Focus On Water Division
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
Standard Operating Procedure

Drinking Water & Groundwater Division
Water Quality Assessment Section - GW

Standard Operating Procedure Number: GW-030
Title: Groundwater Sampling Equipment and Supplies
Written Date: July 10, 2024
Approved Date:


Purpose: To provide a standard listing of groundwater sampling equipment and supplies, and to describe proper maintenance activities.

Equipment/Materials Needed:

See Appendix A: Groundwater Sampling Equipment/Materials list.

Procedures:

1. Obtaining equipment
1.1. Equipment and supplies as listed will be maintained either on hand within the Groundwater Section or obtained through the DHHS lab or other supplier.
1.2. To access equipment on hand, go to the NDEE Bio Lab located at 245 Fallbrook Blvd.
1.3. If you are utilizing any equipment for an extended period of time or if it is not for a normally scheduled monitoring action (e.g. GWMA study, etc.), inform the Section Supervisor and other Section members of your equipment use, so there is some general knowledge of who is in possession of what equipment.
1.4. In some cases, equipment not on hand within the Section is available from other Sections. Before purchasing equipment, consult with other appropriate Sections or Divisions (e.g. Petroleum Remediation Section, Land Monitoring Section, etc.) to see if they have appropriate equipment for loan.
1.5. If necessary equipment is not on hand within the agency, consult with Section Supervisors regarding purchase or rental.

2. Obtaining supplies
2.1. For ordinary groundwater sampling supplies (e.g. bottles, preservatives, deionized water, etc.), contact the DHHS lab or outside supplier far enough in advance to ensure adequate time for delivery.
2.2. For specialized sampling supplies (e.g. refills for field test kits, etc.), coordinate with Section Supervisor and specific project manager to order/purchase the necessary items.

3. Instrument/equipment maintenance
3.1. pH meter--separate probe
3.1.1. Calibrate instrument regularly as per GW-070.
3.1.2. When not in use, store probe with tip immersed in deionized water or 7.0 pH buffer solution.
3.1.3. For long periods of storage (greater than a few days/weeks), remove batteries and disconnect probe lead.
3.2. pH meter--wand type
3.2.1. Calibrate instrument regularly as per GW-070.
3.2.2. When not in use, store meter with probe cap firmly in place.
3.2.3. For long periods of storage (greater than a few days/weeks), remove batteries.
3.3. Conductivity meter--separate probe
3.3.1. Calibrate instrument regularly as per GW-070.
3.3.2. For long periods of storage (greater than a few days/weeks), remove batteries and disconnect probe.
3.4. Conductivity meter--wand type
3.4.1. Calibrate instrument regularly as per GW-070.
3.4.2. When not in use, store meter with probe cap firmly in place.
3.4.3. For long periods of storage (greater than a few days/weeks), remove batteries.
3.5. Global Positioning System (GPS) unit
3.5.1. Due to the value of these units, they will not be kept in the storage area. The GPS units will be retained by individual project personnel. Check with the Section Supervisor and/or GWMA staff to locate the units.
3.6. Nitrate field test kit (Hach kit)
3.6.1. Periodically ensure that test tubes are not cracked or chipped; if so, replace them.
3.6.2. Periodically check expiration date on reagent packets; if out of date, replace them.
3.6.3. For long periods of storage, store kit in dark, dry, cool place.
3.7. Triazine field test kit
3.7.1. Periodically check expiration date on kit. If they are out of date but have been stored in refrigerator, they are still usable. Schedule the oldest kits for first field use.
3.7.2. For opened kits, periodically check test tube pouch to ensure that it is sealed.
3.7.3. For long periods of storage, store kit in refrigerator. Clearly mark each kit as belonging to the Groundwater Section.
3.7.3.1. Conversation with the manufacturer indicates that the triazine test kits have an indefinite shelf life if they are kept refrigerated. Use your best judgement as to whether out-of-date test kits should be used on your project.
3.7.3.2. Test kits may be stored in a refrigerator in the Bio Lab.
3.8. Miscellaneous equipment/materials
3.8.1. Store miscellaneous equipment and materials in the Section’s storage area at NDEE. Ensure that all equipment is clean and in working order, and that materials are properly secured with regard to light, moisture, temperature, etc.

APPENDIX A. Equipment/materials checklist for groundwater sampling

INSTRUMENTS


_____ Thermometers, alcohol filled (2 min.)
_____ pH meter (wand or probe)
_____ Spare battery--9 volt alkaline or appropriate
_____ Calibration standards
_____ Conductivity meter
_____ Spare batteries--(2) “D” cells, alkaline or appropriate
_____ Calibration standard(s)
_____ GPS unit
_____ Spare batteries
_____ Nitrate test kit (Hach)
_____ Reagent pillows
_____ Spare test tubes
_____ Spare color wheel
_____ Triazine test kit
_____ Disposable pipettes

EQUIPMENT
_____ Coolers (4 or more)
_____ Squirt bottle
_____ Wide-mouth glass jar, 500 ml min., w/ lid (conductivity)
_____ Wide-mouth glass jar, 1 l min., w/ lid (ampule waste; from lab)
_____ Filtering equipment
_____ Flask
_____ Filter holder/funnel
_____ Vacuum pump w/ tubing
_____ Filter tongs
_____ Clipboard
_____ Tools
_____ Phillips screwdriver
_____ Standard screwdriver
_____ Pliers
_____ Shovel
_____ Buckets, 5-gallon (2)
_____ Rubber boots
_____ Garden hose
_____ Deionized water container(s), 3-5 gallons each
_____ Scissors
_____ Bungee cords
_____ Peristaltic pump
_____ Tubing
_____ Submersible pump