Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

EXPERIMENT 1
OBJECT: Demonstration of Methods (Standard Operating Procedures) for Collection of Water
Samples.

APPARATUS: Water sampler, Disposable gloves, Large sampling container, Lab sheets, Cooler
with ice, Permanent marker and Miscellaneous supplies.

THEORY_______________________________________________________________________

It is an absolute necessity that one attempts to collect samples that are representative of the
matrix under investigation. When collecting samples, one must follow predetermined sampling
protocols (procedures and methods) which have been chosen (bearing in mind the sampling
(collection) site, the number of samples to be collected, and the timing of the sampling) to meet the
purpose of the survey, and which are appropriate to the media being investigated.

Water quality

1. Selection of sites and frequency of sampling

Samples should be taken from locations which are representative of the water source,
treatment plant, storage facilities, distribution network and household connections. Where there are
several sources and a mixed distribution system. where there are main branches and a remote
periphery (as shown) greater attention should be devoted to the main branches and remote points in
the distribution network.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

2. Sampling point

For rivers, the primary sampling point is in the surface water layer (0-5 cm from the surface)
at the centre of the main flow. However, the top 1-2 cm of this surface layer should be avoided so as
not to collect floating dust, oil, etc.
For lakes and the ocean, the sampling point will be selected after taking into consideration
such factors as geography, whether there are freshwater, depth, tides, currents etc. For underground
water, the sampling site or sites will be selected after taking factors Such as water flow and
geological structure.

3. Sampling timing

Time the sampling trip such that it is possible to collect a representative water sample from
the designated sampling point. Take into account factors such as the weather, tides, currents,
geography etc.

4. Sampling tools

The type of water sampling tool required will depend on the sampling site and the type of
sample to be taken. Sampling can be achieved using buckets, open water grab samplers or vertical
and horizontal messenger activated samplers. The type of material such tools should be made of will
depend on the purpose (target analytes) of the study, but relatively inert materials such as stainless
steel, synthetic resin such as polypropylene, (PTFE), or glass are all acceptable.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

5. Cleanliness

Sampling tools and containers should be contamination free. The method and extent of
cleaning will be determined by ones target analyte and predetermined instrumental detection limits.
However, wherever possible use tools and containers which have been cleaned thoroughly.

6. Transport and storage of samples

Procedures for handling the sample during transport will depend on the nature of the sample
matrix and the target analytes. However, ideally all samples should be cooled in ice soon after
collection, and then transported to the laboratory packed in ice.

SAMPLING PROCEDURES________________________________________________

1. Sampling from a tap e.g. tubewell or handpum

Remove all external fittings from the tap, e.g. anti-splash device, hose or nozzle. Check that
there is no leakage from seals or fittings around the tap which might contaminate the sample.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

Using a clean cloth, carefully clean the outlet of the tap, removing any loosely attached
material or grease. Turn the tap on full and allow water to run to waste for one minute. This flushes
the outlet of the tap and discharges water which has stood for a period in the service pipe. Sterilise
the tap using the flame of a blowlamp or gas torch until the whole tap is unbearably hot to the touch.
This may take 20 to 30 seconds. Be careful not to flame seals and other non-metallic fittings directly.
Alternatively ignite a piece of cotton wool or other absorbent material soaked in methylated spirit
and hold it with a pair of tongs close to the outlet of the tap. Alternatively, place a strong bleach
solution in a cup and hold it around the outlet of the tap for two minutes.

Allow the tap to flush by opening the tap to half speed and run to waste for 30 seconds. While
the tap is running, place the clean vacuum flask in the gentle flow of water and rinse three times. The
flushing procedure prior to sampling should never be omitted.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

For non-chlorinated supplies run the tap to waste at half speed for 30 seconds, and place the
sterile sample cup in the gentle flow of water until it is full and carry out bacteriological analysis.

2. Sampling from a lake, reservoir or other surface water

Where there is good access to the surface water, it may be possible to sample by hand. In most
circumstances it is inconvenient and undesirable to enter the water. Find a suitable place to lean over
the water course and take the sample. Hold the sample cup firmly and
plunge the open neck downwards into the water to a depth of 30 cm (approx).

It is desirable to obtain the surface water sample as near as possible to the main body of
water, e.g. in the main flow of a stream, not too close to the edge where water may be still
unrepresentative. Furthermore, care must be taken not to introduce floating matter or material from
the edge of the water course into the water sample. For this reason it may help to attach the sampling
wire to the cup and take the sample from a bridge or other overhanging point.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

3. Sampling from an open well or storage tank

Attach the sampling wire to the hole in the sample cup by means of the clip on the lower end
of the wire. If necessary another length of wire or string may be attached to the first in order to
increase the distance the sample cup may be lowered into the well or tank. Take great care not to lose
the sample cup when sampling in this way.

Lower the sterile sample cup into the tank or well taking care not to allow it to come into
contact with the walls of the structure. Allow the cup to submerge into the water to a depth of 30 cm
(approx).Raise the sample cup, again taking care not to allow it to come into contact with the sides of
the well or tank.
 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

QUESTIONS

1. What you have learned from this practical?

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2. Why sampling techniques are important?

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 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

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3. What are different test should be done for the quality of drinking
water?

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 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

Public Health Laboratory

4. Why we maintain the temperature of water sample for different

test of water quality?

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