The Science Behind Ground-Water Sampling

Topic: The Science Behind Ground-Water Sampling

Have you ever wondered if there is a better method than you are currently using for collecting more representative water-level data and ground-water samples from your wells?  Ever thought about all of the various sources of bias and error in water-level measurement and sample collection procedures and wondered how each could affect the data in your sampling program?  This series of 2 modules provides an in-depth discussion of how water-level measurement and ground-water sampling protocols have evolved over the years and how, through decades of research, modern sampling methods (when implemented properly) can yield vastly improved field data and more representative ground-water samples.  Learn how to anticipate and avoid the many potential sources of bias and error that may occur in water-level measurement and ground-water sampling programs, and what factors can affect the representative nature of the samples you collect.  Field videos are included within the first module to explain how to collect ground-water level measurements using several different methods.   While you may opt to take just one of these modules, it is strongly recommended that you take both modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module GWM-18 (Total Length 80 minutes) Price: $159.00 Log in to Your E-School Account to Register

The Science Behind Ground-Water Sampling (Part 1): Objectives of Ground-Water Sampling; The Importance of High-Quality Data; Uses of Water-Level Data; Water-Level Measurement Methods and Procedures; Recognizing and Avoiding Sources of Bias and Error in Water-Level Measurement

  • Objectives and Purposes of Ground-Water Sampling
    • Collection of Representative Water-Level Data
    • Collection of Representative Water Chemistry Data
  • The Importance of High-Quality Data in Ground-Water Sampling
    • Accuracy, Precision and Bias
  • Ground-Water Level Data
    • Uses of Water-Level Data
    • General Methods for Water-Level Measurement
    • Water-Level Measurement Methods
    • Sources of Bias and Error in Water-Level Measurement

Total CEUs for Module GWM-18: 1.3 CEUs


Module GWM–19 (Total Length: 70 minutes) Price: $159.00 Log in to Your E-School Account to Register

The Science Behind Ground-Water Sampling (Part 2): Sources of Bias and Error in Ground-Water Sampling; Conditions Under Which Ground Water Occurs; Factors Affecting the Representative Nature of Ground-Water Samples

  • Sources of Bias and Error in Ground-Water Sampling
    • Purging Practices, Field Parameter Measurement, Ground-Water Sample Collection
  • Definition of a “Representative” Sample
  • Conditions Under Which Ground Water Typically Occurs
  • Factors Affecting the Representative Nature of Ground-Water Samples
    • Sampling Point Placement, Design, Installation and Development
    • Formation and Well Hydraulics Between and During Sampling Events
    • Chemistry of the Water Column Above and Within the Well Screen
    • Well Purging and Sampling and Associated Issues

Total CEUs for Module GWM-19: 1.2 CE