Continued use of meters or probes of questionable quality is not acceptable; faulty equipment needs to be 

repaired or replaced as soon as practical. If available, backup 

meters are to be carried on extended field trips to obtain reliable field measurements in the event of equipment problems. 

If backup meters are not available, an alternative action is to 

bring water samples back to the office for measurement of 

properties that are generally stable. Table 9 provides summary 

information regarding the calibration methods, acceptance 

criteria, calibration frequency and location where calibration is done, responsible persons, and references for specific 

instructions regarding the calibration and use of water-quality 

instruments to measure selected water-quality properties in the 

Center.

6.4 References for the Water-Quality Instruments 

Section

Table 10 provides a list of reports and/or memoranda 

referred to in Section 6.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of the report.

7.0 Site Selection and Documentation

Deciding where to sample is an important initial step 

toward achieving project objectives of obtaining environmentally representative data at the appropriate location to reliably 

characterize conditions. After a site is selected, thorough documentation of site location and features, usually in the form of a 

station description, is required.

7.1 Site Selection

 Site selection for sampling is important to the validity 

of water-quality data. Selection of a suitable site can be made 

only after considering a number of factors, including the need 

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

for obtaining environmentally representative samples through 

a range of hydrologic conditions, and site accessibility and 

safety. Specific guidelines for site selection are contained 

in U.S. Geological Survey (variously dated, chap. A1). 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 in order to have concurrent information on hydrologic conditions. If this is not possible, the 

water-quality station needs to be located where the stream discharge can be measured and water samples can be collected at 

Site Selection and Documentation 15
FIELD INSPECTION FOR CONTINUOUS-CONDUCTANCE MONITOR 

USGS Montana Water Science Center

Station Name ___________________________________________________ Station No. _____________________

Date: ________________________ Time maintenance started: _____________ Time maintenance finished: _____________

Inspected by: __________________________________________________ Gage height @ time: __________ @ __________

EDL Model: _________________ EDL Operational? NO YES Battery Volt. ___________ Battery Replaced? NO YES

Program Altered? NO YES Data Downloaded? NO YES File Name: _________________________________________

Cross-Section Survey done? NO YES (if Yes, see measurement form) X-SECTION coefficient _______________________

SENSOR MAINTENANCE RECORD % Difference, Fouling = [(SA-SB) – (FA-FB) / SB] * 100

Readings of stream 

conductance 

Time

Temp

( C)

Specific 

conductance 

( S/cm)

Diff. % Diff.

 (see eq) REMARKS

Field meter, before sensor

cleaning (FB)

At/near sensor ( ) 

EDL before sensor cleaning 

(SB)

Sensor condition:

EDL after sensor cleaning 

(SA)

(SA-SB)

Field meter, after sensor

cleaning (FA)

(FA-FB) = FOULING Correction (%)

Proceed to calibration check, see CALIBRATION RECORD below -OR- Calibration not checked ( )

EDL after calibration check

Field meter reading, final

Cross-section average SC QW sample from churn

CALIBRATION RECORD % Difference, Calibration = [(Standard – Sensor) / Sensor] * 100

Conductance Sensor Make/Model:

Conductance 

standard

Temp Sensor 

reading Diff. % Diff.(see eq.) REMARKS

1) Lot #: Exp. Date:

2) Lot #: Exp. Date:

Avg. = CALIBRATION Correction (%)

3) To reset sensor, use standard near 1,000 S/cm

RESET SENSOR: NO ( ) YES ( ) Set to:

Field Meter Make/Model:

Conductance 

standard

Temp Initial

reading

Adjusted 

reading

Corr. 

factor

REMARKS

See QW field form for field meter calibration ( )

1)

2)

Comments:

( C)

( C)

M

M

Figure 2. Example of U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center field inspection form for continuous-conductance 

monitors.

16  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Table 9. Summary of calibration information for water-quality instruments used to measure selected water-quality properties in the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water 

Science Center.[Abbreviations: °C, Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Water-quality 

property

Calibration method 

used

Acceptance criteria and 

response if not acceptable

Calibration frequency and 

location Responsible personnel Reference for calibration and use

Temperature NIST-certified thermometer Within 0.25°C; replace thermometer Semi-annually in laboratory Field personnel, Water- Quality Lead Technician USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6); see 

manufacturer’s instructions.

Field meters with internal 

temperature compensation

Within 0.2°C; verify with another thermometer, replace 

meter

Quarterly in laboratory Field personnel, WaterQuality Lead Technician USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6); see 

manufacturer’s instructions.

Specific conductance At least two standards, 

bracketing expected values

Within 3 percent over 

100 μS/cm; within 5 percent under 100 μS/cm; verify with another standard, clean or replace probe

Prior to taking sample measurements in field Field personnel USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6); see 

manufacturer’s instructions.

pH Two-point calibration, 

bracketing expected values

Within acceptable slope range 

for instrument as indicated in manufacturer’s instructions; verify with another standard; clean and replace probe

Prior to taking sample measurements in field Field personnel USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6); see 

manufacturer’s instructions.

Dissolved oxygen Air calibration in water Within 5 percent of theoretical saturation at ambient 

temperature and barometric pressure; change membrane or replace probe

Prior to taking sample 

measurements in field; whenever membrane is changed

Field personnel USGS, variously dated (National 

Field Manual, chap. A6); see manufacturer’s instructions.

Barometric pressure Mercury barometer Within 5 millimeters mercury 

compared to local weather station; replace barometer

Annually in laboratory Field personnel, WaterQuality Lead Technician See manufacturer’s instructions.

Site Selection and Documentation 17
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 effluent, the collection of a representative sample may be difficult because of 

incomplete mixing. Under such conditions, the criteria for the 

minimum number of vertical transects sampled may need to be 

increased, and lateral mixing characteristics documented with 

cross-sectional surveys at various stages of flow. If possible, 

continuous water-quality monitors are installed where the 

water in the stream is vertically and horizontally well-mixed in 

the cross section and protected from physical damage.

7.1.2 Ground Water

The selection of wells for ground-water sampling is 

dependent on many variables, including location, depth and 

accessibility of the well, type of well completion, availability of geologic and water-use information, and sampling 

purpose(s). If suitable existing wells cannot be found, new 

wells will need to be installed.

7.1.3 Other Sites

Other types of sites used for hydrologic monitoring can 

include lakes and precipitation stations. These types of sites 

are less common than stream sites, but are occasionally operated as part of a special study or as part of a national network. 

Depending on their size, lakes would typically be sampled at 

multiple locations sufficiently distributed to provide a spatial 

characterization of conditions between the inflow and outflow 

reaches. In addition, samples would be collected at multiple 

depths in order to determine vertical variations in water quality 

associated with stratification and biological productivity. Precipitation stations are generally sampled as part of a national 

network to identify regional patterns of precipitation quality 

that potentially may be affected by sources of gaseous or particulate emissions to the atmosphere.

7.2 Site Documentation

The project chief or designated technical personnel constructs a site file containing descriptive information on location, conditions, purpose, and ancillary information for all new 

water-quality data-collection sites (Schroder and Shampine, 

1995). Much of this information also is stored electronically 

in computerized site files maintained by the Data Management Unit. The project chief is responsible for assuring that 

the site file is complete and accurate, and that the file has been 

properly entered and stored in the records of the Data Management Unit. Archiving of this information is discussed in 

Section 10.4.

7.2.1 Surface Water

A station description is prepared for each water-quality 

station that is sampled on a regular or periodic basis. Sites 

established at existing surface-water gaging stations commonly will need only supplemental information to complete 

the description. Other surface-water sites, such as lakes, 

may require varying amounts of supplemental information 

to complete the station descriptions. The minimum information required for establishing electronic files in NWIS for 

surface-water stations is listed in table 1-1 in U.S. Geological 

Survey (variously dated, chap. A1). For continuous waterquality monitoring sites, station-description requirements are 

presented by Wagner and others (2006). The mandatory site 

information required by the Center includes: agency code, site 

identifier, project number, station name, latitude, longitude, 

latitude-longitude accuracy, horizontal datum, Center code, 

Country code, State code, county code, land-net location 

(township-range-section), location reference map, map scale, 

altitude, method of altitude measurement, accuracy of altitude, 

vertical datum, hydrologic unit code, topographic setting, 

agency use of site, date inventoried, site type, and data type.

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. The minimum information required for establishing electronic files in NWIS is listed in table 1-4 in U.S. 

Geological Survey (variously dated, chap. A1). The mandatory Ground-Water Site Inventory information required by the 

Center includes: agency code, site identifier, project number, 

station name, latitude, longitude, latitude-longitude accuracy, 

horizontal datum, Center code, Country code, State code, 

county code, land-net location, location reference map, map 

Table 10. Summary of references for water-quality instruments.

[Abbreviation: WRD, Water Resources Division]

Reference Subject

USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6) Calibration of water-quality instruments.

WRD Memorandum 95.35 Instrumentation plan for the WRD and the hydrologic field instrumentation and 

equipment policy and guidelines.

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

18  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
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 protocols for sample collection and processing is critical to ensuring 

the quality of water-quality data.

Center policy states that all personnel involved in collecting and processing water-quality data will be adequately 

informed and trained regarding sample collection and processing procedures established by the WRD. New and improved 

methods for sample collection and processing are continually 

being developed as the result of rapid changes in technology. 

All Center personnel who are involved in water-quality sampling must be aware of changing protocols and requirements 

for maintaining data quality. The Water-Quality Specialist, 

Water-Quality Lead Technician, and project chiefs are also 

responsible for providing current information to field personnel on the correct protocols to follow in collecting and processing water-quality samples and any changes in procedures 

as described in agency memoranda and reports. In addition 

to personal communication or in-house training, field personnel are responsible for checking existing technical references, 

including the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, 

variously dated, chap. A1-A9) and agency memoranda when 

technical questions arise.

The Water-Quality Specialist or project chiefs are 

responsible for seeing that field personnel ensure the quality 

and integrity of the Center’s water-quality data. The following 

steps represent some fundamental aspects of maintaining data 

quality for both discrete samples and onsite measurements by 

continuous water-quality monitors:

Samples must be collected and processed according to 

prescribed USGS protocols, as described and referenced 

in the following sections.

All samples must be shipped to the laboratory from the 

field in an expedient manner, within the required holding 

times for each analysis.

All samples need to be logged into NWIS (usually within 

7 days of sample collection) to establish a sample record 

in the database prior to the completion of analysis and 

transmittal of the results back to the Center. Analytical 

results transmitted by the lab are stored in the sample 

record, which uniquely links the data to the specific station, date, and time.

All analytical data for samples must be reviewed in a 

timely manner and within the required holding times for 

each analysis (to allow time for reanalysis), and documented in the station file.

Continuous monitors need to be operated and data processed as described by Wagner and others (2006).

All pertinent information necessary for computing 

records of continuous monitors, such as cross-sectional 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

scale, altitude, method of altitude measurement, accuracy of 

altitude, vertical datum, hydrologic unit code, topographic setting, agency use of site, date inventoried, site type, data type, 

primary aquifer, well depth, source of well depth information, 

water level, source of water-level information, measurementpoint height, measurement-point begin date, measurementpoint description and remarks, well owner name, date of visit, 

and name of person visiting the site. The NWIS minimum 

requirements for site establishment need to be completed 

promptly upon the first visit to a site to allow the analytical 

results for the first sample shipped to the laboratory to be 

properly transmitted to the Center water-quality database. The 

project chief or designated technical personnel is responsible 

for ensuring the mandatory well file elements are promptly 

completed. Paper documents, such as agreements for use of 

the well between the well owner and the USGS, also must be 

stored in the appropriate file.

7.2.3 Other Sites

Similar types of site information described for surfacewater and ground-water sites are required for other sites, 

such as lakes or precipitation stations. The project chief or 

designated technical personnel is required to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the site information. Site files are 

maintained by the Data Management Unit.

7.3 References for the Site-Selection and 

Documentation Section

Table 11 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in 

Section 7.0. 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 

Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies and others to guide 

their decisions concerning the appropriate and efficient management of water resources for the Nation. Water-quality data 

are collected as part of such Federal programs as the National 

Stream-Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the 

National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, as 

well as cooperative projects jointly funded by local, State, 

or Tribal governments, and are a vital component of waterresources activities performed by the USGS.

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 

Sample Collection and Processing 19
variability, equipment maintenance, and data shifts must 

be fully documented and included in the station analysis 

file.

Continuous monitors must be inspected and calibrated as 

frequently as required to obtain as complete a record as 

possible.

8.1 Water-Quality Samples

Most studies that are designed to evaluate the water 

quality of an aquatic system are based upon measurements of 

water-quality properties and analyses of constituent concentrations in the water. Water-quality properties generally are 

measured in the field, whereas most constituent concentrations require laboratory analysis. This section of the QA plan 

includes an overview of relevant Center and USGS policies, 

as well as references for specific procedures pertaining to the 

field measurement of water-quality properties and the collection and processing of samples for laboratory analysis of 

constituent concentrations. Information in this section is drawn 

primarily from the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological 

Survey, variously dated, chap. A1-A9), which represents the 

standard protocols for water-quality sample collection and 

processing in the USGS. Additional sources of information 

include manuals published by the NAWQA Program (Shelton, 1994; Koterba and others, 1995). The project proposal 

and workplan also are to be consulted by field personnel for 

specific guidance regarding any specialized procedures or 

departures from standard protocols.

8.1.1 Preparation for Sampling

Guidelines on preparations for sampling are provided in 

the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated, chap. A1). 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 starting sampling activities, the 

Water-Quality Specialist, project chief, or designated technical personnel is responsible for ensuring that the following 

preparations have been completed:

7.

A site file has been established to allow storage of 

analytical results in the data base;

Sampling instructions have been prepared for each site 

to document the sample types, bottles, and preservatives required for each sample;

Bottles and labels have been prepared for all required 

sample sets;

Sample bottles and capsule filters have been pre-rinsed 

with DI water, as appropriate;

Field forms, notebooks, and Analytical Services 

Request (ASR) forms have been obtained;

Necessary supplies, such as bottles, calibration standards, filters, preservatives, meter batteries, waterproof 

markers, shipping containers, etc. (see table 7 for list 

of supplies, equipment, and instruments) have been 

obtained and loaded in field vehicle;

All sampling equipment, compositing vessels, and 

sample splitters have been thoroughly cleaned, and;

Meters and sensors have been checked for proper 

performance.

8.1.2 Field Measurements

Field measurements are routinely made for various 

water-quality properties, including water and air temperature, 

dissolved-oxygen (D.O.) concentration, specific conductance, 

and pH. Other properties that are measured for some projects 

include alkalinity, acid-neutralizing capacity, oxidationreduction potential (Eh), and turbidity. Procedures for making 

field measurements in surface- and ground-water systems are 

provided in the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A6). Field measurements need to 

represent, as closely as possible, the conditions of the system 

at the time of sampling; localized disturbances or other factors 

that could cause non-representative measurements are to be 

avoided. To verify accuracy of the meters used to make field 

measurements, a calibration check with standards that bracket 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Table 11. Summary of references for site selection and documentation for water-quality programs.

[Abbreviations: NWIS, National Water Information System; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Reference Subject

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

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

USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A1) Establishing electronic NWIS files for surface- and ground-water data.

20 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
the range of ambient conditions at each site is required for 

most instruments.

Field-measured environmental data are recorded while 

onsite, along with a description of methods, equipment, 

and calibration information. Field measurements typically 

are repeated several times to ensure that a stable reading is 

obtained and the measurement value is repeatable. Data from 

field measurements can be recorded either electronically or 

on paper field forms, which may be national forms (fig. 3), or 

customized for a particular project. The project chief, WaterQuality Specialist, or designated field person is responsible for 

reviewing field records for completeness. To avoid the loss of 

data because of possible instrument malfunction, field personnel, in consultation with the project chief and Water-Quality 

Specialist, must ensure that backup sensors or instruments are 

readily available and in good working condition.

To assure the quality of field measurements, all Center 

personnel involved in the collection of water-quality data are 

required to participate in the National Field Quality Assurance 

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

NFQA Program are reviewed by the Regional Hydrologist, 

the Center Director, and the Water-Quality Specialist. Staff 

receiving an unsatisfactory rating are required to evaluate, 

in consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist or WaterQuality Lead Technician, possible deficiencies in the meter, 

calibration standards, or measurement procedures and are 

given an additional set of samples from the NFQA program to 

measure. Results of retesting must be satisfactory in order for 

the individual to continue making field measurements.

8.1.3 Cleaning of Sampling and Processing 

Equipment

Procedures for cleaning equipment used for water-quality 

sampling and processing are described in the National Field 

Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A3). 

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 (Horowitz and 

others, 1994). Field rinsing of equipment just prior to sample 

collection using only site water is not a substitute for proper 

cleaning.

To verify the adequacy of cleaning procedures used by 

the field personnel to remove contamination, equipment blanks 

are processed and submitted for laboratory analysis. These 

blanks ensure that the sampling equipment is not a source of 

detectable concentrations of constituents that potentially could 

be introduced into the environmental samples. Annual office 

equipment blanks, collected in the office laboratory, also are 

obtained for equipment used to collect water-quality samples 

(Horowitz and others, 1994; U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated, chap. A3). Equipment blanks that indicate persistent 

detectable concentrations of constituents require submission 

of additional 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. The 

equipment must be retested and provide satisfactory results, or 

the equipment must be replaced. The Water-Quality Specialist or project chief monitors the results of annual equipment 

blanks to ensure acceptable quality.

8.1.4 Surface-Water Sampling

Surface-water sampling procedures are designed to 

ensure that the samples collected accurately represent the 

physical and chemical characteristics of the aquatic system. 

Obtaining representative samples requires the use of proper 

sampling equipment and appropriate sampling methods to 

quantitatively measure ambient conditions, describe environmental variability, and prevent contamination or bias in the 

sampling process. All Center personnel who are involved in 

water-quality activities must be well informed, through either 

formal training or working with experienced personnel, of 

the various factors that affect 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.

8.1.4.1 Equipment Selection

Guidelines for selecting appropriate equipment for 

sampling various surface-water environments are provided in 

Horowitz and others (1994) and in the National Field Manual 

(U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A2). Review 

of equipment selection by the Water-Quality Specialist and 

project chief occurs during proposal and workplan development and during periodic project reviews.

8.1.4.2 Sample Collection

Guidelines for the collection of surface-water samples 

are provided in the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological 

Survey, variously dated, chap. A4). Field personnel are responsible for examining the sampling site carefully and choosing 

the most appropriate sampling method to generate the best 

sample possible for 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 transits by either the Equal-Discharge Increment (EDI) or Equal-Width Increment (EWI) method. These 

methods generate a representative cross-sectional sample that 

is both flow-weighted and depth- and width-integrated (Ward 

and Harr, 1990; Edwards and Glysson, 1999).

Occasionally, the use of non-flow-weighted methods 

may be appropriate because of hydrologic, climatic, or safety 

Sample Collection and Processing 21
Figure 3. Example first page of a national field form for recording field-measurement data.

1 SW form ver. 7.1

April 2006 

U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SURFACE-WATER QUALITY NOTES 

NWIS RECORD NO _____________________________ 

SAMPLING INFORMATION

Sampler Type (84164) _____ Sampler ID _____________ Sample Splitter Type (84171) _____ Splitter ID___________ Filter Type(s): capsule disc 142mm 25mm GFF membrane 

Sampler Bottle/Bag Material: plastic teflon other ____________ Nozzle Material: plastic teflon other __________ Nozzle Size: 3/16” 1/4” 5/16” 

Stream Width: ________ ft mi Left Bank ______ Right Bank ______ Mean Depth: _______ft Ice Cover _______% Ave. Ice Thickness _______ in.

Sampling Points: ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ 

Sampling Location: wading cableway boat bridge upstream downstream side of bridge ________ ft mi above below gage ___________ 

Sampling Site: pool riffle open channel braided backwater Bottom: bedrock rock cobble gravel sand silt concrete other ________________ 

Stream Color: brown green blue gray clear other __________ Stream Mixing: well-mixed stratified poorly-mixed unknown other____________ 

Weather: sky- clear partly cloudy cloudy precipitation- none light medium heavy snow sleet rain mist ________________ 

wind- calm light breeze gusty windy est. wind speed______ mph temperature- very cold cool warm hot ___________________

Sampling Method (82398): EWI[10] EDI [20] single vertical [30] mult vertical [40] other _______________ Stream Velocity (81904) _______ ft/sec 

Transit Rate, minimum (50014) _________ ft/sec Transit Rate (50015) __________ ft/sec Transit Rate, maximum (50016) __________ ft/sec 

Hydro.Condition: Not determined [A]; Stable, low stage [4]; Falling stage [5]; Stable, high stage [6]; Peak stage [7]; Rising stage [8]; Stable, normal stage [9]

No. days since last significant rainfall __________ 

Comments:

COMPILED BY: _______________ DATE ________ CHECKED BY: _______________ DATE: _________ LOGGED INTO NWIS BY: _________________ DATE ___________ 

Temp, Water (00010) ____________ °C Q, inst. (00061) _________________ cfs 

 meas. rating est 

ANC ( ) ________________ mg/L 

pH (00400) ____ _____ units Gage ht (00065) ____________________ ft Alkalinity ( ) ____________ mg/L 

Sp. Cond (00095) ________ S/cm@25 °C Temp, Air (0 0020) __________________ °C Carbonate (00452) ______________ mg/L 

Dis. Oxygen (00300) _____________mg/L Turbidity ( ) ___________ Method Code ____

 units: FNU NTRU FNMU FBU _____

Bicarbonate (00453) _____________ mg/L 

DO Sat. (00301) ________________ % Other: ____________ _______________________ Hydroxide (71834) ______________ mg/L 

Barometric Pres. (00025) ______ mm Hg Other: ____________ _______________________ Eh (00090) __________________ mvolts 

FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Station No. _____________________________________ Station Name ________________________________________________________________________________ 

Sample Date ______________ Mean Sample Time (watch) ___________ TIime Datum _______ (eg. EST, EDT, UTC) End Date ___________ End Time __________ 

Sample Medium ______ Sample Type ______ Sample Purpose (71999) ______ Purpose of Site Visit (50280) ______ QC Samples Collected? Y N 

Project No. _____________________ Project Name_________________________ Project No. _____________________ Proj Name_________________________ 

Sampling Team _________________________________________________ Team Lead Signature ________________________________ Date _____________

START TIME __________ GAGE HT _______ TIME __________ GHT ______ TIME __________ GHT ______ TIME __________ GHT ______ END TIME __________ GHT _______ 

Sample Set ID _____ 

SAMPLES COLLECTED: NUTRIENTS ___ MAJOR IONS ___ TRACE ELEMENTS: FILTERED ___ UNFILTERED ___ MERCURY: FILTERED ___ UNFILTERED ___ VOC ___ 

RADON ___ (Radon samp coll time:__________ ) TPC ___ (VOL FILTERED________mL) PIC ___ (VOL FILTERED________mL) TPC(QC) ___ (VOL FILTERED________mL) 

DOC ____ ORGANICS: FILTERED ___ UNFILTERED ___ RADIOCHEMICALS: FILTERED ___ UNFILTERED ___ ISOTOPES ___ MICROBIOLOGY ____ 

CHLOROPHYLL ____ BOD ____ COD ____ ALGAE ____ INVERTEBRATES ____ FISH ____ BED SED. ____ SUSP. SED. ____ CONC. S/F SIZE 

WASTEWATER ___ ___ OTHER ______________________ OTHER ______________________ OTHER ____________________ OTHER ______________________ 

LABORATORY SCHEDULES: ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

LAB CODES: __________ ADD/DELETE __________ ADD/DELETE __________ ADD/DELETE __________ ADD/DELETE __________ ADD/DELETE __________ ADD/DELETE

COMMENTS: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ DATE SHIPPED _____________________ 

**Notify the NWQL in advance of shipment of potentially hazardous samples—phone 1-866-ASK-NWQL or email LabLogin@usgs.gov

LABORATORY INFORMATION

FIELD ID ______________________ 

Observations [Codes: 0=none; 1=mild; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=extreme]

Floating debris (01345) ___ Floating algae mats (01325) ___ Detergent suds (01305) ___ Atm. Odor (01330) ___ 

Floating garbage (01320) ___ Fish kill (01340) ___ Turbidity (01350) ___ Oil-grease (01300) ___ 

M

22 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
conditions, or specific project objectives. For example, dip 

samples are acceptable when the stream is very shallow (less 

than about 1 ft deep) or velocities are very low (less than about 

1.5 ft/s) and the depth-integrating features of the sampling 

equipment and method are rendered ineffective. Additionally, 

point samples collected from a specific depth may be warranted using equipment such as a pumping sampler for highfrequency sample collection in special studies or for obtaining 

samples in remote areas that cannot be reached by field crews 

during critical or short-lived hydrologic events.

Thorough documentation of the type of sampling equipment and method used to collect the sample is required in 

field records for water-quality samples. The project chief, 

Water-Quality Specialist, or designated technical personnel is 

responsible for timely review of field records.

Two-person sampling teams with specific, designated 

roles in sample collection and handling (commonly referred to 

as “clean hands-dirty hands”) typically are required when sampling for trace inorganic constituents with ambient concentrations less than about 10 parts per billion (ppb), as described 

in Horowitz and others (1994). The two-person sampling protocol (commonly referred to as “parts-per-billion” protocol) 

may be modified as appropriate for studies in which low-level 

trace elements are not measured. Also, the Center has developed a policy and procedures whereby one person may sample 

in a manner equivalent to parts-per-billion protocol during 

low-flow, wadable conditions by using specialized equipment 

and materials for collecting and handling the sampler, samplecollection bottle, and compositing vessel. Departures from 

the standard two-person sampling team require adequate QC 

samples to document the absence of contamination introduced by the modified protocol. In all cases of sampling from 

bridges or cableways, or during potentially hazardous weather 

conditions (extreme cold, storms, etc.), two-person sampling 

teams are to be employed.

Surface-water sampling procedures for water-quality 

projects are routinely overseen during work onsite by the 

Water-Quality Specialist, project chief, or experienced technical personnel to ensure that proper protocols are followed. An 

independent formal review of field methods for at least one or 

more selected projects is conducted once every 3 years during 

the OWQ technical review of Center water-quality activities.

8.1.5 Ground-Water Sampling

Ground-water sampling procedures are designed to 

ensure that the samples collected are representative of water in 

the aquifer. Because of potential changes in water quality that 

can occur when ground water is exposed to the atmosphere, 

it is important that the chemical or physical properties of the 

samples are not altered by the sampling process. Field personnel need to be aware of the various factors that can affect 

ground-water samples to protect sample integrity. The choice 

of sampling equipment and method of sample collection are 

based on established protocols and guidelines, depending upon 

the characteristics of target constituents, study objectives, geohydrologic conditions, and well-construction materials.

8.1.5.1 Equipment Selection

Guidelines for selecting appropriate equipment for 

ground-water sampling are provided in the National Field 

Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A2). 

All project personnel involved in ground-water sampling for 

water-quality studies must understand the advantages and disadvantages of available equipment with respect to study objectives. Because of the wide range of well-construction factors, 

the ideal equipment for sample collection under some circumstances may not exist. When decisions regarding compromise 

solutions are required, the field team must thoroughly document with field notes the compromises that are made. Review 

of equipment selection occurs during proposal and workplan 

development and during periodic project reviews.

8.1.5.2 Sample Collection

Guidelines for collecting representative ground-water 

samples are provided in the National Field Manual (U.S. 

Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A4). The standard 

procedure for ground-water sampling is to purge the well to 

remove at least three well volumes of standing water while 

monitoring field measurements for stabilization. However, 

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

some circumstances, depending upon project objectives or site 

characteristics.

Thorough documentation of the type of sampling equipment and method used to collect the sample is required in the 

field records for water-quality samples. The project chief or 

designated technical personnel is responsible for timely review 

of field records.

As a general rule, field personnel are required to follow 

a prescribed order of sample collection, described in the 

National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated, chap. A4), to help ensure the quality of the data collected. In addition, two-person sampling teams are required to 

implement coordinated clean-handling techniques when collecting samples for trace elements with ambient concentrations 

less than about 10 ppb, as described in Horowitz and others 

(1994).

Ground-water sampling procedures for water-quality 

projects are routinely overseen during work onsite by the 

project chief or experienced technical personnel to ensure 

that protocols are properly followed. An independent formal 

review of field methods for at least one or more projects is 

conducted once every 3 years during the OWQ technical 

review of Center water-quality activities.

8.1.6 Precipitation Sampling

Specific procedures for collecting precipitation samples 

are based primarily on the study objectives and written guidSample Collection and Processing 23
ance provided by national program managers for the National 

Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). Major factors 

that must be considered when 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 must 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:

Dossett and Bowersox (1999) for guidance in field and 

laboratory procedures in the WRD;

Peden and others (1986) for procedures for collecting 

precipitation samples recommended by the USEPA; and

Willoughby (1995) for a case study discussing methods of 

precipitation sampling and analysis.

The project proposal and workplan are to be consulted for 

specific guidelines regarding the factors that must be considered in choosing the sample location, the sampling equipment 

and frequency, and the special sample handling procedures 

that may be necessary based upon the study objectives. Questions related to analysis of precipitation samples that are not 

addressed by these references can be addressed to the chief of 

the Inorganics Activities Section of the NWQL.

8.1.7 Sample Processing

All samples collected for water-quality analysis are 

processed onsite or as soon as possible following collection 

according to procedures in the National Field Manual (U.S. 

Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A5). The constituents of interest and study objectives, which are described in 

the project workplan, determine the specific processing procedures that are necessary.

Water-quality studies that include the analysis of inorganic trace constituents that occur in concentrations less than 

10 μg/L use the rigorous protocols for clean sample processing 

as described in Horowitz and others (1994) and the National 

Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, 

chap. A5). These “parts per billion” protocols use processing 

and preservation chambers to reduce the potential for contamination from the surrounding environment during sample 

splitting, filtration, and preservation. If studies do not require 

analyses of trace constituents at concentrations less than 

10 μg/L, less rigorous processing procedures can be used, but 

samples must be processed and preserved in a protected environment, such as a clean mobile laboratory or work surface 

that is isolated from airborne sources of contamination. Under 

such conditions, additional field blanks are recommended to 

ensure that the sample integrity was not compromised during 

processing. If clean processing areas are not available, then 

processing chambers must be used.

1.

2.

3.

Research projects developing analytical or specialized 

sampling methods may deviate from the standard protocols, 

provided that the sampling methods are documented in 

project work plans and published reports. The data from these 

research projects are stored in the NWIS database if the laboratories have been approved by the USGS Branch of Quality 

Systems; however, not all research data are stored in the NWIS 

database. Data stored outside of NWIS need to be made publicly accessible through publications or Web pages.

Regardless of the magnitude of constituent concentrations, most components of the parts-per-billion protocols are 

recommended for all sample collection and processing. The 

use of clean protocols that protect sample integrity by using 

gloves, bags, chambers, clean work areas, clean equipment, 

and careful handling procedures enhances the quality of the 

data. Although the two-person (clean hands-dirty hands) team 

approach for sampling can be modified for one person in 

certain circumstances, two-person teams are required if there 

are any field safety issues, such as high water, remote and difficult access, extreme weather conditions, or individual health 

issues.

8.1.7.1 Sample Compositing and Splitting

Guidelines for using sample compositors and splitters are 

in the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A2). Two types of sample splitters presently 

in use in the WRD are the churn splitter, which also serves as 

a compositing device, and the cone splitter, which requires a 

separate compositing vessel. Each splitter has specific advantages and disadvantages, as described in OWQ Technical 

Memorandum 97.06. Either splitting method can be applied to 

inorganic and organic constituents within the technical design 

limits of the device and as long as the equipment is constructed of appropriate materials.

8.1.7.2 Sample Filtration

Filtration is required for many water-quality samples in 

order to separate particulate material from the dissolved constituents in the water. Selection of the appropriate filter unit 

and filter characteristics to be used depends on the constituent group of interest and is based on guidance provided in the 

National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated, chap. A2). Guidelines for filtration procedures for 

specific constituent groups also are provided in the National 

Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, 

chap. A5). For inorganic analyses of surface water, the most 

common filtration system consists of a reversible, variablespeed, battery-operated, peristaltic pump with silicon tubing 

and an in-line 0.45-micron pore size disposable capsule filter. 

For organic analyses, teflon tubing and stainless steel plate 

filter units are used. For ground water, the sample is generally 

pumped directly from the well through a 0.45-micron pore 

size disposable capsule filter. Samples that will be analyzed 

for dissolved trace elements that typically occur at ambient 

concentrations of less than 10 ppb generally are filtered in a 

24  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
processing chamber that encloses the filtering unit and sample 

bottles in a protected environment (U.S. Geological Survey, 

variously dated, chap. A5).

8.1.7.3 Sample Preservation

Sample preservation techniques are required for some 

constituent groups to prevent reduction or loss of target analytes and to stabilize analyte concentrations until the sample 

can be analyzed. Guidelines for sample preservation are provided in the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, 

variously dated, chap. A5). 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 times. Samples that are required to be chilled 

are tested upon arrival at the NWQL for temperature of the 

surrounding ice (or ice water as the ice melts) to ensure that 

the samples are received at the necessary temperature to meet 

the criteria for proper preservation and subsequent analysis. 

Chilled samples are immediately placed in a refrigerated holding area at the NWQL as soon as they are logged in and the 

sample identity is recorded in the lab sample-tracking system. 

For details on sample shipping requirements, refer to Section 9.3 of this QA plan.

8.2 Other Types of Samples Related to Water 

Quality

Many water-quality studies in the USGS are beginning 

to employ a multidisciplinary approach that relies on data 

from a range of environmental media. Biological and sediment samples may be incorporated into a water-quality project 

in order to provide multiple lines of evidence with which to 

evaluate a particular aquatic system. This section of the QA 

plan includes an overview of Center QA procedures and references for detailed instructions that describe the collection of 

biological and sediment samples.

8.2.1 Biological Samples

A limited number of Center water-quality activities 

include the collection of biological samples. At times, various 

programs require the collection and analysis of bacteria samples or 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (U.S. Geological 

Survey, variously dated, chap. A7). Biological sampling has 

recently been implemented for characterizing the abundance 

and composition of algae, invertebrate, and fish communities 

(Moulton and others, 2002). Characterization of stream habitat 

(Meador and others, 1993) typically is done in conjunction 

with biological sampling. In addition to population characteristics, the trace-element content of aquatic insect tissue has 

been analyzed (Crawford and Luoma, 1993) by the USGS 

National Research Program in Menlo Park, Calif.

8.2.2 Sediment Samples

Water-quality activities in the Center routinely include 

the collection and analysis of suspended-sediment samples 

and occasionally bottom-sediment samples. Guidelines for 

the collection and analysis of sediment samples are described 

by Guy (1969), Matthes and others (1992), Knott and others 

(1993), Shelton and Capel (1994), Edwards and Glysson 

(1999), Dodge and Lambing (2006), U.S. Geological Survey (variously dated, chap. A8), and Office of Surface Water 

Memorandum 93.01. Suspended-sediment samples typically 

are analyzed for concentration and sand-silt size distribution 

(percent finer than 0.062-millimeter diameter) by the USGS 

Montana Sediment Laboratory in Helena, Mont. Suspendedsediment samples collected for the NASQAN program and 

bottom-sediment samples collected for the U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers are analyzed for concentration and complete 

particle-size distribution by the USGS Iowa Sediment Laboratory in Iowa City, Iowa. Bottom-sediment samples in selected 

studies are analyzed for trace-element concentrations by the 

NWQL or USGS National Research Program laboratories to 

assess exposure levels to biological organisms that inhabit 

streambed or lake-bottom environments.

Field personnel need to be familiar with the factors 

involved in the selection of sediment-sampling equipment 

(Davis and Federal Interagency Sedimentation Project, 2005) 

so that the equipment is appropriate for both the particular 

hydraulic conditions at the sampling site and the type of 

analyses to be performed. The Water-Quality Specialist needs 

to be consulted for selection of sediment sampling equipment. 

Knowledge of specific cleaning procedures for the sampling 

equipment also is required when collecting sediment for 

chemical analysis. The project workplan is to be consulted for 

specific guidelines for sediment sampling, as determined by 

project objectives. Individuals who have questions regarding 

the collection and handling of sediment samples need to contact either the Water-Quality Specialist or project chief.

8.3 Quality-Control Samples

QC samples are collected as integral components of all 

Center water-quality studies to determine whether the datacollection process is producing data of acceptable quality. 

QC data provide a basis for evaluating the adequacy of 

specific procedures that were used to obtain and analyze 

samples and are crucial for identifying deficiencies in need 

of corrective action. Guidelines for the collection of specific 

types of QC samples and the use of QC data are provided in 

the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously 

dated, chap. A4). Specific guidelines for the collection and 

processing of QC samples are included in project workplans, 

Sample Collection and Processing 25
as discussed in section 3.2. The project chief or Water-Quality 

Specialist is responsible for reviewing QC data in a timely 

manner and implementing additional testing or modifications 

to sampling and processing techniques if deficiencies in data 

quality are indicated. The Water-Quality Specialist has the 

responsibility for advising Center personnel regarding the collection and interpretation of analytical results for 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 to avoid accidents and injuries. Field teams 

often work in high-traffic areas, remote locations, or extreme 

environmental conditions. Field work involves the transportation and use of equipment and chemicals and sometimes 

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 safety, the quality of the data can be 

compromised when sampling teams are exposed to dangerous 

conditions.

Information and directives related to safety are communicated to all personnel to enhance awareness and advise staff 

regarding established procedures and protocols that promote 

all aspects of safety. Information about safety is communicated through agency memoranda, electronic mail, videotapes, 

and training courses. Several types of critical training, such as 

first aid and defensive driving are mandatory to attend every 

3-5 years. Specific policies and procedures related to safety 

are available to USGS employees through USGS internal Web 

links.

A Safety Officer is designated by the Center Director. 

The duties of the Safety Officer include distributing safety 

information, working with technical specialists to implement 

the inspection and testing of cableways and stilling wells, 

coordinating boat safety training, and assisting field offices in 

developing bridge safety plans, JHAs, and site hazard analyses 

(SHAs). JHAs identify potential hazards for various USGS 

activities and provide recommended procedures to maintain 

safe working conditions. SHAs identify potential hazards 

for a particular USGS site. The Safety Officer also serves as 

the Chemical Hygiene Officer and works closely with the 

Water-Quality Lead Technician and Water-Quality Specialist 

to maintain an inventory of chemicals used for water-quality 

work in the Center and their associated MSD sheets. Appropriate response actions to potentially unsafe conditions are 

implemented using guidance from the Regional Safety Officer. 

Personnel who have questions or concerns pertaining to safety, 

or who have suggestions for improving some aspect of safety, 

can direct those questions, concerns, and/or suggestions to the 

Safety Officer and their supervisor. Safety-related suggestions 

are then compiled for consideration by Center management 

and discipline specialists. If a new or revised safety procedure 

is adopted, guidance and policy regarding implementation are 

provided by Center management. Guidelines pertaining to 

safety in general field activities are provided in the National 

Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, 

chap. A9). Guidelines pertaining to safety for specific projects 

or sites are documented in JHAs for each project or activity.

8.5 References for the Sample Collection and 

Processing Section

Table 12 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in 

section 8.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of 

the report.

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 Center for handling, shipping, and 

tracking samples from collection in the field 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 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 sample information may 

be lost or useless. Field personnel are responsible for ensuring 

that all of the sampling requirements are implemented according to USGS and Center procedures. Guidance on sample 

processing and container types is provided in National Field 

Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A5). 

All samples must be in the required container type and clearly 

labeled with the station identifier, sample date, sample time, 

and bottle type designation (which indicates sample treatment 

and preservation). The required sample treatment (filtered or 

unfiltered) and preservation (acidified, unacidified, chilled) 

is indicated for individual sample bottles on the sampling 

instructions prepared for each site that is sampled in the Center, along with the analyses to be requested on the NWQL’s 

ASR form. An example of a sampling-instruction form used in 

the Center is shown in figure 4.

26  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking 27

Table 12. Summary of references for collecting and processing samples.

[Abbreviations: NAWQA, National Water-Quality Assessment Program; ppb, parts per billion; OSW, Office of Surface Water; OWQ, Office of Water Quality; 

USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Reference Subject

Crawford and Luoma, 1993 Collecting samples for analysis of contaminants in tissue (NAWQA).

Davis and Federal Interagency Sedimentation Project, 2005 Selection of sediment and water-quality samplers.

Dossett and Bowersox, 1999 Field and laboratory procedures for precipitation stations.

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).

Dodge and Lambing, 2006 Sediment laboratory procedures and quality assurance.

Matthes and others, 1992 Sediment laboratory procedures and quality assurance.

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

Moulton and others, 2002 Revised protocols for collecting algae, invertebrate, and fish samples 

(NAWQA).

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

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

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

Shelton, 1994 Collecting and processing stream-water samples (NAWQA).

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

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

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A1) Preparations for water sampling. 

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A2) Selection of equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A3) Cleaning equipment used to collect and process water-quality samples.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A4) Collecting water-quality samples from surface and ground water.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A5) Processing water-quality samples.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A6) Well-purging procedures.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A7) Collecting and measuring bacteria samples; 5-day biochemical oxygen 

demand test. 

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A8) Collecting and processing bottom-sediment samples.

USGS variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A9) Safety in field activities.

Wagner and others, 2006 Guidelines for operation of continuous water-quality monitors.

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

Willoughby, 1995 Case study discussing methods of precipitation sampling and analysis.
28  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center

9.2 Sample Shipment and Documentation

Upon completion of a sampling trip, samples are to be 

packaged and shipped to the laboratory for analysis as soon 

as possible. Generally, the shorter the time between sample 

collection, onsite processing, and laboratory analysis, the more 

reliable the analytical results will be. After collecting and 

processing the samples, the field personnel need to complete 

the following:

Cross-check the sample sets with the sampling instructions for the site to ensure that all necessary bottles for 

that particular visit have been collected and that all sample 

bottles are labeled correctly, with all required information 

(see Section 9.1).

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 is to be provided to the laboratory in accordance 

with the laboratory’s protocol for sample delivery.

Pack samples carefully in shipping containers to avoid 

bottle breakage, shipping container leakage, and sample 

degradation. Check that bottle caps are securely sealed. 

Follow the packing and shipping protocols established by 

the USGS and the receiving laboratory. Additional information is contained in the NWQL Technical Memorandum 02.04 and the National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, chap. A5).

Samples collected from water sources suspected or known 

to be contaminated, or samples that contain hazardous 

materials, are to be securely packed and accompanied by 

special identification on the shipping container and shipping form to alert shipping and laboratory personnel of 

the potential hazardous nature of the contents. Additional 

information on submitting samples of contaminated water 

is contained in OWQ Water-Quality Information Note 

2004.13.

Ship samples as promptly as possible after sample collection, preferably the same day whenever possible.

9.3 Sample Tracking Procedures

The Data Management Unit maintains a record of all 

samples collected and shipped to the NWQL to ensure the 

complete and timely receipt of analytical results. In addition to 

the shipping receipts that document the date that samples were 

shipped to the laboratory, the NWQL uses an automated electronic acknowledgment system that generates an email during 

sample login that is transmitted to the sample collector, WaterQuality Database Manager, and Water-Quality Specialist 

informing them of receipt of the sample and sample condition. 

Samples that may have been damaged in transit or do not meet 

temperature criteria are noted in the email so that a decision 

on whether or not to proceed with the analysis can be made 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

by the Science Center. The Water-Quality Database Manager 

compiles a log for each station of the dates that samples were 

collected, the analytical schedules or lab codes requested, the 

date that analytical results are received, requests for reruns of 

particular analytes, dates that rerun results were received, and 

updates made to the database.

The tracking log is updated as analytical results are 

received and is reviewed to confirm completion of sample 

analysis or to determine if analyses are missing. In addition, 

the NWQL has an internal Web page that personnel can query 

to determine the status of analytical progress and dates of 

completion. If results are not received for submitted samples 

within a reasonable time period, the tracking information is 

used to identify the specific station, date, and time so that the 

NWQL can be informed of the missing data. At that point, 

the NWQL will initiate a search for the sample bottles or will 

review the laboratory database to evaluate whether or not the 

data were successfully transmitted.

9.4 Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Samples

Chain-of-custody procedures generally are not used in 

routine water-quality programs that are intended for basic 

characterization of environmental conditions. The high cost of 

chain-of-custody, as well as the substantial burden placed upon 

laboratory staff, typically restricts use of this rigorous process 

to special situations. When chain-of-custody procedures are 

appropriate or required (for example, when data will likely be 

used in legal proceedings), the project chief needs to establish, maintain, and document a chain-of-custody system for 

field samples that is commensurate with the intended use of 

the data. The NWQL maintains a protocol for specific actions 

required to implement chain-of-custody within the laboratory 

premises. 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 from the field to the laboratory, and within the laboratory, that involves a transfer of custody must be recorded on 

appropriate forms that document the release and receipt of 

the sample. Each person involved in the release or receipt of 

a sample needs to keep a copy of the transfer paperwork. The 

project chief and designated NWQL officer are responsible for 

ensuring that transfers of sample custody are performed and 

documented in their respective areas of operation according to 

the requirements listed below:

The means for identifying custody are clearly understood (use of forms, stickers, etc.);

Instructions for documenting the transfer of samples 

and the person responsible for this documentation 

within the Science Center and within the NWQL 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).

•

•

•
Figure 4. Example of U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center sampling-instruction form.

WATER-QUALITY SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS, 2006 WY 09-29-05

STATION: 06326500 POWDER RIVER NEAR LOCATE

OFFICE: Billings

ACCOUNT: 8620-00300

COUNTY: Custer, 017

COOPERATOR: Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)

SAMPLING PURPOSE: To characterize water quality in area of coal-bed methane development

TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF SAMPLES

GROUP A: 12/yr - Major ions, dissolved

Schedule No: 1158

Add lab code: 70

Bottles: FA (250 ml - add nitric acid), FU (500 ml), RU (250 ml)

GROUP B: 12/yr - Nutrients, dissolved and total

Schedule No: 1698

Bottles: FCC (125 ml brown), WCA (125 ml plain - add sulfuric acid), chill both and ship within 3 days.

GROUP C: 12/yr - Metals, total recoverable

Schedule No: 1681

Bottles: RA (250 ml - add nitric acid)

GROUP D: 1/Year - Mercury, high flow

Lab Code: 2708

Bottles: RAM (250 ml glass - add hydrochloric acid)

QA GROUP: 1/Year, field replicate (R) split from churn. Use regular station ID, offset time by 5 minutes from routine

sample (medium code=9 for routine sample, R for replicate). Add parameter codes and values on both samples: 

99111=30, 99105=30. Schedule No: 1158, 1698, 1681

Add Lab Code: 70

Bottles: RU (250 ml), FU (500 ml), FA (250 ml), WCA (125 ml), FCC (125ml)

SEDIMENT: 12/yr

Analysis: Concentration and sand-silt break

Samples: One multi-bottle sample set collected either by EWI (wading) or EDI (bridge) methods. Collect second

sediment sample on day that chemical replicate is collected.

FIELD DETERMINATIONS: 12/yr

Streamflow (rating), water temperature, air temperature, conductance, and pH.

TOTAL SAMPLING VISITS REQUIRED = 12 CROSS OFF AS SAMPLES ARE COLLECTED

GROUP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SE P

A X X X X X X X X X X X X

B X X X X X X X X X X X X

C X X X X X X X X X X X X

D X*

QA R

SED X X X X X X X X X X X X

*Use field judgment on when to collect high-flow mercury sample.

Water-Quality Sample Handling and Tracking 29
9.5 References for the Water-Quality Sample 

Handling and Tracking Section

Table 13 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in 

Section 9.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of 

the report.

10.0 Water-Quality Data Management

Water-quality data are recorded on paper and electronically in computer files. Data that are recorded on paper include 

chemical, physical, biological, and ancillary data measured in 

the field. This information is documented on standard USGS 

field forms (fig. 3) and stored in station files. Data that are 

recorded electronically include field measurements entered 

on computer forms, analytical results from the NWQL, and 

continuous-monitor data transmitted over the computer 

network or stored by electronic-data logger. Paper copies of 

electronically recorded data are printed and stored in station 

files as backup.

 The national NWIS database is the long-term storage 

medium for water-quality, streamflow, and ground-water 

information collected by the USGS. Data that are recorded on 

paper forms or electronically initially are entered and stored 

in the local NWIS database of the USGS State Water Science 

Centers. Analytical results for water-quality samples reside 

in a subsystem of NWIS (Water Quality System), where the 

data are accessed through the QWDATA program (Gellenbeck, 2005). Unit values recorded by continuous monitors at 

selected time intervals (15-minute, 30-minute, hourly), as well 

as daily values (24-hour mean, minimum, maximum) computed from continuous monitors or daily sampling programs, 

reside in the NWIS subsystem (Automatic Data Processing 

System), where the data are accessed through the ADAPS 

program (Bartholoma, 2005). Data that cannot be stored in 

the NWIS database may be stored in other databases, such as 

project databases.

The data stored in the national NWIS database are 

publicly accessible for either viewing or retrieval at the USGS 

Web page http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis. Water-quality data 

are currently (2006) uploaded from the local NWIS databases in the national database one time during the year, after 

all data for the previous water year have been reviewed and 

approved. Prior to final approval, the water-quality data in the 

local NWIS databases are considered provisional. Recently 

collected provisional data that have not yet been approved or 

uploaded to the national NWIS database may be requested 

from the Center for inspection after a preliminary review has 

been done to examine the data for any obvious errors. Data 

that are of uncertain quality and that may require additional 

examination are withheld from provisional release until the 

uncertainty in data quality can be resolved. Provisional data 

that are released are qualified as being for inspection only 

and are not to be formally cited, as they are subject to further 

review and possible revision.

10.1 Processing Data

Sampling information, field determinations, and ancillary 

data are recorded on water-quality field notes that are considered original record. These data are combined with analytical 

data from the laboratory in computer data files and stored with 

other paper documents in the station folders maintained by the 

Data Management Unit. In addition, electronically recorded 

data from continuous monitors are loaded into Center computer files for subsequent processing and computation of daily 

records.

10.1.1 Analytical Data

Analytical data are results of field or laboratory physical, 

chemical, or biological determinations. Most water-quality 

samples are analyzed in the field, at the NWQL, or at the 

Center Sediment Laboratory. In some instances, samples may 

be analyzed by USGS research laboratories or by laboratories 

outside of the USGS (see Section 4.1).

In order to enter analytical data into the Center NWIS 

database, a site identification number must first be assigned 

and entered into the Center site file (see Section 7.2). Field 

measurements are entered into the NWIS database as soon as 

possible after returning from the sampling trip by either the 

Water-Quality Database Manager or by personnel trained in 

using QWDATA. An NWIS record number unique to each 

Table 13. Summary of references for handling and tracking water-quality samples.

[Abbreviations: ASR, Analytical Services Request; NWQL, National Water Quality Laboratory; OWQ, Office of Water Quality; USGS, U.S. Geological 

Survey]

Reference Subject

NWQL Memorandum 02.04 Shipping samples to the NWQL and instructions for filling out ASR forms.

OWQ Water-Quality Information Note 2004.13 Working in contaminated waters and submission of samples.

USGS, variously dated (National Field Manual, chap. A5) Processing water samples.

30 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Figure 5. Example page from a U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center sample-collection log book.

Station

number Date/time

Analytical

schedules

requested

NWIS

record

number

Lab ID

number

Reruns

requested

Reruns

received

12352500 Apr. 23, 2003/0930 1247 00300243 1190056

 '' '' 2631 '' ''

12344000 Apr. 23, 2003/1500 1247 00300246 1190052

 '' '' 2631 '' ''

10.1.2 Continuous-Monitor Data

Continuous-monitor data are water-quality records 

collected onsite at frequent intervals by electronic sensors 

and data loggers. Two methods for electronically recording 

data on medium, such as magnetic tape, disc, or solid-state 

memory device, are (1) transmitting data from a remote 

location by land line or radio telemetry to a central location, 

and (2) recording data directly onto a medium at the remote 

location. Initial data processing in the office is for the purpose 

of obtaining a copy of the original data for archiving (see 

Section 10.4). Recorded data are not manipulated by the field 

instrument or a computer except to convert recorded values 

into commonly used units or to display data in a convenient 

format. The transfer of data from the electronic storage 

medium to the NWIS database 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).

Recorded data are reviewed for completeness and compared to field measurements to determine their accuracy. The 

field measurements used to assess the level of error in the 

monitor readings include a comparison of the stream value 

(measured with a separate, calibrated meter) to the reading 

displayed by the monitor, and a test of sensor readings against 

known values of at least two calibration standards. Results of 

these quality-assurance checks are documented on field forms 

and are used to evaluate the representativeness of the recorded 

data and whether or not adjustments to the recorded data need 

to be made to achieve the required accuracy.

Recorded data may be adjusted by applying data corrections to account for errors owing to environmental effects 

(such as fouling of the probe by sediment or biofilm, or 

physical damage caused by impact of debris or ice) or instrument sensitivity (electronic drift due to voltage irregularities, 

response to temperature changes, or freezing). Data corrections are quantified based on field comparisons and calibration 

checks and commonly are applied as a percentage adjustment 

that is prorated back to the previous inspection, or to the point 

where the error initially began, if that can be determined. After 

the corrections are applied, a new ADAPS primary computation of unit values is prepared and reviewed to verify that the 

changes have corrected the error. Guidelines and standard prosample is assigned by the system and is recorded on the field 

sheet and on a sample-collection log book (fig. 5) to track 

the collection of samples. Similarly, the NWQL also assigns 

a laboratory (ID) number that is cross-matched to the Center 

NWIS record number to uniquely track the sample through 

the analytical process and for storage of results in the NWQL 

database. Accurate sample log-in is required so that analytical results from the NWQL are successfully cross-matched to 

the proper sample and electronically transferred to the Center 

NWIS database. Environmental sample data are stored in the 

Center NWIS environmental database (Database 1); QA data 

for blanks, replicates, and spikes are entered into the Center 

NWIS QA database (Database 2). Data can be retrieved using 

site identifiers (station number) or sample identifiers (record 

numbers) for any variety of dates or parameters. The data can 

be retrieved from each database separately or can be merged 

to allow data from both databases to be compiled into a single 

output file.

Analytical results from the NWQL are electronically 

transferred to the appropriate Center NWIS database by a 

retrieval program run by the Water-Quality Database Manager 

at least once per week. Hard copies for each water analysis list 

(WATLIST) are forwarded to the Water-Quality Specialist or 

project chief for data review. Anomalous values are identified during initial review and requests for analytical reruns are 

submitted to the NWQL for the specific analyte(s) in question. 

After initial review by the Water-Quality Specialist or project 

chief, the data are stored in site files maintained by the Data 

Management Unit. Copies of the data also may be stored in 

project files. A record of rerun requests and receipt of results 

is maintained in the sample-collection log book (fig. 5). The 

Center NWIS database receives a full backup every working 

day.

Data for samples analyzed by USGS-approved laboratories other than the NWQL also are entered into NWIS, if 

possible (Hubbard, 1992), and identified according to the analyzing laboratory. Entry of data from outside laboratories into 

NWIS is the responsibility of the project chief or designated 

technical personnel. 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-NWQL sources.

Water-Quality Data Management  31
cedures for processing data from water-quality monitors are 

documented in Wagner and others (2006). Additional guidance 

and WRD policy pertaining to electronically recorded data is 

contained in WRD Memorandum 87.085.

10.1.3 Non-National Water Information System 

Databases

Sometimes data collected by project personnel cannot be 

entered into the Center NWIS database because the data are 

proprietary (such as data collected for some military projects) 

or because NWIS cannot accommodate the type or format of 

data that are generated by the project (for example, taxonomic 

data). In these cases, project databases may be established to 

store the data. Project databases that are the sole repository for 

project data need to have a written procedure for data entry, 

storage, backup, and long-term archiving. The project chief 

or designated technical personnel has the responsibility for 

developing and implementing management of project databases. Data that are not stored in the NWIS database are to be 

made publicly available through either publication in reports 

or journals, or through Web page access.

10.2 Data Review

Data review is the process whereby provisional waterquality and associated data are checked for completeness and 

accuracy, using a variety of criteria and technical evaluations. 

After preliminary review, corrective actions (if necessary), and 

final review, the water-quality data for discrete samples and 

daily records from continuous monitors or daily sediment stations are approved by the Water-Quality Specialist or project 

chief and finalized in the Center NWIS database.

10.2.1 Analytical Data

All field notes and field measurements are reviewed for 

completeness and accuracy as soon as possible after returning 

from the field trip by a designated water-quality technician, 

field office supervisor, or project chief. Analytical results from 

the laboratory are reviewed by the Water-Quality Specialist or 

project chief for completeness and accuracy within the context 

of chemical principles, hydrologic conditions, season, comparison to previous results, and comparison to other values at 

nearby sites. Questionable values are noted by the Water-Quality Specialist or project chief for further evaluation. When possible, analytical data are reviewed within 5 days after receipt 

from the laboratory. Prompt review is necessary to allow 

sample reanalysis to be performed before sample holding 

times have been exceeded, which is especially important for 

time-critical analyses such as nutrients or unstable constituents 

(such as organic compounds and pesticides). Every entry of 

analytical data into the NWIS database results in a WATLIST 

report that includes the analytical results and results of general 

validation checks (Gellenbeck, 2005). WATLIST reports 

include various chemical logic checks and comparisons to 

water-quality standards such as:

 Comparison of measured and calculated values for dissolved-solids concentration,

 Comparison of dissolved and total recoverable concentrations,

 Comparison of specific conductance with dissolvedsolids concentration,

 Comparison of constituent concentrations relative to 

Federal drinking-water standards, and

Verification of ionic balance by comparing the sum of 

cations with the sum of anions, in milliequivalent units.

Failure of analytical results to meet chemical logic checks 

within the limits of method precision can form the basis for 

requesting a reanalysis of a particular constituent. Several 

water-quality properties, such as pH, specific conductance, 

and alkalinity, are commonly measured in both the field and 

the laboratory to confirm agreement of independent measurements. If previous samples are available for a site, the current 

analysis is compared with previous data to assess the nature of 

water-quality variations relative to varying streamflow conditions, season, or suspended-sediment concentrations. Unusual 

variations in values, anomalies such as extreme values, 

obvious errors (such as decimal errors), and possible sample 

mix-ups between stations can warrant requests for laboratory 

reanalysis of the sample or verification of sample identity. If 

other sites were sampled closely in time within the same or 

nearby areas, those results also are compared to evaluate if 

similar variations occurred elsewhere. Observations of questionable values requiring further verification or reanalysis are 

noted on the WATLIST report, and a copy of correspondence 

with the laboratory regarding the anomalous value is kept 

in the station folder. If necessary, updates to the provisional 

data stored in the Center NWIS database may be necessary 

if analytical reruns do not support initial results. Acceptance 

or rejection of updates to the database are determined by the 

Water-Quality Specialist or project chief.

After the need for reanalysis has been determined, 

requests to the NWQL for reanalysis typically are sent by 

the Water-Quality Database Manager to the NWQL through 

USGS internal Web links. Reanalysis requests for other laboratories may be made in writing, as stipulated in the laboratory contract. Reanalysis requests are logged and tracked by 

the Water-Quality Database Manager, the original and rerun 

values are listed for comparison, and the action taken upon 

receipt of the rerun results is recorded on a reanalysis tracking 

form (fig. 6).

Updates to sample values stored in the Center NWIS 

database resulting from sample reanalysis by the NWQL 

also must be made to the NWQL database to ensure that both 

repositories of data store the same values. Updates to the Cen-

•

•

•

•

•

32 Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Figure 6. Example of reanalysis tracking form.

Date

requested

Lab ID

number

Station

number Date Time Parameter

number

Parameter

name Old value New value

Update/No

update/

Delete

ter database are made by the Water-Quality Database Manager, 

who also emails the NWQL (GS-W-COden NWQL LabHelp@

USGS.gov) to inform the NWQL of the updated value that 

needs to be updated in the NWQL database. Similarly, if the 

NWQL discovers a systematic bias for a particular constituent 

resulting from ongoing internal QA testing, those adjustments 

to constituent concentrations are applied to the NWQL database. The Centers are alerted to the parameter, period of time 

when sample values were affected, and the magnitude of correction. The updated values are then loaded from the NWQL 

database to the Center NWIS database to ensure conformity 

between databases.

QA data, such as blanks, replicates, standard reference samples, 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. Similarly, analytical 

method performance at the NWQL is documented by quality-control charts derived from analyses of standard reference 

samples to assess potential bias in results for environmental 

samples. The Water-Quality Specialist periodically reviews 

the entire QA database to examine patterns that might indicate 

inaccuracies or systematic bias that may be occurring across 

Center projects or basic data programs. Systematic problems 

that are identified will trigger the collection of additional QA 

samples to attempt to isolate the source of any problem and 

develop a strategy to correct the problem. Corrective actions 

could include replacement of equipment or supplies, modifying procedures to more effectively ensure sample integrity, or 

additional training for staff.

At the end of the water year, all water-quality data for a 

site are compiled and reviewed for a final time to ensure that 

the data are complete and accurate. When all data for a year 

are viewed collectively, subtle anomalies in data patterns may 

become obvious that were not readily apparent earlier in the 

year. If holding times have not expired, additional reruns may 

be requested. Other checks and comparisons may be made to 

confirm the data validity. Decisions to delete values typically 

are made at the end of the water year, when the maximum 

amount of information is available to evaluate anomalous 

values. The deletion of values is avoided unless there is 

compelling evidence that the data are probably or certainly in 

error. If a value is deleted, Data-Quality Indicator (DQI) codes 

are used to describe the reason. After all data for a site have 

been reviewed relative to streamflow variations and seasonality, after all reanalysis results have been received, and after 

any corrective actions have been implemented, the data are 

approved by the Water-Quality Specialist and prepared for 

publication.

10.2.2 Continuous-Monitor Data

Continuous-monitor data are recorded electronically 

and downloaded into the ADAPS subsystem of the NWIS 

database. Tabulations and graphs of raw data are reviewed 

by the field office technical personnel for anomalous values, 

missing record, and accuracy relative to comparisons with 

field measurements, sensor-cleaning effects, and calibration 

checks. Records are initially edited by deleting obviously bad 

values resulting from electronic or physical disruptions. Where 

recorded data fall outside of an excellent accuracy rating 

(Wagner and others, 2006), but are within acceptable limits, 

the data are adjusted by applying data corrections to remove 

instrument drift. After the data are updated, all field inspections and calibrations are compiled into an annual summary 

table. A table of daily values (mean, minimum, maximum) 

is retrieved and a station analysis is written. The daily record 

is then submitted to a designated technician for checking. 

Following the computation and checking of the record by 

field-office staff, the entire records-computation folder of raw 

data and computed daily record is submitted to the WaterQuality Specialist or project chief for final review, revisions to 

the record, and approval. After approval, the data are considered to be final and are prepared for publication.

Water-Quality Data Management  33
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 national NWIS computer database and publicly accessible 

at the USGS Web page at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/. 

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 

can be entered into the NWIS database; however, these data 

must be flagged with the appropriate DQI code, and the source 

agency for sample collection and analysis identified (OWQ 

Technical Memorandum 02.15). Other outside data, such as 

field measurements by a trained observer, may be entered into 

the database at the discretion of the Water-Quality Specialist 

if data-collection methods and quality have been reviewed and 

found acceptable. Electronically stored data that cannot be 

entered into the NWIS database due to incompatible formats 

or other features are stored in project databases.

The Center Information Technology Specialist has 

responsibility for maintaining backups of data stored electronically in NWIS or online. Data stored electronically offline are 

maintained by the project chief or designated technical personnel. In addition to electronically stored data, other project data 

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

other data sheets, are retained in station folders and maintained 

by the project chief or designated technical personnel in the 

project office while the project is active.

10.4 Records Archival

According to WRD policy, all original data that are published or support published scientific analyses shall be placed 

in archives (WRD Memorandum 92.059; Hubbard, 1992). 

Original data—from automated data-collection sites, laboratories, outside sources, and non-automated field observations—

are unmodified data as collected or received and in conventional units (engineering units, generally with a decimal). 

Original data need to be preserved in this form, no matter how 

they may be modified later (Hubbard, 1992). Original data 

on paper include field notes, field measurements, calibration 

notes, ASRs, WATLISTs, continuous water-quality monitor 

records, and graphical analog charts. For projects, these data 

are archived when the project is completed; for monitoringdata programs, the data are archived when they are more than 

5 years old. It is the responsibility of the project chief and 

Data Management Unit personnel to ensure that project and 

data program files entered into the Center archive are organized and complete. The archive for monitoring data is located 

in the Center office in Helena, Mont., and is maintained by the 

Data Management Unit Chief. Data from the Center archives 

may be transferred for permanent storage to the U.S. National 

Archives and Records Administration in Denver, Colo., after 

project data are published and routine access to original data 

and notes is no longer required.

10.5 References for the Water-Quality Data 

Management Section

Table 14 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in 

Section 10.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 of 

the report.

11.0 Publication of Water-Quality Data

Water-quality data are published in either data reports or 

interpretive reports. The selection of the appropriate publication outlet for water-quality data is determined by the project 

chief, Hydrologic Investigations Section Chief, and Reports 

Specialist and is based upon the objectives established in the 

project proposal or data program agreement. A summary of 

USGS and WRD policies pertaining to the publication of 

data and interpretive reports is contained in WRD publications guides (Alt and Iseri, 1986, p. 382-384; U.S. Geological 

Survey, 1995). Other references that can be consulted when 

writing reports include “Suggestions to Authors of Reports 

Table 14. Summary of references for managing water-quality data and records.

[Abbreviations: ADAPS, Automated Data Processing System; NWIS, National Water Information System; 

QWDATA, Quality-of-Water Database; WRD, Water Resources Division]

Reference Subject

Bartholoma, 2005 NWIS ADAPS user’s guide, Open-File Report 05-1160.

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

Gellenbeck, 2005 NWIS QWDATA user’s guide, Open-File Report 05-1081

OWQ Memorandum 02.15 Data-Quality Indicator codes in NWIS.

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

WRD Memorandum 87.085 Policy for collecting and archiving electronically recorded data.

WRD Memorandum 92.059 Policy for the management and retention of hydrologic data.

34  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
of the U.S. Geological Survey” (Hansen, 1991) and the U.S. 

Government Printing Office Style Manual (U.S. Government 

Printing Office, 2000). Bureau (USGS) approval is required 

for all reports and typically is obtained at the Regional level, 

although approval authority is delegated to USGS Water Science Centers for selected USGS report products.

11.1 Data Reports

The term “data” refers to uninterpreted observations or 

quantitative measurements resulting from field determinations or laboratory analyses of water, sediment, or biological samples. Non-proprietary water-quality data collected 

during the water year are published in the WRD annual 

data report, “Water Resources Data, Montana, Water Year 

XXXX,” or in individual project data reports. Data reports 

make final, approved water-quality data available to users, 

but do not include interpretations or conclusions. Peer review 

and approval of data reports is in accordance with applicable 

USGS policy (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). In the USGS 

Montana Water Science Center, data reports must be reviewed 

by at least two technical peer reviewers, one of whom can be 

from the Center. The report is subsequently reviewed by the 

appropriate discipline specialists, including the Water-Quality 

Specialist and the Hydrologic Investigations Section Chief. 

After all review comments have been addressed, the Center 

Director then provides a final review and Bureau approval 

(U.S. Geological Survey, 2006); the report is then prepared for 

publication.

11.2 Interpretive Reports

Interpretive reports are publications that describe the 

analysis of data and interpretations of environmental conditions or processes. Interpretive reports require two peer 

reviews and Bureau (USGS) approval (U.S. Geological 

Survey, 2006). Release of preliminary interpretations prior to 

peer review and Bureau approval is prohibited to avoid disseminating incomplete and/or incorrect conclusions, which 

are subject to change as a result of subsequent technical and 

policy reviews. The complexity of interpretive reports can vary 

greatly, depending on the study objectives and quantity and 

quality of available data on which conclusions are based. The 

effort to prepare an interpretive report can be extensive, and 

must be well-planned and budgeted in the project workplan. 

Examples of types of interpretive reports include USGS Circulars, Professional Papers, Fact Sheets, Scientific Investigations 

Reports, Scientific Map Reports, and Open-File Reports, as 

well as non-USGS outlets, such as scientific journals, books, 

and proceedings of technical conferences. The WaterQuality Specialist, project chief, Reports Specialist, Hydrologic Investigations Section Chief, and discipline specialists 

provide guidance and technical reviews to ensure that the 

conclusions are supported by the data and that the report 

meets the highest technical standards.

 Approval of interpretive reports is in accordance with 

applicable Bureau, WRD, Region, and Center policy and 

is more technically rigorous than the approval process for 

non-interpretive data reports. Technical peer review must be 

provided by at least two reviewers, one of which must be from 

outside the Center. Reviewers are selected that have the appropriate technical expertise to evaluate the study design, methods 

of data collection, quality of data, and correctness of data 

analysis and interpretations. Following peer review, the report 

is then reviewed by appropriate Center discipline specialists 

and the Hydrologic Investigations Section Chief. The Center 

Director conducts a final Center review of the report, and 

approves it for routing to the Regional Office in Denver, Colo., 

for Bureau approval. After all reviewer comments have been 

addressed and revisions have been incorporated, the report is 

prepared for publication.

11.3 Other Data Outlets

Data and information typically are released through 

publications; however, publication is not limited to paper 

media. Electronic outlets include the NWIS Web page (http://

waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/), other USGS Web pages as appropriate, and various computer storage media.

Provisional data can be released to the public after 

preliminary review for accuracy by appropriate WRD personnel (WRD Memorandum 90.030). Constituent concentrations 

that exceed USEPA drinking water maximum contaminant 

levels (MCLs), as specified in the National Primary Drinking 

Water Regulations, are automatically flagged by the NWQL 

on a laboratory alert report. If the water body from which the 

samples were collected is a potential drinking water source, 

the results are promptly reported by the project chief or designated technical personnel to appropriate agencies that have a 

need to know (WRD Memorandum 90.038).

11.4 References for the Publication of WaterQuality Data Section

Table 15 lists reports and/or memoranda referred to in 

Section 11.0. For a complete citation, refer to Section 13.0 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.

Water-Quality Training and Reviews  35
12.1 Training

Employee training is an integral part of water-quality 

activities that allows current employees to maintain and 

enhance their technical knowledge and new employees to 

gain the specific skills needed to adequately perform their job. 

Personnel who are involved in water-quality sampling attend 

formal USGS training courses to obtain intensive instruction on procedures, equipment, data recording, and basic 

water-quality concepts. A thorough 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 

evaluation process. The Center Training Officer is responsible 

for informing staff about the availability of training opportunities. The Water-Quality Specialist provides recommendations 

and advice to supervisors and their staff as needed. The Center 

Director has authority and responsibility for approving attendance at training courses, which is subject to the availability 

of funds. In addition, staff are responsible for successfully 

completing required elements of the training provided.

Primary sources of water-quality training are formal 

USGS courses, typically taught at the National Training 

Center at the Denver Federal Center; Regional training; cyberseminars; and Center seminars or in-house training courses. 

The Water-Quality Specialist plays an important role in providing training by either conducting or coordinating training 

sessions, with assistance from technical personnel or discipline 

specialists. Much of the expertise in water-quality sampling 

that is achieved over time comes through routinely participating in field trips with experienced personnel and acquiring 

the skills to independently collect and process samples. This 

continual acquisition of skills is similar to an apprenticeship 

and requires a period of time ranging from months to years 

to become fully proficient in all aspects of sample collection, 

processing, and records computation. Training documents 

are maintained in personnel files administered by the Center 

Training Officer and by the USGS Central Region Human 

Resources Office in Denver, Colo.

12.2 Reviews

Informal and formal reviews of water-quality datacollection activities are conducted throughout the duration 

of both basic-data programs and projects. Field reviews are 

conducted by the Water-Quality Specialist, Water-Quality 

Lead Technician, or project chief to evaluate sample collection and processing techniques, compliance with WRD, OWQ, 

and Center policies, the condition of sampling equipment and 

water-quality vehicles, safety conditions in both the field and 

service-unit laboratories, and any other activities or situations 

related to data quality. If deficiencies are noted, the reviewer, 

in consultation with the Water-Quality Specialist or Center 

management, is responsible for identifying corrective actions. 

The immediate supervisor is responsible for ensuring that 

any necessary corrective actions are implemented and completed in a timely manner. All personnel collecting waterquality samples participate in the annual NFQA program to 

test proficiency in making field water-quality measurements. 

A formal technical review of field methods, for at least one 

or more Center projects, is conducted once every 3 years by 

the OWQ and Regional discipline specialists. Reviews are 

completed in a timely manner, and comments are documented 

by the reviewer in a memorandum or email correspondence 

to create a record of the quality of performance, actions taken 

to address identified deficiencies, and remaining issues that 

require additional assessment or corrective action.

13.0 Bibliography

This section presents the publications and publicly accessible memoranda (internal documents) cited in the report. 

U.S. Geological Survey memoranda can be accessed at the 

Web page http://water.usgs.gov/public/admin/memo/

13.1 References

Alt, D.F., and Iseri, K.T., eds., 1986, Water Resources Division publications guide, v. 1, Publications policy and text 

preparation: U.S. Geological Survey, 429 p.

Table 15. Summary of references for publishing data.

[Abbreviations: USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; WRD, Water Resources Division]

Reference Subject

Hansen, 1991 Suggestions to authors of USGS reports.

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

U.S. Geological Survey, 2006 Authority to approve information products.

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

WRD Memorandum 90.030 Policy for release of digital data.

WRD Memorandum 90.038 Policy for reporting maximum contaminant level exceedances.

36  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Bartholoma, S.D., comp., 2005, User’s manual for the 

National Water Information System of the U.S. Geological 

Survey—Automated Data Processing System (ADAPS), 

Version 4.4: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

2005-1160 [variously paged].

Brunett, J.O., Barber, N.L., Burns, A.W., Fogelman, R.P., 

Gillies, D.C., Lidwin, R.A., and Mack, T.J., 1997, 

A quality-assurance plan for district ground-water activities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 97-11, 21 p.

Crawford, J.K., and Luoma, S.N., 1993, Guidelines for studies 

of contaminants in biological tissues for the National WaterQuality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 92-494, 69 p.

Davis, B.E., and Federal Interagency Sedimentation Project, 

2005, A guide to the proper selection and use of federally 

approved sediment and water-quality samplers: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1087, 26 p.

Dodge, K.A., and Lambing, J.H., 2006, Quality-assurance plan 

for the analysis of suspended sediment by the U.S. Geological Survey in Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 2006-1242, 25 p., available online at http://pubs.

usgs.gov/of/2006/1242/

Dossett, S.R., and Bowersox, V.C., 1999, National trends 

network site operation manual: Champaign, Ill., National 

Atmospheric Deposition Program Office at the Illinois State 

Water Survey, NADP Manual 1999-01 [variously paged].

Edwards, T.K., and Glysson, G.D., 1999, Field methods for 

measurement of fluvial sediment: U.S. Geological Survey 

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, 

chap. C2, 89 p.

Gellenbeck, D.J., comp., 2005, User’s manual for the National 

Water Information System of the U.S. Geological Survey—

Water Quality System, Version 4.3: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 2005-1081 [variously paged].

Guy, H.P., 1969, Laboratory theory and methods for sediment 

analysis: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 5, chap. C1, 58 p.

Hansen, W.R., ed., 1991, Suggestions to authors of the reports 

of the United States Geological Survey (7th ed.): Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 289 p.

Horowitz, A.J., Demas, C.R., Fitzgerald, K.K., Miller, T.L, 

and Rickert, D.A., 1994, U.S. Geological Survey protocol 

for the collection and processing of surface-water samples 

for the subsequent determination of inorganic constituents 

in filtered water: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

94-539, 57 p.

Hubbard, E.F., 1992, Policy recommendations for management and retention of hydrologic data of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

92-56, 32 p.

Knapton, J.R., and Nimick, D.A., 1991, Quality assurance for 

water-quality activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in 

Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 91-216, 

41 p.

Knott, J.M., Glysson, G.D., Malo, B.A., and Schroder, L.J., 

1993, Quality assurance plan for the collection and processing of sediment data by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water 

Resources Division: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 92-499, 18 p.

Koterba, M.T., Wilde, F.D., and Lapham, W.W., 1995, 

Ground-water data-collection protocols and procedures for 

the National Water-Quality Assessment Program—Collection and documentation of water-quality samples and related 

data: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-399, 

113 p.

Maloney, T.J., ed., 2005, Quality management system, U.S. 

Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1263, 

version 1.3, November 9, 2005, chapters and appendixes 

[variously paged].

Matthes, W.J., Sholar, C.J, and George, J.R., 1992, Qualityassurance plan for the analysis of fluvial sediment by 

laboratories of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 91-467, 31 p.

Meador, M.R., Hupp, C.R., Cuffney, T.F., and Gurtz, M.E., 

1993, Methods for characterizing stream habitat as part of 

the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-408, 48 p.

Moreland, J.A., 1995, Quality-assurance plan for waterresources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in 

Montana—1995, Revised: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 91-194, 23 p.

Moulton, S.R., Kennen, J.G., Goldstein, R.M., and Hambrook, 

J.A., 2002, Revised protocols for sampling algal, invertebrate, and fish communities as part of the National WaterQuality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 02-150, 75 p.

Mueller, D.K., Martin, J.D., and Lopes, T.J., 1997, Qualitycontrol design for surface-water sampling in the National 

Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-223, 17 p.

Bibliography  37
Peden, M.E., and others, 1986, Development of standard 

methods for the collection and analysis of precipitation: 

Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

[variously paged].

Pritt, J.W., and Raese, J.W., eds., 1995, Quality assurance/

quality control manual—National Water-Quality Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-443, 

35 p.

Schertz, T.L., Childress, C.J., Kelly, V.J., Boucher, M.S., and 

Pederson, G.L., 2002, A workbook for preparing a district 

quality-assurance plan for water-quality activities: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-98, 75 p.

Schroder, L.J., and Shampine, W.J., 1992, Guidelines for 

preparing a quality-assurance plan for the District offices of 

the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 92-136, 14 p.

Schroder, L.J., and Shampine, W.J., 1995, Guidelines for 

preparing a quality-assurance plan for District water-quality 

activities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 95-108, 12 p.

Shampine, W.J., Pope, L.M., and Koterba, M.T., 1992, 

Integrating quality assurance in project work plans of the 

U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 92-162, 12 p.

Shelton, L.R., 1994, Field guide for collecting and processing stream-water samples for the National Water-Quality 

Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 94-455, 42 p.

Shelton, L.R., and Capel, P.D., 1994, Guidelines for collecting 

and processing samples of streambed sediment for analysis 

of trace elements and organic contaminants for the National 

Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 94-458, 20 p.

Stanley, D.L., Shampine, W.J., and Schroder, L.J., 1992, 

Summary of the U.S. Geological Survey National Field 

Quality-Assurance Program from 1979 through 1989: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 92-163, 14 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1995, Guidelines for writing 

hydrologic reports: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 

FS-217-95, 4 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2006, Authority to approve information products: U.S. Geological Survey Manual, 

chap. 205.18, available online at http://www.usgs.gov/usgsmanual/200/205-18.html/

U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, National field manual 

for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological 

Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.

usgs.gov/twri9A/

U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000, Style manual: Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 326 p.

Wagner, R.J., Boulger, R.W., Oblinger, C.J., and Smith, B.A., 

2006, Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous 

water-quality monitors—Station operation, record computation, and data reporting: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques 

and Methods 1-D3, 51 p., plus eight attachments, accessed 

April 10, 2006 at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/tm1d3/

Ward, J.R., and Harr, C.A., 1990, Methods for collection and 

processing of surface-water and bed-material samples for 

physical and chemical analyses: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 90-140, 71 p.

White, M.K., Shields, R.R., and Dodge, K.A., 1998, Surfacewater quality assurance plan for the Montana District of the 

U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 98-173, 54 p.

Willoughby, T.C., 1995, Quality of wet deposition in the 

Grand Calumet River watershed, northwestern Indiana, 

June 30, 1992–August 31, 1993: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4172, 55 p.

13.2 Publicly Accessible Internal Documents

The following USGS memoranda are accessible electronically at the following Web page http://water.usgs.gov/admin/

memo/

Branch of Operations Technical Memorandum 91.01, February 5, 1991, Safety—Chemical-hygiene plan.

Central Region Memorandum 2004.1, revised July 26, 2004, 

Policy—Updated procedures for project proposal preparation and submission process—Water Resources Discipline, 

Central Region.

National Water Quality Laboratory Memorandum 92.01, 

March 25, 1992, Availability of equipment blank water for 

inorganic and organic analysis.

National Water Quality Laboratory Technical Memorandum 02.04, September 23, 2002, Requirements for the 

proper shipping of samples to the National Water-Quality 

Laboratory.

38  Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center
Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum 93.01, 

October 8, 1992, Summary of documentation that describes 

instrumentation and field methods for collecting sediment 

data 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 92.11, 

July 16, 1992, Return of spent mercury and dichromate 

ampoules to the National Water Quality Laboratory.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 97.06, 

May 5, 1997 (corrected May 14, 1997), Comparison of the 

suspended-sediment splitting capabilities of the churn and 

cone splitters.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 98.03 

(revised), April 16, 1998, Policy for the evaluation and 

approval of production analytical laboratories.

Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 02.15, 

July 12, 2002, Use of the new data-quality-indicator (DQI) 

field in NWIS 4_1.

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.

Office of Water Quality Water-Quality Information 

Note 2004.13, July 15, 2004, Field Methods—Working in 

contaminated waters and submission of samples.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 87.085, September 18, 1987, Programs and Plans—Policy for the collection 

and archiving of electronically recorded data.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 90.030 (revised), 

March 5, 1990, Programs and Plans—Policy for release of 

digital data.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 90.038, April 23, 

1990, Policy for reporting maximum contaminant level 

exceedances.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.036, April 16, 

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

laboratories by national water-quality programs.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 92.059, October 20, 

1992, Policy for management and retention of hydrologic 

data of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 95.35, May 15, 

1995, Programs and Plans—Transmittal of an instrumentation plan for the Water Resources Division and the Water 

Resources Division hydrologic field instrumentation and 

equipment policy and guidelines.

Water Resources Division Memorandum 97.002, November 15, 1996, Modification to the reports processing system.

Bibliography  39
For additional information contact:

Director, Montana Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

3162 Bozeman Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

Telephone: 1-406-457-5900

World Wide Web: http://mt.water.usgs.gov/
Lambing—Quality-Assurance Plan for Water-Quality Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey Montana Water Science Center—Open-File Report 2006–1275

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