Water Sampling Methods

Abstract

In order to determine influent and effluent contaminant loads or concentrations and treatment practice performance, assessment efforts often include stormwater runoff sampling. Depending on the water quality parameter of interest, sampling can be done in situ, by grab samples, or by automatic sampling devices. Samples can also be collected on a time-weighted basis (equal time between samples) or on a flow-weighted basis (equal volume of flow passing the sampling site between samples). This chapter discusses available sampling methods and when and how to implement a particular method, and discusses the number of sampled events required to achieve a desired confidence interval. Also included is a discussion of sample storage and handling is also included.