Methods for collection and analysis of water samples

Abstract

The Geological Survey has the responsibility for measuring and evaluating water moving through that portion of the hydrologic cycle between the time the water from the atmosphere reaches the earth's surface and the time it is returned to the atmosphere or enters the ocean.During this part of the cycle, water may appear in many environments and under different conditions, and a full understanding of the problems of hydrology requires the application of various specialized scientific techniques.The Quality of Water Branch of the Water Kesources Division determines and appraises the chemical and physical characteristics of the Nation's water resources.These activities include (1) systematic collection, compilation, and evaluation of basic data relating to the chemical and physical quality of surface and ground waters as required for the.development and utilization of industrial, municipal, and agricultural water supplies;(2) research and development studies to improve investigational techniques; (3) fundamental studies of the occurrence and significance of dissolved and suspended substances; and (4) preparation of results of water-quality research and investigations for publication.This manual covers only the data-collection segment of the work between and including the selection of the sampling site and the completion of the laboratory determination of water characteristics attributable to the presence of dissolved material.Other phases of chemical-quality investigations are discussed by J. D. Hem, 1959, in "Study and Interpretation of the Chemical Characteristics of Natural Water," U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1473.